 Stoke became one of the twelve founding members of the Football League in 1888 . Stoke 's manager , Harry Lockett , represented the club at a meeting in London , where the league 's formation was discussed . Lockett played an instrumental role in its inception and became the league 's first secretary ; however he resigned from his role of manager in August 1890 , in order to concentrate on his league responsibilities . Stoke struggled in their first two seasons in the league , 1888 – 89 and 1889 – 90 , finishing in last place on both occasions . The club failed to secure re @-@ election to the league at the end of its second season , instead being replaced by Sunderland . As a consequence , Stoke started 1890 – 91 in the Football Alliance ; they finished the season as champions . The Football League was expanded to include fourteen clubs in 1891 – 92 , which ensured Stoke were re @-@ elected to the league , where they remained for the rest of the decade . In 1897 , Stoke appointed Horace <unk> , who in 1899 became the first manager to lead the club to the semi @-@ final of the FA Cup . 
