Stoke City have had a pretty poor start to life back in the Championship.

Gary Rowett’s men have picked up just one win and two draws in their opening six league fixtures since their relegation from the Premier League.

The solitary win came over fellow early strugglers Hull City with draws against Brentford and Preston.

Three defeats however against Leeds United , Wigan Athletic and West Brom sees the Potters 18th in the table and one point outside the bottom three.

It is still, of course, early days, and there will be time to reflect on the club’s start to the season during this two-week international break before the Championship resumes with a trip to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday.

There has been a lot learnt and a fair bit that still needs to be figured out by the Stoke boss once the league starts up again in two weeks’ time.

With that said, here are three things Rowett will have learned about his Stoke side so far this season.

Stoke City have conceded the joint third most goals in the division, letting in 11 during their opening six matches.

That is just under two per game, which is not a sustainable amount, considering they average just over one goal per game.

It is a trend that needs to end with the weak defence needing to become a more resiliant, cohesive unit in order to not only stay in games but to win them, too.

Gary Rowett would have learned that his side are just too slow at moving the ball, they need to remember they are no longer in the Premier League where possession and time on the ball is not a given.

The blood and thunder of the Championship makes it a tough league to be able to keep the ball at will.

He will need to teach his side to move the ball quicker upon returning from the international break.

One two separate occasions, Gary Rowett, has named the same team twice, the first being after the 2-2 draw with Preston heading into the Wigan game where they were hammered 3-0.

The second being the 2-0 win over Hull City before a defeat to West Brom.

He keeps the same team on a positive result but alters it after a negative one.

Continuity is vital, and it goes to show that he is still searching for the magic formula that is his best XI.