The 2020-21 campaign was a season of bright early promise that faded into mid-table consolidation for Stoke City, who finished 14th in the Championship. The Potters, led by manager Michael O'Neill, began strongly and were on the verge of the play-off places before a damaging mid-season slump, compounded by a serious injury to key forward Tyrese Campbell, derailed their momentum and resulted in a nine-game winless run. Despite this, the side's attacking spark was provided by the influential Nick Powell, whose 12 crucial league goals earned him the club's Player of the Year award, and the team also enjoyed a deep run to the EFL Cup Quarter-Finals, showcasing the talent within the squad. It remains a chapter defined by the enduring support of the fans, even as all matches were played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.