From bbc

[606Stokie]

Simonsen vows to fight for place

Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen says he will stay and fight for his place in the team despite being dropped in favour of on-loan stopper Carlo Nash.
"I've been here for four years and there's no way I would even think about jumping ship," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I will stay and I will fight for my place. As far as I am concerned I will always feel that way."

The 29-year-old joined the Potters in 2004 from Everton and has made over 150 first team appearances.

Simonsen added: "On a personal note, it was terrible to be dropped but the team continues to do well and the most important thing is that Stoke get promoted to the Premier League."

Nash is the second keeper to arrive on loan at the Britannia Stadium this season. Hungarian international Marton Fulop spent one game on the bench for the Potters before being recalled by Sunderland.

The manager has told me that he feels I need a rest, which obviously I don't agree with

Steve Simonsen

Simonsen continued: "I thought Marton was going to play at Preston but then he was called back to Sunderland. After that I thought the manager (Tony Pulis) was still keen on bringing someone else in and obviously Carlo Nash arrived from Wigan. It was disappointing but I can't say I was too surprised."

It is the second time this season that Simonsen has been dropped by Pulis. Russell Hoult was chosen to play in goal against Plymouth, but was sent off and subsequently suspended, re-opening the door for Simonsen.

"The manager has told me that he feels I need a rest, which obviously I don't agree with. But, he makes the decisions and the team is sitting top of the league and the main objective is promotion whether Steve Simonsen is in the side or not," added Simonsen.

"I don't feel tired at all. I'm working hard and I don't have any niggling injuries. The manager never expected me to take his decision lying down but I've taken it like a man and I will get on with my job."

No one would be happier than me if we gain promotion to the Premier League

Steve Simonsen

Simonsen had made over 100 consecutive league appearances for the Potters before being dropped for the Plymouth game and says he will be ready when his chance comes around again.

"Last time within 80 minutes or so I was back on the pitch. We are now in a vital part of the season and with so few games to go the Premier League is in touching distance. You have to ready because you don't know when you might be called on.

"We've done so well this season and I have been a major part of that but now I find myself sitting on the bench. It's disappointing but no one would be happier than me if we gain promotion to the Premier League."

[10 Pint Potter]

it's good to see he's not throwing his toys out the pram, i'm sure he'll double his efforts in training and will be reayd when pulis comes calling again

[bedson1para]

very good attitude especially in todays football world

[ben88]

"Simonsen had made over 100 consecutive league appearances for the Potters before being dropped for the Plymouth"

didnt hoult play one this season?

[10 Pint Potter]

ben88 said:

"Simonsen had made over 100 consecutive league appearances for the Potters before being dropped for the Plymouth"

didnt hoult play one this season?

that was the plymouth game mate

[madeinstoke]

good attitude from a good keeper.

think simmo loves it here and has the club at heart.