Holden speaks after Blackburn win

Dean Holden has delivered his assessment after Stoke City recorded their first away win of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

After a challenging 48 hours following the departure of Michael O’Neill as manager on Thursday, the Potters bounced back at Ewood Park to earn a 1-0 victory.

City raced out of the traps in Lancashire and deservedly took a first half lead when Lewis Baker saw his excellent long range effort fly into the back of the net.

The visitors dug in during the second half to restrict the home side to very few clear-cut chances and ensure they kept the necessary clean sheet to claim maximum points.

Speaking shortly after the full-time whistle, the interim boss told Stoke City+: “It’s been a really difficult 48 hours since the news was delivered on Thursday morning that Michael was leaving.

“The most important thing then was to make sure the players and staff were well prepared to win a game of football. That’s what we’re paid to do by this football club and we did that.

“I have to give great credit to the staff, many of whom Michael brought to the Club. They stayed calm in the moment and put their feelings to one side to focus on the players.

“The players went out there today and really showed what a good team we can be.

“We came in at half-time one nil up although it could have possibly been more. We came right out of the traps and won the ball high up the pitch. If we looked after the ball a bit better in them moments we could have maybe gone on to get a second.

“They threw everything at us in the second half, they’ve got good players, so we had to dig in and find a different way to win. That’s something we’ve not done enough of this season if we are being honest, but the players threw everything at the ball when required and got the clean sheet and win.

“It’s just really good for this football club that hopefully with a new manager coming in they can move forward with a bit of confidence from today and go again on Wednesday."