Hard work starts now - Scholes

Stoke fans will be watching top flight football for the first time in 23 years (Getty)

Chief executive Tony Scholes has said the hard work of keeping Stoke City in the Premier League begins now.

Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke: "Promotion is what a lot of people have worked very hard for, both this year and beyond that.

"But now the hard work starts all over again because the job now is to stay in the Premier League."

The Potters will celebrate their return to the top flight with an open top bus ride through Stoke on Tuesday evening.

Scholes also acknowledged the effect that City's promotion will have on the North Staffordshire area.

"You've seen places like Blackburn, Wigan and Reading have been put on the map by having a team in the Premier League.

"It's a great opportunity to raise both the profile and economy of the city."