WORLD Cup-winning centre-forward Roger Hunt believes Stoke

City will face a difficult fight to retain their Premier League

status – and says history is against the Potters in their

battle to beat the drop.

The 69-year-old former Liverpool striker delivered his

verdict on the Potters' survival chances at the annual Gordon

Banks Charity Golf Classic at Wychwood Park Golf Club, but said

he was hopeful Stoke could overcome the odds.

“If you look at the history of the Premier League, you see

that usually a couple of the teams who come up don't survive,”

said Hunt.

“It's going to be a battle every single week, and I think a

lot of it comes down to your home form, which was shown by

Sunderland last season.

“It is a big step up, but if they can bring the right

players in, they should give themselves a chance.”

Hunt was full of praise for Stoke president Banks, and said

he was delighted to be involved in the legendary keeper's

annual golf fund-raiser.

He has remained close friends with Banks since their days as

international team-mates, and rates him as the finest

goalkeeper he has ever played with.

“I'm very friendly with Gordon, and he's obviously somebody

who is known all over the world, not just in this area,” said

Hunt.

“Everybody knows Gordon Banks, and when he played he was the

best goalkeeper in the world.

“I'd say his anticipation was one of his biggest strengths,

but in truth he didn't really have a weakness.”

The Golf Classic has raised almost £100,000 for charity

during its seven-year existence, and is organised by Stephanie

Edwards and Sam Humphries, of Edge Models.

The money raised from this year's event will be split

between the North Staffs Emergency Access Fund and the

Macmillan Nurses at Home charity.

Notable participants on the fairways included England's 1966

reserve goalkeeper Ron Flowers and former Stoke defender Mike

Bernard, although Sir Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles were

forced to pull out at the last minute due to other

commitments.

The Potters' director of football John Rudge also took part,

along with City chief executive Tony Scholes and director Keith

Humphries, while Stoke chairman Peter Coates and manager Tony

Pulis attended the event's evening entertainment, which

included a charity auction.

Stoke legend Banks was unable to play himself following a

shoulder operation, but he felt the day had been a terrific

success.

“Everyone who gets involved enjoys the day, and it helps out

the charities which the golf club and I support,” said

Banks.

“I am disappointed not to be playing myself, but it won't be

long before I'm back on the course, and I can't wait to play in

next year's event.”

TO see Banksy at the golf day, log on at

www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk/banksy