Allen boosts Stoke with new contract

LONDON: Wales international footballer Joe Allen says he will make up for his failing to save Stoke City from relegation by helping them regain their Premier League status after signing a four-year contract on Monday.

The 28-year-old midfielder — an integral part of the Wales team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals losing to eventual champions Portugal — said he and his team-mates had to accept responsibility for Stoke losing their elite status after a 10-year stay.

Allen’s decision to remain will be a boost to Gary Rowett, who took over as manager after Paul Lambert left following Stoke’s relegation.