Reaction from the Hawthorns as Stoke City lose 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion

Get Stoke transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis deliveredstraight to your inbox

Something went wrong, please try again later.

We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways youve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time.

Denis Smith, the upbeat veteran of more than a thousand matches as a manager, admitted he was fairly shocked after sitting through a pitifulStoke Citydefeat at West Brom.

Stoke were given fair warning before they fell behind in the first half; needing to clear twice off their own line and Kyle Bartley hitting one header onto the crossbar as he continued to win headers at corners. But sure enough it was Bartley who powered in the opener in the 39th minute and Stokes struggles to react to adversity have been well documented.

It was 2-0 five minutes into the second half thanks to an acrobatic effort from Brandon Thomas-Asante and Stoke struggled to put up a fight, with a sell-out away end sitting stunned.

LIVE:Post-match from the Hawthorns as Stoke lose to West Brom

Smith, watching for Radio Stoke, was asked how he might react as a manager going into that away changing room and said: Youve got to be careful how you deal with them because those are the players youve got. Theyre human beings and theyve got feelings, contrary to what people think, so you go in and you pick and choose your words and after a performance like that Id be ready to explode.

My best idea as a manager was not to say anything apart from, Ill see you on Monday. Then you have to take deep breaths and go in a little bit more composed to go through everything with them, where they didnt close down, where they didnt make movement off the ball, the passing.

Ive sat here fairly shocked to honest. That isnt a performance you expect from an Alex Neil side and we havent been getting that. We were totally outplayed.

Praise and Grumble on the radio didnt have much room for praise and Smith was struggling to argue with callers.

He said: Youve got to be honest about these things. Youve seen the performance here, they didnt compete, the movement was wrong. Im flabbergasted sitting here having watched it. We were totally outplayed. Two-nil flattered us.

I hate that. You know me, Im positive, I want to see all the good things, I want to talk about the good things and I found that very, very hard watching.

Stoke City on alert over FFP shackles as Premier League big six revolt beaten

West Ham arrival will take Stoke City to the next level

What is a technical director? Ricky Martins prospective Stoke City role in his own words

Stoke City set to make major appointment as West Ham confirm exit

The latest Stoke City news in one place

You can find this story inMy Bookmarks.

Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

World Cup boss has his say on huge Stoke City transfer talk and Everton whispers

Harry Souttar could make just his second start in more than a year when Australia start their World Cup campaign against France

Exciting Stoke City teen scores two in fine cup win over Manchester City

Stoke City have recorded a 3-1 win over title holders Manchester City in the under-17s Premier League Cup

Stoke City star Harry Souttars heartbreaking tribute ahead of World Cup bow

Stoke City defender never moaned during a year out with injury because he knew it was nothing compared to what his brave elder brother Aaron was going through

All the motivation - Port Vale aim high as they take on Barnsley in Papa Johns Trophy

Port Vale are at home to Barnsley in the last 32 of the Papa Johns Trophy

All the motivation - Port Vale aim high as they take on Barnsley in Papa Johns Trophy

Port Vale are at home to Barnsley in the last 32 of the Papa Johns Trophy

Exciting Stoke City teen scores two in fine cup win over Manchester City

Stoke City have recorded a 3-1 win over title holders Manchester City in the under-17s Premier League Cup

World Cup boss has his say on huge Stoke City transfer talk and Everton whispers

Harry Souttar could make just his second start in more than a year when Australia start their World Cup campaign against France

Fifas World Cup stoppage time change could have major impact on Stoke City

Englands group game opener against Iran ran to 117 minutes and 16 seconds

LIVE: Water rescue team at scene of major Abbey Hulton incident

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Eye-witnesses say a police cordon is also in place

National Grid issues electricity blackout warning for tonight with contingency plans introduced

It comes as households were expected to increase power usage in the cold weather

Northern Soul Sally crowned winner of world dance competition held in Blackpool

The event was held at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom earlier this month

Stoke City star launches urgent appeal after Range Rover stolen and house burgled

Stoke City wing-back Josh Tymon says thieves broke into his house to take everything of value

Stoke-on-Trent MP wants your questions for new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Jonathan Gullis has been given a highly sought-after slot to grill the new PM

Put your own stamp on The Old Post Office - on the market for 475k

The countryside cottage has a courtyard garden and a paddock

Incredible story of brave Hanley firefighter killed during Blitz

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fenton-born Edwin Booth has been remembered with a blue plaque

The Christmas magical winter wonderland - and its just an hour from Stoke-on-Trent

The immersive experience takes in the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas

Stoke-on-Trent MP wants your questions for new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Jonathan Gullis has been given a highly sought-after slot to grill the new PM

More than a million families to get 324 cost of living payment from tomorrow

The second cost of living payment money should appear in your account

Incredible story of brave Hanley firefighter killed during Blitz

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fenton-born Edwin Booth has been remembered with a blue plaque

Megan Newtons murder to feature on Sky Crimes What the Killer Did Next

Murderer Joseph Trevor raped, strangled and killed his girlfriend

Driver in TikTok murder trial who went as back up accused of lying to jury

The case also involves social media influencer Mahek Bukhari and her mother Ansreen from Tunstall

The Christmas magical winter wonderland - and its just an hour from Stoke-on-Trent

The immersive experience takes in the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas

Mums dangerous parking outside school because she can afford the fine

A highways chief spotted her parking illegally

Ban for man who persistently approached lone women

Police have secured a Stalking Protection Order against the 36-year-old

Mums camper van towed away after complaint by neighbour in parking row

Loredana uses the van regularly, including to take her 10-year-old son Oscar to school.

National Grid issues electricity blackout warning for tonight with contingency plans introduced

It comes as households were expected to increase power usage in the cold weather

LIVE: Busy North Staffordshire road shut after milk lorry crash

Police officer injured as youths embroiled in mass disorder

A 16-year-old girl was reported after trouble broke out in Meir