Relegation is a cruel mistress, bringing with it a raft of new challenges to overcome. Stoke City are in new territory too, possibly for the first time in their history they're the big top-flight club dropping down.

When they first hit the Premier League they were 'little old Stoke', a team seemingly popping up from the lower levels for a year in the sun before sloping back off to where they came from. Tony Pulis saw to it that wasn't the case and whilst it wasn't always pretty, Stoke City became Premier League regulars.

Now, they're the long-term top-flight side that have fallen on hard times. Their instinct will be to spend some money, build a strong side capable of bouncing straight back and earning the right to dine at the top table again. However, it is a balancing act, spending has to be carefully measured and the right characters must be drafted in to earn promotion.

They've started well by bringing in Benik Afobe, but he needs to be the starting point. So, who else do Stoke need to bring in? Which other players can they sign to ensure their name is in the headlines, not that of their World Cup hero Shaqiri. Here are three players FLW feels would benefit Stoke City and give their summer an injection of belief.

Gray hasn't really proven himself in the top flight, but his raw pace and natural instinct for goals might suit the power of Afobe. He's a target, there's little doubt about that, and in landing a target they could send a message to other sides in the division.

Stoke need to kick off next season as a feared enemy, not a soft touch and bringing in Andre Gray would give them a frightening pairing up top.

If they balk a little at the Gray asking price, perhaps Fernando Forestieri would be more suited to playing off Afobe? His season might have been blighted by injury, but he's a schemer and might just be a natural replacement for Shaqiri.

He might not cost quite as much as Gary and he has knowledge of the Championship already, something he shares with Afobe. Finding a partner for the big man is going to be crucial and Forestieri could easily fit the bill.Whilst looking at the front line, they must not neglect the back and one man we think would be perfect in defence for them is Curtis Davies.

Granted, he's not getting any younger, but he is well-known to Rowett and he has the knowledge and experience to add value to any second-tier side.

Tempting a top player from a playoff-chasing side would give them a boost too.