Thomas Slaney

[1][2] Slaney was born in Stoke-upon-Trent and attended Stoke St Peter's School where John William Thomas was a teacher.

[2] He attended the Saltley College in Birmingham and went to St John's school in Hanley as a teacher, rising to headmaster within ten years.

In August 1874 he was appointed honorary secretary, whilst the team was still picked by a committee Slaney effectively organised the club's activities which included arranging away travel and making sure the players knew the kick-off times.

In the 1877–78 season Slaney lead Stoke to their first piece of silverware by beating Talke Rangers 1–0 in the Staffordshire Senior Cup.

[2] His influence at the Victoria Ground remained as friend and colleague Harry Lockett became Stoke's manager as did his former assistant schoolmaster, Horace Austerberry.