Mike Stoddart

Mike is now living in Pembrokeshire and contacted us to say "I played for Stoke in the mid-sixties, alongside Barry Salt and co. I can't remember the exact dates, but I definitely played at both Longton and Barlaston. Judging by the photo on the website, Barry must be one of the few who have lost weight in the intervening 40 years. I must say that, in my long and unillustrious playing career, my time at Stoke was far and away the happiest. Terrific bunch of people! Best wishes to all at the club."

Bob sent us an email saying that he moved back to Omagh in February and is now a committee member at Clogher Valley RFC and refereeing for Ulster Society, however he's had to cut it short after a seriious back operation. Hanford recently went on tour to his club and had an excellent time. Has lots of memories of people such as Andy Lawrence, Chris Ridge and Leighton Barker.

Trevor Pottas

Trevor sent the following email recently "I’ve got no excuse for being so quiet. Things are going really hectic between work and rugby. Things are still going good though. Our rugby season is going good. My club is second in the Super A League but it takes a lot of hard word and extra training from all our players to get where we are. Sorry if my mail is a bit short but I promise that I’ll send a nice and long mail with pictures so you can put it up at the club for everyone to read. Send my regards to everyone there."

Paul Callaghan

Paul aka 'Calley', spotted our website and asked after a number of players and officials from when he played in the 80's. Although originally hailing from Ireland he now lives in Pheonix, Arizona with his wife Wendy and their 3 sons.

Paul spotted our website and sent a couple of photos from the Centenary Year for us to use. He promises to write more in the future. Can you name all the players in the photos? The trick one is Doug Brown, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent in 1984.

Rob sent an email which read "Just been having a good browse round the website, good to see Stoke RFC consolidating in Mids 2, still recognise plenty of the faces also! Rugby wise, still knocking about for Bugbrooke RFC (3-4 leagues below Stoke), playing most my rugby in the back row now! Now I'm working for The Caudwell Group (based in Stoke) there's always an outside chance I might end up back in the area.....As usual, I'll be frequenting Keele at some point and will try and get myself up the club!"
Good Luck to the lads for the rest of the season

The first contact we have had is from Barry Salt. Barry and his wife Pam are currently living in Spain in a town called Jalon (pronounced Halon) which is midway between Alicante and Valencia. We have been supplied with the attached, somewhat unflattering picure of Barry the builder'. Those of you who have scrummaged behind Barry in the past may recall the view with very mixed emotions. You can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Dean played stand-off for the club in the 1999-2000 season and dropped the goal in the last minutes of the County Cup final to give us a victory over Longton. The club has received an email from Dean and his partner Taz. They are living and working (for Hewlett Packard) in Galway, Ireland, enjoying the Guiness. Dean has decided to take a Coaching job at Dunmore RFC and might even be able to have a few runs as player/coach. He is "Really excited about it". In addition to the rugby and work Dean is Surfing, playing Golf and is active in the Fellowship Church.