Stoke City: Evolution?

by Adam Bate

It was no surprise to hear Jon Champion use the term "Neanderthal" to describe the Stoke City experience on ESPN at the weekend. After all, this is a club that seems pre-occupied with the notion of evolution.

This time last year, the man often seen as the personification of Stoke's direct approach launched� not a throw-in but a� defence of his club's style.