News from Clayton Wood as Stoke City prepare for the Championship trip to Preston North End
Stoke City’s Pre-Match Briefings Move Back to Training Ground Amid Major Upgrade Plans
After approximately a decade of holding pre-match briefings at the stadium, Stoke City has relocated them to the Clayton Wood training ground this season, emphasizing Alex Neil’s desire for the press to gauge the squad’s atmosphere. Under Steven Schumacher’s management, the old media room at Clayton Wood has been temporarily converted into a briefing room for this purpose.
This development coincides with significant announcements from the club regarding plans for Clayton Wood. These include proposals to relocate the away end at the bet365 Stadium to introduce safe standing, as well as the creation of a new £1.5 million fan zone behind the Boothen End. Additionally, there will be an investment of £10-£12 million in the training base, featuring a new two-storey facility for the first team while the academy and women’s team will share the current building, which will undergo additional renovations. The planning application submitted to Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council emphasizes that the primary focus of these upgrades is to support the club’s Category One academy.
Stoke City’s Expansion Plans Address Growing Staff Needs and Long-Term Ambitions
The evolution of football and youth setups in recent years has led to a significant increase in the number of full-time staff since Clayton Wood was designed in 2009. Minimum requirements for facilities like classrooms, parents’ rooms, a large meeting room, and gymnasiums have become essential. Stoke City, adhering to the Premier League Elite Player Performance Plan, requires 12 changing rooms, but currently, only eight are available.
Architects note the club’s efforts to reconfigure existing spaces, including building over double-height areas, to accommodate additional needs. However, there are no further opportunities for expansion using these methods.
The new two-story facility, proposed to the left of the pitch behind the current building, will feature offices for the manager, technical director, and recruitment staff, along with amenities such as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy and cryotherapy areas, sauna, and a new press room.
These infrastructure developments align with the club’s long-term ambitions, funded by the Coates family, with a focus on achieving Premier League status. This investment is not subject to the EFL’s financial fair play rules, allowing for a comprehensive five-year plan.
Meanwhile, Steven Schumacher remains focused on the present challenges, with Stoke City navigating a tight relegation battle. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures against challenging opponents, Schumacher emphasizes the importance of taking each game as it comes, recognizing the unpredictability of the Championship and the need to maintain momentum.
