 Stoke suffered financial problems around 1900 , which ultimately led to the loss of the club 's Football League status in 1908 . " Historical Football Kits " says that , " In 1908 , having finished in mid @-@ table , Stoke went into liquidation and resigned from the League . Ironically this galvanised local businessmen , the clergy ( the Victoria Ground was owned by the Church of England ) and supporters to form a new limited company and purchase the old club 's assets . " The club moved to the Birmingham & District League after its demotion . In 1909 , the club opted to field two teams , one in the Birmingham & District League and the other in the Southern League ( West Division ) ; Stoke won the latter in their first year in the competition . Stoke continued to participate in both leagues until 1915 , when their application for election back into the Football League was approved . However , the outbreak of the First World War meant the league was suspended for four years ; it recommenced in August 1919 . During this time , Stoke entered the Lancashire Primary and Secondary leagues . 
