Bates: "Stoke Are Great"

Last updated : 12 February 2003 By Rich Godden
Bates is known mainly for being a ruthless Chairman and being extremely outspoken. He will also be unpopular in some camps for his involvement in the doomed Wembley plans.

But he has taken the time today to offer some words of praise for Stoke City, who will be entertaining us in the FA Cup.

Bates said, "Stoke is a great club. It has always had a reputation for exciting football - going right back to the days when they signed Stanley Matthews.

"They're an interesting club with a lot of history and it's an intriguing tie.

"I am sure it will be a great day for both our clubs up in the Potteries and we'll be looking forward to going up there."

"It's a nice draw - one of the reasons being that Stoke have got a new ground with a near 30,000 capacity so it should comfortably accommodate the Chelsea fans who want to go up there."