CITY START SQUAD REVAMP

Potters release four senior players as they look for brighter times ahead in the Championship

- Keith Wales

LYNDEN Gooch, Jordan Thompson, Michael Rose and Enda Stevens have been released by Stoke City - but Lewis Baker is staying put.

The news was confirmed by the club yesterday in their end-of-season retained list, which also reveals the offer of a new deal for teen striker Emre Tezgel, who made 17 appearances in 2024/25, while second-string keepers Jack Bonham and Frank Fielding are also sticking around.

On exercising an option to extend Baker's contract by a further season, Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: "Lewis has been an integral part of our side since he returned to the club in January and, under Mark's leadership, has played some of his best football for Stoke City.

"Lewis sets a great example with his experience and ultra-professionalism and has shown during his time as a Potter that he has the ability to provide match-winning moments."

Thompson has made 178 appearances in five-and-a-half seasons at the club after signing from Blackpool in January 2020.