Stoke's new signing Matthew Upson relishing challenge at Brittania Stadium

By Telegraph staff and agencies9:02AM BST 10 Aug 2011Comments Both players will have to break up the established pairing of captain Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth in central defence if they want a starting berth. But Upson signed a two-year deal, after his contract with relegated West Ham expired, in the knowledge that would be the case. "There is a lot of competition for places here and that is part of the attraction," he said. "I will relish the fight for a spot because it draws the best out of players. "The manager has talked to me about the culture here, the discipline and the organisation, and that is an environment I am looking forward to working in."Upson has been signed in time to be registered for Stoke's forthcoming Europa League play-off against Swiss side FC Thun. He will train with his new team-mates for the first time today and is likely to go into the squad for Sunday's visit of Chelsea in Stoke's Barclays Premier League opener. Related Articles

Source: Telegraph