The Potters were a top-flight club – the last-time around – when the likes of Mickey Thomas, Robbie James, Peter Fox, Steve Bould and Sammy McIlroy turned out at Lyme Valley in the early days of what has become an annual fixture.

Newcastle only lost their first game against the Potters 2-1, but have their work cut out for a repeat result against what Stoke manager Tony Pulis promises will be a strong side.

Pulis plans to equally split his squad for the Newcastle game and the friendly at Nantwich, which takes place at the same time at the Weaver Stadium.

Newcastle boss Greg Clowes can't wait for a game which traditionally attracts a crowd of up to 3,000.

He said: "We always look forward to playing Stoke, whatever division they are in.

"But the fact they had such a fantastic season last year adds a little more to the occasion.

"What they have done is not just good for Stoke City, but for the whole area."

While Pulis contemplates whether to break his £5.5m record transfer fee to keep Stoke in the top flight again, the challenge is different for Clowes.

His players have all taken pay cuts.

A reduced budget means he has his work cut out to match last season's third place in the North West Counties League, but he says the financial health of the club always comes first.

He added: "If players come to us asking for an extra £30 or £40 a week then we tell them they should move somewhere else.

"Everyone has taken a pay cut, but 80 per cent of our players have stayed with us."

Newcastle players to watch include Jordan Johnson, the club's only player under contract.

The left winger scored 21 goals last season and has the chance to further his reputation against Stoke's Premier stars.

While Clowes has been given a vote of confidence by his chairman Paul Ratcliffe, Nantwich caretaker boss Peter Hall is waiting to see if he will get the chance to lead the Dabbers next season.

Hall was assistant to Steve Davis during the club's phenomenally successful spell. The pair were only denied a third successive promotion when the Dabbers were beaten by Ilkeston in the UniBond Premier League play-off final in May.

Hall hopes that record will help him land the top job now that Davis has left to become assistant manager at Crewe.

Hall has brought in former Crewe midfielder Kevin Street as his prospective player coach. Interviews for the manager's job will take place over the next two weeks before an appointment is announced at the start of August.

Hall said: "I am massively keen to get the job.

"I have been with the club a long time as player and coach, the only thing I haven't done is managed them."

Nantwich's new signings Chris Flynn, Jake Sedgmore, Matt Rhead, Richard Sutton and Chris Shaw should all be on show as Hall attempts to press his credentials.

Tickets for the Stoke versus Newcastle game are on sale from the Britannia Stadium until 2pm tomorrow.