Ben Gibson wants new club Stoke City to channel the spirit of Ipswich to bring the good times back to the Championship club, after his release from Norwich City.

The former Canaries’ centre back was a free agent after leaving Carrow Road but penned a three year deal with the Potters last week.

Gibson won promotion with Norwich but also suffered play-off heartache last season, and believes the soaring Blues can be an inspiration following back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna.

“From where Stoke was last season we have a lot of work to do. But as Ipswich have shown nothing is impossible,” he said. “They bounced out of League One and were unbelievable to get promoted straight into the Premier League after one season. Anything can happen.

"We have to find an effective style that works for us, and from the conversations I have had with the manger he is very clear on the identity he wants to bring. The most important thing is sticking together. They did that last season, and we are looking to significantly improve upon on that.”

Gibson, in his first Stoke club interview, revealed he sought advice from the likes of Danny Batth and Angus Gunn, who both had spells in the Potteries.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players who were here before. I know this club is full of good people,” he said. “I spoke to Danny Batth, Angus Gunn and they speak very highly of the place. Phil Bardsley another one who was here in the really good times.

“I’ve cancelled a couple of holidays and I want to be sure I come back in tip top shape so I can come in on day one and impress everyone. I want to fast forward a few weeks to getting everything sorted.

“With everyone aligned I think we can achieve something special. You have to have a good team but you have to be made of the right stuff. Those (promotion) experiences aid you massively. I also lost a play-off final and was beaten in two play-off semi-finals. It takes that to know what it will take to get over the line.”