The 2018–19 season was Stoke City's 102nd season in the Football League, the 42nd in the second tier and fifth in the Championship.
Following last season's relegation from the Premier League, Stoke replaced Paul Lambert with Gary Rowett who was tasked with mounting a promotion challenge. Inevitably there were a large number of departures and new arrivals during the summer, Stoke spending over £30 million on Benik Afobe, Sam Clucas, Peter Etebo, Tom Ince and James McClean. However Stoke made a bad start to the campaign losing against Leeds United, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion. Stoke struggled to close the gap on the play-off positions despite going on a ten-game unbeaten run of which six were draws and ended 2018 in mid-table. Rowett was sacked at the beginning of January 2019 and was replaced by Luton Town's Nathan Jones.
Despite an early victory over Leeds United it soon became apparent that a squad re-build would be required so Jones experimented with his squad for the remainder of the campaign with Stoke eventually finishing in 16th position after drawing a record 22 times (of which nine were 0–0).
Pre-season
Stoke were relegated from the Premier League after a 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace on 5 May 2018. Following relegation, Jack Butland and Charlie Adam criticised the club's transfer policy and the behaviour of some of their teammates. John Coates and Peter Coates released a joint statement where they admitted that a major overhaul is required and that they should have dismissed Mark Hughes earlier. Paul Lambert left Stoke on 18 May 2018 by mutual consent after winning just two of his 15 games in charge. The board decided to go for Derby County manager Gary Rowett, and he signed a three-year contract on 22 May after the clubs agreed compensation. He brought with him four coaches, Callum Davidson, Rory Delap, Kevin Phillips & Mark Sale.
Following relegation there was as expected major transfer activity made by the club prior to the start of the season. Going out were, Lee Grant to Manchester United, Stephen Ireland and Glen Johnson both released, Xherdan Shaqiri to Liverpool, Ramadan Sobhi to Huddersfield Town and Kevin Wimmer on loan to Hannover 96. Arriving at Stoke were goalkeeper Adam Federici, experienced centre back Ashley Williams, Nigerian midfielder Peter Etebo, wingers Tom Ince and James McClean and forward Benik Afobe.
Stoke returned to training in late June and played a behind close doors match against Macclesfield Town on 10 July, winning 5–2. City's first public outing was against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. Goals from Ibrahim Afellay, Bojan and Peter Crouch gave Stoke a 3–0 win. The squad then spent a week at a training camp in Herzlake, Germany. They played three matches against VfL Bochum, SV Meppen and Hamburger SV, City losing all three games. Stoke then played out a goalless draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Stoke ended their pre-season with a 2–0 defeat at FC St. Pauli.
Championship
August
Stoke began the campaign away at Leeds United and made a terrible start, being well beat 3–1. Stoke were 2–0 down at half time with goals from Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernández. Stoke pulled one back with Benik Afobe scoring a penalty but a Liam Cooper header ensured a Leeds win. City's first home match ended in a 1–1 draw against Brentford. Afobe scored for Stoke capitalising on a mistake from Chris Mepham and keeper Dan Bentley. Stoke were unimpressive throughout the match and Brentford earned a deserved point thanks to an Ollie Watkins strike. After the match Rowett said that some of his players "need to wake up". Stoke drew again this time 2–2 at Preston North End. Preston took the lead through a Paul Gallagher penalty after Tom Edwards had handled in the area. Stoke responded immediately with Erik Pieters scoring a rare goal however Graham Burke fired North End back in front just before half time. Peter Crouch rescued a point for Stoke with a towering header. Stoke were then easily beaten 3–0 at home by Wigan Athletic. Rowett made several changes to his team for the visit of Hull City. Stoke were able to gain their first win of the season with goals from James McClean and an own goal from Tigers defender Jordy de Wijs.
