Chairman Peter Coates has conceded that Stoke City have been "very flat", particularly during the second half of the Premier League this season.

The Potters have won just two matches in 2013, which in turn has seen them dragged into the relegation battle in recent weeks.

However, despite admitting that it has been a disappointing performance from the team since the turn of the year, Coates has insisted that the club will aim to "improve" in time for the next campaign.

"We have had a very flat second half to the season and nobody is trying to hide that. You are always trying to learn from such things to try and improve," the The Sentinel quotes him as saying.

Stoke have been in the top flight since they gained promotion from the Championship in 2008.