Stoke and Hull are about to experience life in football’s richest league. But will it kick off an economic revival in the two cities? Brendan Nevin and Alan Harding give their pre-season predictions

The promotion of Stoke City to the Premier League after 23 years in the lower divisions of English football was greeted by an explosion of joy in the city and its wider North Staffordshire hinterland.

After decades of decline in the local economy, finally here was something to uplift the soul, an event which could unify a proud but downtrodden population.

Stoke City Football Club is the second oldest professional club in the world, located in an area which was at the heart of the industrial revolution.

Would you like to read more?

The complete cover feature is available to subscribers.
You can subscribe to receive New Start in printed or in ezine format every week here subs@newstartmag.co.uk