Dean Whitehead’s return to Stoke City was an initial surprise even to the man who was going to appoint him.

New Stoke City head coach Narcis Pelach blamed fatigue - and the referee - for suffering a 3-1 defeat to Hull City on Friday night. The Spaniard took charge of his first game as Potters boss after replacing Steven Schumacher on Wednesday and got off to a flying start when Ben Wilmot powered in a header after half an hour.

Stoke City supporters were haunted by familiar complaints as Stoke City let an encouraging start be overtaken by an infuriating collapse against Hull. Here are the talking points from the bet 365 Stadium and Narcis Pelach’s first game as Stoke head coach.

After losing 3-1 to Hull, head coach Narcis Pelach talks about improvements needed.

Follow live coverage as Stoke City face Hull City in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

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Everyone associated with Hull City felt a huge sense of relief on Friday night, as a first victory of the 2024/25 campaign was recorded at the sixth time of asking, defeating Stoke City 3-1 at the bet365 Stadium.

Follow live coverage as Stoke City face Hull City in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Narcis Pelach will not be the only new face in the home dug out as Stoke City take on Hull in the Championship