Stoke City caretaker boss Rory Delap has asked for the fans to stick with the players this weekend as the Potters gear up to take on Barnsley in a pivotal clash.

A 2-0 defeat to West Brom on Monday has left the side bottom of the Championship and they remain without a manager following Nathan Jones' dismissal last week.

However, the Tykes have troubles of their own, as they are also without a boss and they are just one point and one place above Stoke in the table.

So, the importance of this game cannot be underestimated and Delap explained to the club's media how the fans can help, whilst thanking them for their support.

"We have 2,500 fans travelling on Saturday and I implore them to get behind the team. We can't allow the manager situation at the moment to impact on our preparations for the game.

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"To have 2,500 fans travelling on Saturday, given where we are in the league, shows how much the Club means to the city. We need to repay that support and quickly."

A win at Oakwell could see Stoke close the six-point gap to safety that currently stands.

The verdict

It's good to see that Delap recognises the importance of the weekend game and the role the fans will play.

Even though they are rightly annoyed at the situation the club are in, there's no doubting that they will back the players come 3pm Saturday.

Now, the players need to step up and deliver to ensure they leave Yorkshire with three points.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.