I didnt manage to post yesterday due to being away from the PC all bloody day but i am extatic with the signings, i think Stoke City have once again done us proud and all credit to TP, PC and TS for making this happen.
Run down on the transfer window:
OUTS:
Simmo - Good keeper but never good enough for the Prem and miles behind Sorro and Begovic, happy to see him move on.
Griff - again best year behind him, i know him and he did fall out with TP a long time ago and therefore again, happy to see him move on.
Kitson - idiot IMO, always reported as moody and a sulker, him gesture last season after being given more than one chance was enough, very happy to see him move on and off the wage bill.
Lawrence - massive respect for what he did for us in the Championship and indeed in the majority of the first season. Seemed swayed when Beats joined and always a bit of a ladies man/party boy but overall a decent footballer. Probably on a good wage after his new contract last season and not really in the first team plans this season so again, not over the moon but happy to see him move on.
Beats - bad egg, did well for us but a big head and publically fell out with TP, got a good return for him and again a large amount off the wage bill - very happy to see him move on.
Marshall, Dicko, Moult, Arismendi - Good loan moves for these younger players, all still worthy of consideration at SCFC and Arismendi has started very well this season.
Sonko - Loan move but i believe out of contract at the end of it, a liability and glad he has gone, wont be back at SCFC.
INS:
Kenwyne Jones - Brilliant and over the moon, ideal for Stoke, ideal for the fans and KJ himself. Knows the club and manager from before so settling in was simple, showed glimpses already of why he will be an asset and as mentioned countless times one of the best withdrawn striker roles in the Prem, should score 10 goals at least this season especially now the service should be coming from both flanks, money well spent and IMO 2million under his potential RRP.
Florent Cuvelier - Great prospect from what i have read/heard, personally dont know a lot about him but we must add young players and this is what TP has done, great stuff.
Carlo Nash - We needed a 3rd GK and Carlo is proven to be a decent GK. Looked a bit dodgy against Shrewsbury but should be ok as wont get that many games, free transfer so happy with this.
Salif Diao - Obviously not been bought in again to play a massive amount of games, free and knows the club. Everyone loves Salif around the club and he has extensive contacts in Africa etc so this for me (as well as he isnt a bad player) is a good move.
Marc Wilson - I dont know a massive amount about him but he is obviously very highly rated, Captain of his club and a young up and coming player, someone who has also allowed us to get rid of Kitson. Can play in CM and has a very good pass on him which is exactly what we required, good stuff again.
J Walters - Wasnt too sure of this at the time BUT wow, first three performances (all in one week) were utterly superb, can play the Mama role, looks comfortable on the wing, scored already and should have had that one against Spurs, fighter, good strength and feet, again player of the year at his club, again a gem pulled out of the bag i feel here.
Eidur Gudjonhsen - I cant believe i actually just typed that! Even just having him at SCFC is unreal let alone the fact that he can play and is still a very good player. Obviously not 100% fit but when he is, (and TP will get him fit) will be unreal for Stoke. I feel its time to change our style now to suit him and some of the other players and he can score 10+ goals for us. Will sell alot of new shirts too
Jermaine Pennant - Again didnt think we would sign him, we have been crying out for a RW to complement Etherington and to cause teams problems with pace/skill on both flanks, we now have this. TP needs to get JP fit asap and get him on that RW, Mr K Jones must be loving the prospect of the two wingers firing balls in for him!
OTHERS
Ryan - Still at the club, im sure we had enquiries and big offers BUT he is still here, great stuff Stoke.
Huth - I feel this was the one Twitch wanted for Jenas and we wouldnt be bullied, again credit to Stoke.
Begovic - No one gets one over on TP, nice one and i hope that Bego decides to knuckle down and get into the team
Tunny - For me i love him, god knows when he will play again now but im over the moon he is still in the squad, sure he will go in Jan if he isnt played much though.
OVERALL - Superb Stoke, i feel to complement the new players we must flex the style now, passing more and using the wingers to our fullest advantage.
QUESTIONS -
Where the hell plays at RB - Deano/Delap/Huth/Wilko?
Where do we play Deano?
Where do we play Delap?
Who the hell starts up front?
Where does Eidur play?
We cant drop Walters with how he is playing (Fuller/Tunny)?
Who`s the best Keeper?
CB pairing?
LB?
All VERY good problems to have.
BEST TEAM - fuck knows!!!!
Bego
Deano Huth Shawx Higgy
Pennant Wilson Eidur Ethers
KJ Walters
Subs
Sorro
Fuller
Tunny
Wilko
Whelan
Delap
Abdy
WHAT REMAINS - For this to be a perfect situation we could have signed a proper LB/RB and also a proper playmaker i.e. Jenas BUT in my views this is the only areas we are now lacking.
BRILLIANT STOKE AND I AM PROUD TO BE A STOKE FAN TODAY.
