The return from 23 years in the wilderness has happened. The Potters are back in the top flight of English football, but what a roller coaster of a season 2007/08 has been.

After the first game of the season at Cardiff's Ninian Park, and a winning start, no-one would have predicted an automatic promotion spot the following May.

From a fans point of view there have been nail biting occasions, feelings of total ecstasy and moments of definite despair.

But having travelled along this road, the final achievement has lifted any gloom that may have started to gather.

Interest in next season's Premier League campaign has quickly gathered momentum and the car parks at the Britannia Stadium have been packed with supporters desperate to secure their season ticket. Success breeds success.

The Club needs as much money as possible to launch their first season back in the big time. Manager Tony Pulis will be creating a blue print for the campaign and he will now have a list of players he wants to sign.

Alan Hudson, the former Stoke creative midfield genius, suggested that Tony should consider a 'star' player to attract others.

He stated that if someone of exceptional talent and drawing power could be brought in, other players would be easier to purchase because they would want to come and play with the 'star'.

My mind went back to 1961 when Tony Waddington brought back Sir Stanley Matthews and promotion from the second division to the first division followed in 1963.

Not only did attendances go through the roof but players desperately wanted to join Stoke City so they could play alongside Stanley Matthews.

It is important that the Potters are in with a chance to compete. No-one wants to see them relegated at the first attempt.

Tony Pulis has worked wonders. Let's hope that his magic touch continues.

Nigel Johnson.