Pieters & Pugh back to help Stoke's next generation

Erik Pieters (left) and Danny Pugh have both taken coaching roles in Stoke's academy [Getty Images] Former Stoke City players Erik Pieters and Danny Pugh have returned to the Championship club to take coaching roles in the academy. Pieters, 37, made more than 200 appearances during a six-year stay with the Potters between 2013 and 2019. The former Netherlands international has been appointed as a professional development coach, while the defender will also be available as an overage player for the under-21 team. Pugh initially joined Stoke on loan from Preston in 2007 before making the move permanent for £500,000 in January 2008. The 43-year-old will help to coach the under-18s, having previously held the same position between 2021 and 2023. Academy Director Jack Higgins said: "In Erik and Danny, we are adding two people with strong links to the football club to our professional development phase staff." [BBC]