STOKE CITY Football Club have joined forces with Greater Manchester Police to take positive steps in fostering a better relationship between the Club's supporters and the authority over the coming season.

City's Chief Executive Tony Scholes held discussions with Police officials and members of the Football Supporters Federation in the countdown to their first visit to the Greater Manchester area this season for the Barclays Premier League game against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Potters are encouraged that the Police have so far opted not to alter the kick-off times of their matches in the area this season, a measure that was implemented a number of times last season on the grounds of public safety.

"We have had constructive dialogue with Greater Manchester Police as a result of the well-documented incidents that took place last season and are certainly encouraged by the outcome of those discussions," said Scholes.

"There was a strong commitment from both sides to move forward and not dwell on the past. Therefore, the fact that Greater Manchester Police have chosen not alter the kick-off times is a very positive move in that respect."

Those views were echoed by the Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, who commented: "I met with Stoke City officials and members of the Football Supporters Federation in an effort to ensure Stoke City supporters' visits to Greater Manchester are enjoyable and safe this season."

He added: "I am pleased that we have been able to move forward constructively and look forward to Stoke City's visits to the area for matches this season passing off peacefully so that genuine fans can enjoy the football."

City have sold out of their allocation of 2,900 tickets for the game against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday afternoon.