[1] The local air at this time was far from clean due to the pottery industry at its peak and with kilns belching out smoke and fumes.

[1] With Steele gone manager Bob McGrory searched for a replacement and went out and spent £3,000 on Verdi Godwin from Manchester City, hoping that he would help the club find their goalscoring touch.

[1] Franklin re-signed for the club in time for the 1949–50 season and his presence bolstered the defence whilst the forward line was struggling.

[1] By the end of October Stoke had just two wins to their name and were in deep relegation trouble so McGrory smashed the club's transfer record by paying £9,000 to Celtic for Leslie Johnston.

[1] By January, there had been a modest improvement in performances out on the pitch and McGrory made his best signing for some time, persuading Freddie Steele who was now player-manager at Mansfield to part with young up and coming forward Harry Oscroft, Stoke handing over £8,000 plus Verdi Godwin who scored just twice in 23 matches.