POTTERS' EARLY MARKER

Walters says quick business and good start to Championship season gives cause for optimism

- Peter Smith

JON Walters was happy to avoid deadline day panic at Stoke City after welcoming 11 new signings through the summer transfer window.

Stoke knew they had to do a lot of work to rejuvenate the squad for Mark Robins' first full season as manager and were able to do the bulk of it before the first game back on August 9.

There were eight in at that point while Lamine Cisse followed in the next few days.

That business meant that Stoke felt comfortable to be patient for Tomas Rigo, who eventually arrived last weekend after protracted talks with Banik Ostrava, and stay out of any drama on Monday unless they thought it was right.