This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Comment’ series, this content strand is where the author of the article issues their personal opinion on the topic at hand....

It has been a disastrous start to the new season for Stoke City. The Potters are currently bottom of the Championship table, with one point from a possible 21.

Nathan Jones' side have lost their last four league games and have the worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 17 goals.

The poor results and disappointing performances have increased the scrutiny on manager Jones, who is now under enormous pressure to save his job.

During a recent interview, striker Sam Vokes has assured Stoke fans that the players have the strength of character and mental capacity to turn things around.

The forward admitted that the players need to take responsibility for their poor start and move forward.

Vokes is right and his comments should offer Stoke fans a glimmer of hope. It shows that the players have still got that hunger and desire to succeed.

However, it's one thing saying it. It's now time for the players to step up and do their talking on the pitch - before it's too late.

The Championship is a ruthless and unforgiving league, and if Stoke don't start to put some points on the board soon, they could be in big trouble.

When you consider that Huddersfield head coach Jan Siewert was sacked after just four games after an equally poor start, you get the impression that Jones really doesn't have long to turn things around - but he can't do it all on his own.

The players have got to step up and start delivering results on the pitch, whatever it takes.

Stoke have got some talented players in their squad and would have been hoping to challenge for promotion at the start of the season, which makes their position in the league table even more questionable.

It could be a lack of confidence that has resulted in such a poor run, but the players have got to find a way of turning things around quickly. The more experienced players and the big characters in the dressing room have got to take the lead on this.

There's still time for the players to get their season back on track and the fact that a few other teams have got off to a similarly slow start means that they can still save their season.

However, if results don't start to improve soon, they could be in big trouble. Vokes' comments should offer Stoke fans hope, but it's now time for the players to do their talking on the pitch.