Stoke chairman Peter Coates believes his son John would be an ideal candidate to succeed him when he decides to step down.

The 39-year-old is heavily involved in the family's internet gambling business bet365 and a fan of the club.

While Coates senior, 71, has no immediate plans to step aside, he told the Sentinel: "John is hugely knowledgeable about football. He has followed Stoke since a boy."

He added: "In my view he would be an excellent chairman - if that's what he wants to do."

Coates confirmed the financing of the £6million improvements to the training ground would come from the family's finances, not the transfer kitty.