Stoke City can challenge for a top-five place in the Premier League this season, according to their former midfielder Alan Hudson.
The Potters have finished ninth in each of the past two seasons.
"So many teams are in transition, I don't think Stoke are too far behind the top three and every year they're edging forward," said the 64 year old.
"I don't see any reason why they can't be fourth or fifth."