Team boss Malcolm Vasey excited by Stoke challenge

Vasey takes charge of his first match against Birmingham on Wednesday

New Stoke Potters manager Malcolm Vasey is confident that his team can have a successful season in 2010.

Vasey, who has replaced John Woolridge as team boss, told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's an opportunity for a new challenge and something different.

"We've got an exciting team, we need to be competitive, we need to entertain, and then we'll get the fans behind us. They're fervent supporters at Stoke."

Stoke begin the season with a challenge match against Birmingham on Wednesday.

The Potters have made five changes to their line-up for 2010.

New skipper Jason Bunyan and young Danish rider Klaus Jakobsen are the only two to remain at Loomer Road.

"We've got an excellent leader in Jason," said Vasey. "He leads from the front.

"I think we've also got the two most exciting reserves in the Premier League in James Holder and Taylor Poole, and we're well balanced throughout the team.

"We're in for a top-notch season, I've no doubt about it."