As the nineteenth century gave way to the twentieth, it became common knowledge that Stoke were still under a heavy financial cloud.

[1] Stoke began the 1899–1900 campaign well, beating Liverpool and Preston North End at home and drawing away at Burnley in their first three matches.

[1] Tom Wilkes had replaced the outgoing George Clawley in goal and there was a change in attack as local player Sam Higginson was introduced in the place of Fred Molyneux who joined Bristol City while Jack Farrell joined Southampton.

[1] Tom Holford also came through the ranks at the Victoria Ground and he went on to become a club legend making over 260 appearances.

[1] On 13 November 1899 league leaders Aston Villa visited Stoke which attracted a crowd of 15,000 to the Victoria Ground.