1959–60 Stoke City F.C. season

The 1959–60 season began well with new signing from Burnley, Doug Newlands tormenting the Sunderland defence in a 3–1 victory.^[1] But thereafter their form rate was erratic although Lincoln City were beaten 6–1 with Dennis Wilshaw grabbing a fine hat trick.^[1] Soon after that win over Lincoln a 19-year-old Tony Allen won his first England cap.^[1] But it was proving difficult on the pitch for Stoke as after a 1–0 home win against Plymouth Argyle on 27 February 1960 Stoke sat in 6th position in the table looking to start a push for promotion, but 10 matches later they were in 17th five points away from relegation.^[1]

It was in defence where the problems lay as manager Frank Taylor used four different keepers one of which was Tommy Younger a fine keeper for Liverpool but in his ten matches for Stoke he lost nine of them conceding 22 goals and he quickly left.^[1] Ken Thomson was sold to Middlesbrough and legendary striker Frank Bowyer decided to retire.^[1]

However the biggest move at the end of the season was made by new chairman Albert Henshall who decided that after eight years at the club it was time for a change of manager and so Frank Taylor was sacked.^[1] In truth Stoke were as far away from top flight football than ever with crowds dropping and overall performances on the pitch had been the biggest disappointment.^[1] Despite this Taylor was shocked at being fired and vowed never to be associated with football again.^[1] In his place Henshall appointed Taylor's assistant Tony Waddington and Len Graham became Waddington's assistant.^[1]

Stoke failed to make it past the third round this season losing 3–1 away at Preston North End in a replay.^[1]

Stoke's score comes first