“They’ve been with us through thin and thin” – Mark Robins (Stoke City Manager)
I was lucky enough to step behind the stands, all the way into the press box for the Preston North End V. Stoke City match at Deepdale, and what an experience it was.
It began in the press room before kick-off, getting to know the local journalists, all gathered around large tables with laptops and complimentary lasagne. From there, we made our way to the very top of the Tom Finney Stand, where the press are based, and where I had an excellent view across the ground.
Within minutes of the start, Stoke took the lead through Sorba Thomas. North End, however, responded with a strong 3–1 finish, with two goals from Alfie Devine. It was a brilliant atmosphere to be part of, especially as PNE broke a run of seven matches without a win.
That said, the Stoke fans were no less determined. The away end felt just as present as the home support. They were loud, persistent, and unwavering, and that stood out more than anything else. Stoke are not alone in that loyalty. Every club seems to carry its own enduring group of supporters who travel hours each week to watch their team win, lose, or draw.
After the match, I joined the press conference, where PNE manager Paul Heckingbottom and Aston Villa loanee Lewis Dobbins appeared alongside Stoke manager Mark Robins. They were questioned on the remainder of the season, international call-ups, and team dynamics.
At times, there was clear tension, particularly surrounding the circumstances of Bosun Lawal’s call-up to the Republic of Ireland World Cup squad. Robins grew visibly agitated, and the exchange quickly became heated before he made a swift exit. Most importantly, though, Robins admitted that Stoke had played poorly and that the hardest part was what it showed the supporters. He acknowledged that the team were not performing as they wanted to, and yet the fans remained with them “through thin and thin”.
That, more than anything, felt significant. Football is not simply about success. As a newer fan, it seems to be about staying through those “thin” times, in the hope of seeing your team change, grow, and succeed. But even that hope is not essential. Sometimes, it is simply about staying.