Stoke City have struck gold with double Tottenham transfer | OneFootball

2005-born stars Ash Phillips and Jamie Donley are not just in Staffordshire for squad depth

Stoke City have secured two exceptional loan signings from Tottenham in 2005-born talents Ashley Phillips and Jamie Donley.

Phillips' decision to return to the Potters for a second consecutive loan spell speaks volumes about both the player's development under Mark Robins and the club's reputation as a destination for top-flight talent.

The 20-year-old centre-back made 39 appearances across all competitions last season and scored his first goal in an EFL Cup clash against Southampton.

Donley arrives in Staffordshire on the back of an instrumental season in League One for Leyton Orient. Along with helping the O's to the playoffs, Donley recorded eight goals and ten assists in 42 league games.

Phillips returning to Stoke was a "no-brainer".

The young defender's enthusiasm for returning to Stoke was evident in his comments upon re-signing, describing it as "unfinished business" and a "no-brainer", via the club's official website.

Phillips specifically praised the influence of first-team coach Ryan Shawcross, stating, "Working with Ryan Shawcross in particular is great for me

"He helped my game immeasurably last year and I am sure that will be the case again this season," he added.

The loan sets him up for continued development next season - he joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers for approximately £2m in 2023 after they activated his release clause.

Phillips' progression through the youth ranks at Ewood Park saw him make his professional debut at just 17 years old, and he took to regular game-time in the second-tier last season like a duck to water.

Donley will be ready to prove himself in a higher league

Donley's exceptional form throughout his loan spell at Brisbane Road saw him named both Orient's Young Player and Player of the Season - in his first taste of senior football.

His creativity and goal threat from midfield positions made him indispensable to Richie Wellens' side, with the Northern Ireland international leading the third-tier in assists despite joining them after the season had already started.

During his time with Spurs, Donley featured as a left-back in pre-season before establishing himself as an attacking midfielder and forward - capable of playing on either flank.

Mark Robins should be hoping for a higher league finish with the Spurs duo

The Potters' 18th-place finish in the Championship last season does obviously show defensive fragilities that Phillips' return should help address, while Donley's creativity already offers a lot more than Mark Robins has been used to.

Last season, Tom Cannon was Stoke's top scorer in the league with nine goals whilst on loan from Everton - he signed permanently for Sheffield United in January. Joon-Ho Bae had the most assists come the end of the season, with five.

Phillips, despite his experience in the Championship, has yet to make his senior debut for Spurs. So he'll most likely view another season of regular first-team football as somewhat essential preparation for a Premier League breakthrough.

Upon signing for Stoke, Donley told the club's website, "I had a few teams after me but I decided on Stoke when the gaffer called.

"I had a chat with Ash too and he said it's a great club, with good people in the building and he can definitely see me contributing to the team in a positive way," he added.

Make no mistake about it, these loan signings a more than just squad additions - they signal Stoke's commitment to addressing immediate needs in the league. The Potters have secured two players whose potential suggests a successful season is on the cards.