Peter Coates pleased with new Stoke City signings

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has backed new signings Marko Arnautovic and Stephen Ireland to revive their careers at the club.

Arnautovic joined the Potters from Werder Bremen on Sunday, while Ireland penned a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa on deadline day.

"They are both talented players and are joining a club that will hopefully bring the best out of them," Coates told The Sentinel.

Stoke return to Premier League action on September 14 when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.