Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has assured manager Mark Hughes he retains their full confidence.

Coates has told Hughes there are no alarm bells ringing at the top.

He said: “I believe we have got a good squad and a good management team – and that hasn't altered because of an iffy start to the season.

“Obviously we all want to see our team playing better and getting results, and I'm sure that will come, so it's certainly not all doom and gloom."