Our Stoke City fans’ panel runs the rule over the arrival of Ben Gibson as a free agent and whether there is still more transfer work to be done at centre-half

It is no secret that Stoke City will be in the market for a striker or two this summer transfer window but who or what kind of striker should be top of Jon Walters’ and Steven Schumacher’s shopping list remains open to debate.

Giving their view from the terraces are Stoke supporters JON OWEN, from Seabridge; LIAM HALL, from Dresden; and RICHARD JAMES, from Blythe Bridge. Agree or disagree? Have your say in the comments section. Want to join the fans’ panel? Get in touch via peter.smith01@reachplc.com

‘Potentially captain material’

Jon Owen: He’s always impressed me. Decent on the ball, and potentially captain material, something we’ve lacked on the pitch over the years from our centre backs.

He seems to talk a good game, and hopefully he can match that on the pitch.

I still think we need another centre-back too, and really wouldn’t be surprised to see us get another one in before the start of the season.

‘I’m not convinced our business at centre-half is done’

Liam Hall: I can understand the signing. On the face of it we’re getting a seasoned pro, with the right worth ethic and dressing room influence that we’ve perhaps lacked at times. He’s played a lot of games at this level and has played in the Premier League.

Would I have preferred someone younger? Yes of course. However his experience could be invaluable and we’ve picked him up on a free too while I’m not convinced that our business at centre half is completely done yet either. With Wilmot and Rose the other options there may still be room for one more, a younger signing we’ll spend money on with potential would be ideal.

Unless of course either Matthew Baker or David Okagbue can force their way in during pre-season.

‘We’d take both of those, wouldn’t we?’

Richard James: Ben Gibson is one of a couple of experienced defenders I thought we’d be in for. He’s got excellent pedigree, he is a leader and organiser and also an old school defender who seems to enjoy the art. Some have questioned his injury record and age but ultimately the bloke played over 30 times for a team that finished in the play offs. We’d take both of those for the new season wouldn’t we?