Stoke City are now making a habit of finishing in the top half of the Premier League.
The Potters managed to end the 2015/16 season in ninth position, making it three straight campaigns that they have clinched that spot under Mark Hughes.
At times, the Staffordshire outfit were sublime with their free-flowing and ball playing game style - rompting the moniker 'Stokealona' - in homage to Spanish giants Barcelona.
For all the brilliant creative work of the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Bojan Krkic, Ibrahim Afellay and Xherdan Shaqiri though, Stoke only scored 41 goals in what was an inconsistent season.
On two occasions, including the opening five weeks, Stoke went six matches without a win which ultimately cost them a higher position on the table.
Nevertheless, establishing themselves in the top flight is the main goal for the Potters and having done that with plenty of time to spare, will now look to kick on in 2016/17.
Attracting players from bigger clubs is the new order of the day for the Britannia Stadium side and we may see more of the same this summer if Hughes wants to push on and try the club's hand at European football.
POTTERS SNAPSHOT
POSITION:9th
WIN-DRAW-LOSS RECORD:14-9-15
POINTS:51
GOALS FOR-AGAINST:41-55
STOKE'S TOP 3
SCORERS:Marko Arnautovic 11, Bojan Krkic 7, Jon Walters, Mame Biram Diouf both 5
ASSISTS:Marko Arnautovic, Xherdan Shaqiri both 6, Ibrahim Afellay, Glen Johnson both 3
CLEAN SHEETS (leader): Jack Butland 10
YELLOW CARDS: Erik Pieters 10, Charlie Adam, Glenn Whelan both 6
RED CARDS:Ibrahim Afellay, Geoff Cameron, Ryan Shawcross, Charlie Adam all 1
EA SPORTS Player Performance Index:Marko Arnautovic 528, Glenn Whelan 432, Erik Pieters 388
TRIBAL'S TOP BOY
TWITTER TALK
Would like to thank all the fans and everyone at the club for a special night and for the support all year! #SCFCpic.twitter.com/DAFJcguie4
— Jack Butland (@JackButland_One) May 11, 2016
A fitting tribute to a great lad . They meant it if @wilkinson_28 scores on the pitch ! #WilkoTestimonial . pic.twitter.com/7gjCYXx8Mp
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) May 16, 2016
Good win to end the season! Thanks a lot to all @stokecity fans for the fantastic support throughout the year. pic.twitter.com/pwXuVHBIGE
— Bojan Krkic (@BoKrkic) May 15, 2016
Thanks to all the fans for all the suport this season!! I feel very blessed to be part of this team!! pic.twitter.com/w5tXqEM0j9
— Joselu Mato (@JoseluMato9) May 16, 2016
FROM THE BOSS
"It is a bit more than a good achievement, surely - cut us a bit of slack!
"No, it is fantastic. I think of all the seasons we have managed ninth, this is the most satisfying, because it has been more difficult this year."
- Mark Hughes, May 2016
STAT STORY
*Thanks to Opta
14 – Stoke have never finished lower than 14th in any PL season, finishing ninth in each of the last three seasons. Acclimatised.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2016