Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam believes losing Marko Arnautovic to West Ham was a key factor in their relegation.

The Potters are down after defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Adam said: "The biggest thing for us is we never replaced Marko.

"You can lose players, but when you lose players who can win you a game you are going to struggle. As a group of players we should hang our heads in shame because that club should never be relegated.

"We know what's going to happen. People will lose their jobs and we're the ones to blame for that."

Adam also followed goalkeeper Jack Butland in criticising Stoke's recruitment.

"We've spent a lot of money but you need to do your homework and have the right characters coming in," he said.

"The biggest problem now is social media - because players cheat themselves.

"When you go home from training you should not be able to go for extra sessions with personal trainers. You're conning yourself, your team-mates and the club."