Stoke City are in a strong position to be able to compete in the Championship, according to sporting director Jon Walters.
The Potters are about to embark on their eighth successive season in the second tier since relegation from the Premier League, during which time they have failed to finish in the top half of the table.
Walters, who spent seven years as a player at Stoke, believes their recruitment work over the summer gives them a chance to improve on recent seasons.
"We've brought in six so far and I think the squad is in a really strong position - we've covered most positions twice," he told the club website.