Exclusive: How Don Goodman feels about Stoke City play-off "dark horse" claim | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his verdict on whether Stoke City could challenge for the play-offs in the Championship this season.

Pundit Don Goodman believes it is too early to know whether Stoke City could be dark horses to challenge for the play-offs in the Championship this season.

It was another underwhelming campaign for Stoke last season as they finished 18th in the table, but after the sackings of Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach, Mark Robins did at least guide the club to survival after taking over in January.

Robins has brought in eight new signings this summer as he rebuilds his squad, with Maksym Talovierov, Aaron Cresswell, Steven N'Zonzi, Sorba Thomas and Robert Bozenik all arriving on a permanent basis, while the Potters have signed Ashley Phillips, Jamie Donley and Divin Mubama on loan.

A number of players have also departed the bet365 Stadium in recent months, including Lynden Gooch, Michael Rose, Enda Stevens, Jordan Thompson, Wouter Burger, Sol Sidibe and Niall Ennis, while the likes of Tommy Simkin, Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe have made loan moves away from the club to gain valuable first-team experience.

Stoke got their season off to the perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Derby County on Saturday, with Lewis Baker, Mubama and Thomas all getting on the scoresheet, but they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by League Two side Walsall in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night before winning 4-3 on penalties.

Don Goodman questions Stoke City promotion credentials

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman revealed that he does not believe Stoke will be among the play-off contenders in the Championship at this stage, but he admitted that his view could change if the Potters can maintain their early standards.

"I think at this stage, after one game, it's too early to think that Stoke City could be dark horses for a play-off spot," Goodman said.

"Obviously, they got off to a brilliant start beating Derby County 3-1 and absolutely dominating the game, albeit it took two added-time goals for them to secure the win they absolutely deserved.

"That's the positive, but the flip side is that they struggled to break down Walsall in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

"The first performance against Derby, I'm really sure what Derby are or are going to be at this stage, so it's hard to measure what a fantastic result it may or may not have been.

"We'll wait and see, but at this stage, I wouldn't have Stoke as dark horses for the play-offs.

"I could easily change my mind in a few weeks if they get some momentum."

Stoke City supporters will be cautious despite Derby County victory

There were certainly plenty of positive signs for Stoke in their opening day victory over Derby, and their summer transfer business offers further reason for optimism, but many supporters will likely share Goodman's caution at this early stage of the campaign.

The Potters have had plenty of false dawns during their seven-year spell in the Championship, and the fact they struggled to break down League Two side Walsall in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, albeit with a much-changed team, underlines the dangers of getting too carried away just yet.

However, with a proven manager like Robins at the helm and a stronger squad than last season, it would be no surprise to see Stoke make significant progress up the table in the year ahead, even if reaching the play-offs may be a step too far.