Stoke manager Mark Hughes' position is not under threat despite another disappointing end to the season, but veteran midfielder Glenn Whelan's nine-year stay may be coming to an end.
Hughes' side won just two of their last 11 matches -- mirroring an end-of-season slump in 2016 when they registered just one victory in their final 10 games -- against a backdrop of growing fans' frustration.
However, chairman Peter Coates insists the Welshman's job is not in jeopardy, despite the club finishing outside the top half for the first time in four seasons.
"We felt he has done well for us since he's been here and we don't expect that to change,'' Coates told Sky Sports.