Memories flood back as Tigers hunt points

Lucking died 11-years-ago of heart disease but was, alongside current club owner Neil Machin, responsible for saving the club in the early 90s following the financial collapse of the previous management.

The visit of the Potters on Premier League business has traditionally doubled-up as the Lucking Memorial night because he was based in Staffordshire.

Machin said: "It's hard to believe it is 11-years since Tim passed away. However, never a day goes by when we don't see his influence in some way.

"I still miss his intelligent humour, he was so funny and I can tell you when we travelled to meetings together it was like being in the car with a stand-up comedian!"

But Machin also admits the meeting is taking on great importance because of Tigers' current league position which has deteriorated thanks to a series of rain-offs - but mainly because of their woeful away form which has seen them lose eight on the bounce.

"We need to start putting a run of results together and we're going to need to win away again if we're to reach the play-offs," said Machin.

"Stoke were the last team to beat us at Owlerton in the most unexpected circumstances last season when Kyle Legault fell in the last race decider and we haven't forgotten that.

"It should be a cracking night and with the weather set fair I'm sure we'll have a big crowd to support us."

Once again the club are offering free admission to acxcompanied children under 12.