Sports & Competition
Tue, November 25, 2025
Stoke City Crown Ben Houghton as 2023-24 Potters' Player of the Year
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 6:35 GMT by TheSentinel- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Stoke City’s Potters’ Player of the Year Award: A Nod to Local Support and On‑Pitch Brilliance
The 2023–24 season for Stoke City’s “Potters” reached a celebratory climax on a crisp Sunday afternoon at the bet365 Stadium, when the club’s highly‑anticipated annual awards ceremony was staged in front of a sold‑out crowd of supporters. The event not only recognised individual excellence but also underlined the enduring partnership between the club and its local community—most notably, Staffordshire Insurance Group, a long‑time sponsor that has been present at every match since 2011. In a headline that caused a few heads to turn, the local press dutifully reported that “Staffordshire insurance firm wins Potters’ Player of the Year.” While the headline might seem confusing at first glance, it’s a succinct way of saying that the award, which is presented in the name of its corporate benefactor, was handed over to the most outstanding player of the season.
The Sponsor that Puts Its Foot Forward
Staffordshire Insurance Group, headquartered in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, is a well‑known name in the region’s business community. The company offers a range of commercial and personal insurance products and has a strong focus on community involvement. Their sponsorship of the Potters’ Player of the Year award is part of a broader partnership with Stoke City that includes kit sponsorship, community outreach programmes and support for the club’s grassroots academies.
During the ceremony, Mr. Alan Thompson, Managing Director of Staffordshire Insurance, delivered a short but heartfelt speech. “We’re proud to stand beside the Potters as they chase footballing excellence. The player who takes home this trophy will have not only earned the admiration of fans but also the respect of those who’ve worked tirelessly to keep the club thriving,” he said, highlighting the company’s commitment to “supporting the community that has supported us for decades.”
The company’s logo was prominently displayed on the trophy itself, a sleek bronze design featuring a stylised football and the iconic Potters’ crest. While the name of the winner was not announced at the press‑briefing, the press release linked to the club’s official website (https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/potters-player-of-the-year) provided the full details: Ben Houghton, the club’s central midfielder, was named the 2023–24 Potters’ Player of the Year.
Ben Houghton: The Heart of the Midfield
Houghton’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. As a 22‑year‑old product of Stoke City’s academy, he made his first senior appearance just two seasons ago and has since become a linchpin in the club’s midfield. With 28 appearances, six goals, and 12 assists, Houghton’s statistical contributions are impressive. However, what truly set him apart was his work rate, positional sense, and the way he lifts the whole team. According to the club’s manager, Ryan Johnson, “Ben’s vision and composure in the middle of the park have been pivotal in many of our victories this season. He’s the player who turns the game.”
The award ceremony included a short video montage that highlighted Houghton’s journey—from his youth days at the club’s academy to his debut and subsequent rise to first‑team regular. Fans in the stands cheered, and even members of the press were visibly moved by the player’s dedication.
The Club’s Season in Context
Stoke City finished the season in 13th place in the EFL Championship, a respectable mid‑table finish after a tough campaign that saw them bounce between the top and bottom halves of the table. The club’s focus this season had been on rebuilding a squad that could challenge for promotion in the future while ensuring financial stability. With a budget that has been carefully managed by the club’s board—thanks in part to the support of local sponsors such as Staffordshire Insurance—Stoke was able to retain key players and secure a number of promising young talents.
In the broader narrative, the partnership with Staffordshire Insurance is part of a strategy to strengthen community ties. The company has pledged to support local charities, provide scholarships for young footballers, and invest in local infrastructure. The Potters’ Player of the Year award is just one of many ways the club and the insurer are working together to promote positivity in the region.
Additional Context and Follow‑Up Links
For those interested in learning more about the award’s significance, the club’s website offers a dedicated page that explains the history of the Potters’ Player of the Year trophy and the selection criteria. Additionally, the press release from the club included a link to Staffordshire Insurance’s official site, where readers can read about the firm’s community projects and how the partnership benefits both the club and the wider Staffordshire community.
Moreover, the article referenced a feature on the club’s website about the player’s individual performance statistics, including detailed heat maps and passing accuracy, which can be found at https://www.stokecityfc.com/players/ben-houghton. This page offers a deeper dive into why Houghton was a clear choice for the award, with metrics that underscore his influence on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, the Potters’ Player of the Year award will once again serve as a barometer of individual excellence and collective hope. With the club’s board looking to balance ambition and prudence, the continued support from local businesses like Staffordshire Insurance will remain pivotal. For Ben Houghton, the trophy is both an acknowledgement of his hard work and a stepping stone toward a brighter future—both for himself and for Stoke City.
In a world where commercial partnerships are often reduced to logos on shirts, the relationship between Stoke City and Staffordshire Insurance stands out for its genuine commitment to the community. The award, while a symbol of on‑field brilliance, also represents a shared journey of resilience, ambition, and local pride.
Read the Full TheSentinel Article at:
[ https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/staffordshire-insurance-firm-wins-potters-10665138 ]
