A rivalry with Welsh side Cardiff City was formed in the 2001–02 season where the sides played each other in the Second Division play-offs. In the 1950s Stoke began using the shield from the Stoke-on-Trent coat-of-arms which was used infrequently until 1977. A new and simpler club crest was introduced a Stafford knot and pottery kiln represented local tradition while red and white stripes were also added. Before it was opened in 1997, the club was based at the Victoria Ground, which was their home ground since 1878. They ended the inaugural season in third place, as well as reaching their first FA Cup Final, losing 0–3 to the first "Double" winners, Preston North End.

More recently, Stoke City's fans and stadium have been perceived as loud, friendly, passionate and modern, [94] welcoming as guests Sugar Ray Leonard [95] and Diego Maradona. png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":398,"bigWidth":648,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"