Stoke announce three new signings

Stoke City finally stoked up their transfer activity in what has been a relatively quiet transfer window by signing Michael Kightly and Geoff Cameron from Wolves and Houston Dynamo respectively.

They join the other new recruit, Jamie Ness, recently signed from Rangers in the shake up with the Premier League starting in little over a week.

The signing of Kightly is an exciting one for Potters’ fans, especially after the inconsistent performances of winger Jermaine Pennant last season.  It wasn’t too long ago Kightly was on Manchester United’s radar, but a cruel run of luck with injuries has meant he has spent more time on the sidelines than out on the pitch.

“It’s gone on longer than we’d have hoped for,” Potters’ assistant manager David Kemp told BBC Radio Stoke.  “We had hoped to have him in for the start of pre-season. But we’re just happy to get the deal completed.”

Kightly joined Wolves from Grays Athletic for £25,000 in 2006 and despite neither club disclosing the seven figure amount Stoke have paid for their new acquisition, Wolves have made a tidy profit on the former Tottenham trainee.

Geoff Cameron finally joins from MLS side Houston Dynamo for £1.7 million after being held up by a work permit issue.

His signing has come at the right time for Stoke with the unfortunate news of Robert Huth’s meningitis scare.

“We are delighted that the appeals’ panel has approved the work permit and we are now in a position to conclude the transfer,” Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes – who had to attend the appeals panel in Manchester with manager Tony Pulis – told the club website.

“It’s been a difficult period between agreeing the transfer deal and the hearing, most difficult for Geoff in particular because his life has been on hold.

“Thankfully though, we have now progressed to a point where Geoff can focus on the start to his career at the Britannia Stadium.“

It’s been hard work for Stoke to actually get their new recruits onto the pitch as Jamie Ness, signed from Rangers earlier in the summer, is still awaiting international clearance to play.

Paul Jones, Football correspondent