Assistant manager Dave Kemp believes the appearance of boss Tony Pulis inspired Stoke to a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
Pulis was not in the dugout for the first half at the Britannia Stadium having travelled to South Wales earlier in the day after his mother passed away.
But, with the Potters trailing 1-0 at the break, he made an appearance in the dressing room before receiving a tremendous ovation from the Britannia Stadium faithful when he walked out to the dugout.
Stoke then came storming back to win thanks to goals from Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth, and number two Kemp said: “(Pulis) has obviously had a very sad day but typical for him he wanted to get straight back into it, put his overalls on and get on with his work.
“That is why he has been a great manager for this football club. He is desperate, with all else he has got going on, to have an impact.
“His appearance gave the players and fans a boost and I think you saw that.”