Up Close is an interview series for Biddulph Nub News, talking to local people about their businesses, hobbies, or anything else they want to chat about!

In the latest instalment of Up Close we spoke to Biddulph's Ian Mellor about his Potters Podcast and Facebook group, which covers all the latest around Stoke City FC.

Ian spoke to Nub News about the club, his best memories as a Potters supporter, and what it's been like to be a football fan during the time of Coronavirus.

After setting up the podcast around a year ago, he is hoping to provide fellow Stoke supporters with entertainment as football fans around the country await eagerly to get back into stadiums.

Read the interview below...

How long have you been a football fan, and a Stoke fan in particular? Has it been a lifelong thing or is there anything that you especially like about the potters?

"I have been a Stoke fan from the age of five - I just love going hearing the crowd erupt with song and cheer, it's amazing.

"That's why I started The Potters group page two years ago, because I want to hear what the fans have to say, good or bad."

Tell me a bit about your podcast in general, how long have you been doing it?

"I started the Potters Podcast just over a year ago with my friend, Marc Lally.

"We usually come around my house, have a coffee, fire up the laptop and switch on record. We talk about the week's news involving Stoke, including the games that week. We are new, so we get around 100 listeners a week."

Do you feel like a bit of a voice for the fans with your page and podcast? If so, does that come with any particular challenges or responsibilities?

"No I don't feel like a voice for Stoke, but I do try to entertain people for a hour or so as the club doesn't do anywhere near enough content, so it's up to us fans to provide it."

What do you make of how Stoke are doing at the moment, do you think they have a chance of getting back to the Premier League any time soon?

"Stoke have been badly run over the past few years and it's been hard to watch, but with Michael O'Neill in charge I have all faith that we can get back to the Premier League soon."

I remember going to watch Stoke take some big scalps in years gone by - Arsenal, Man United and Man City to name a few, and also playing Europa League football. Is it a challenge to see them go from those days to playing Championship football, or have you pledged to keep supporting them no matter what?

"I remember a lot of scalps - beating Liverpool 6-1 is a proud one.

"They were great times and I took them for granted which I never will do again. My biggest regret was not going to Valencia away, I couldn't get my passport sorted quick enough and I said to myself that we would get there again.

"Obviously those times seem far away now with the relegation to the Championship, but I will always go and support them. It's a part of me now, I'm addicted!"

Speaking of the glory days, what are your best memories as a Stoke fan? What are your worst?

"The best day supporting Stoke was obviously the FA cup semi-final. The whole day was amazing, and me and my dad have a memory together that will never be taken away.

"Even though we lost I was so proud of Stoke that day, but my favourite moment was going to Ninian Park in Cardiff for the play-off semi-final. When it looked like all was lost, my hero James O'Connor scored one in the dying embers to level the game. The joy exploded out of me and I'll never forget that day.

"It's rare I have worst moments, but losing the FA cup final was one. My one dream as a Stoke fan was to see Stoke lift the cup, and to get that close destroyed me and still does."

How long have you lived in Biddulph? What do you think of the area and the big local rivalry between Stoke and Vale?

"I have lived in Biddulph for around 15 years altogether and I class it as my home town. This area is a hard place to live in, but we get by.

"The Stoke and Vale rivalry is a big thing in these parts, but with them not playing each other for such a long time it's all but dead in my eyes. I love those old clashes from the 90's and 2000's, but I was only a kid back then."

Has it been frustrating to not be able to go to the Bet365 stadium lately due to Coronavirus?

"It's been killing me not going thanks to Covid, and the quicker we can all go back the better, I really need that normality back."

What are your plans for the podcast and the page in the future?

"I'm hoping the podcast goes from strength to strength. We interviewed two players this year and I'm hoping to interview some Stoke heroes in the future, but I also like hearing my fellow Stoke fans have their say, it's so important to me."

"If people want to find out more just search The Potters Podcast on Instagram Twitter or Facebook and join our growing family.

"Thank you to everybody who follows and listens, you're the reason we do it!"

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