 Joe Jordan 's tenure in charge was short ; he left the club less than a year after joining . Following Jordan 's departure , Stoke opted to reappoint Lou Macari only 12 months after he had left . Despite the optimism surrounding his return , only a mid @-@ table finish was attained in the 1994 – 95 season . The 1995 – 96 season started poorly , but the signing of striker Mike Sheron turned around the club 's campaign . Stoke eventually finished fourth but were defeated in the play @-@ off semi @-@ final by Leicester City . The following season , 1996 – 97 , saw Mark Stein return from Chelsea on loan , partnering Sheron in attack . The season started well , with Stoke in fourth place at Christmas , but a poor second half of the season saw the club drop to an eventual 12th place . Sheron was sold in 1997 for a club record fee of £ <unk> Macari left the club at the end of the season , his last game in charge the final league game at the Victoria Ground in a match against West Bromwich Albion . 
