|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 12:50:23 GMT
We may only be 6 weeks into the new campaign but Stoke fans can reflect on a positive start to life under Mark Hughes’ leadership. After a torrid time in his previous spell at Loftus Road, where he went a dozen matches without victory, a good start was all important. The early results will have taken a bit of pressure off Hughes’ back and allowed him to get on with the task in hand. With a couple of league wins already chalked up that monkey is well and truly off his back. In addition to the victories in the league, we have also turned in a couple of comfortable results in the cup, not forgetting the very decent draw against Man City at The Brit to boot. That draw could, and perhaps should, have been even better save for some poor finishing on the day too. Our two defeats to date have been on the road at Anfield and at The Emirates, nothing to lose face over there. In fact, similar to Man City at home, the Liverpool match could’ve been better had Walters converted his penalty late on. All things considered, we’ve had a successful start to the 2013/14 campaign.
Results aside though, perhaps the most encouraging thing of all has been the performances. Under Hughes’ management we have witnessed a significant change in style and it appears to be one that is working well for us, and things can only improve as time progresses. With each passing game the players are becoming more accustomed to what is being asked of them and the displays will only get better. There were concerns amongst Stoke fans that any perceived change in approach may have had negative consequences in terms of results. A more open and attacking mind set could have left us vulnerable at the back; it was always going to be a fine line. Thus far it appears to be a line we are treading quite successfully and it definitely isn’t a case of ‘style over substance’.
Another important factor to consider is that entertainment is back on the agenda once again. The final 18 months under Tony Pulis were quite drab if we’re being honest. Most fans are happy enough if the results are rolling in, regardless of style and performances on the pitch. The problem under Pulis was that the results were no longer being delivered. If you aren’t entertaining your fan base, and you’re turning in miserable performances along the way, you’re always going to be heading for trouble.
By contrast, this Season has been a breath of fresh air. We are witnessing a more patient and controlled side. Ball retention has improved ten-fold and we are witnessing a team willing to commit more bodies forward and create chances. No longer are we more concerned with nullifying anything that the opposition has to offer. It is now a case of setting up to cause our opponents problems. We are still far from the finished article though and we still need to address the lack of goals that has plagued us for a good while, but the signs are there that we’re definitely moving in the right direction.
It’s still early doors and it’s too early to get carried away, but all the signs are positive. Another important factor to consider is the competition instilled in the team by Hughes and the utilisation of the squad at his disposal. Again, it was no secret that Tony Pulis had his favourites during his tenure. It didn’t matter what the fringe players did when given a chance; you could pretty much put your mortgage on predicting the starting XI the following week. Things are different this term and more players are being given opportunities and “playing for the shirt” is definitely back on the cards. You only have to look at Kenwyne Jones as proof of that. Peter Crouch started the season as first choice up front but when Jones was given a chance in the League Cup, he took it with both hands and bagged himself a hat-trick. He then went onto retain his place in the subsequent league matches. Genuine competition is healthy and shouldn’t be underestimated as an asset at our disposal. Other players on the fringes will have seen what Jones has done and know that they have the chance to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI whenever they are given opportunities.
At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option. Peter Coates rightly took the decision to wield the axe, and so began the revolution. A lot of fans questioned the decision at the time. We may have been stuttering under Pulis, but he was still keeping us in the league; did we really need the change? Was it really worth the risk? The answer is undoubtedly yes. It was a mixed reaction from Stoke fans when Coates named his man but with every passing game, more and more fans are coming around to the decision he made.
It’s premature to be making bold predictions, but the outlook appears very bright under the guidance of Mark Hughes. Initial post mortem? Things are on the up. Viva la Revolution.
|
|
|
|
Post by mickmacc on Sept 27, 2013 12:55:08 GMT
Having already posted a thread in praise of Hughes I agree things are on the up.
However no-one should ever forget the contribution Tony Pulis made to this club.
Yes we're evolving but TP did a lot of the hard yards.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 12:56:34 GMT
V good post
edit - mickmacc, nobody will forget this and I don't think any have either. it's all about looking forward though
|
|
|
|
Post by chr15 on Sept 27, 2013 13:05:07 GMT
We may only be 6 weeks into the new campaign but Stoke fans can reflect on a positive start to life under Mark Hughes’ leadership. After a torrid time in his previous spell at Loftus Road, where he went a dozen matches without victory, a good start was all important. The early results will have taken a bit of pressure off Hughes’ back and allowed him to get on with the task in hand. With a couple of league wins already chalked up that monkey is well and truly off his back. In addition to the victories in the league, we have also turned in a couple of comfortable results in the cup, not forgetting the very decent draw against Man City at The Brit to boot. That draw could, and perhaps should, have been even better save for some poor finishing on the day too. Our two defeats to date have been on the road at Anfield and at The Emirates, nothing to lose face over there. In fact, similar to Man City at home, the Liverpool match could’ve been better had Walters converted his penalty late on. All things considered, we’ve had a successful start to the 2013/14 campaign. Results aside though, perhaps the most encouraging thing of all has been the performances. Under Hughes’ management we have witnessed a significant change in style and it appears to be one that is working well for us, and things can only improve as time progresses. With each passing game the players are becoming more accustomed to what is being asked of them and the displays will only get better. There were concerns amongst Stoke fans that any perceived change in approach may have had negative consequences in terms of results. A more open and attacking mind set could have left us vulnerable at the back; it was always going to be a fine line. Thus far it appears to be a line we are treading quite successfully and it definitely isn’t a case of ‘style over substance’. Another important factor to consider is that entertainment is back on the agenda once again. The final 18 months under Tony Pulis were quite drab if we’re being honest. Most fans are happy enough if the results are rolling in, regardless of style and performances on the pitch. The problem under Pulis was that the results were no longer being delivered. If you aren’t entertaining your fan base, and you’re turning in miserable performances along the way, you’re always going to be heading for trouble. By contrast, this Season has been a breath of fresh air. We are witnessing a more patient and controlled side. Ball retention has improved ten-fold and we are witnessing a team willing to commit more bodies forward and create chances. No longer are we more concerned with nullifying anything that the opposition has to offer. It is now a case of setting up to cause our opponents problems. We are still far from the finished article though and we still need to address the lack of goals that has plagued us for a good while, but the signs are there that we’re definitely moving in the right direction. It’s still early doors and it’s too early to get carried away, but all the signs are positive. Another important factor to consider is the competition instilled in the team by Hughes and the utilisation of the squad at his disposal. Again, it was no secret that Tony Pulis had his favourites during his tenure. It didn’t matter what the fringe players did when given a chance; you could pretty much put your mortgage on predicting the starting XI the following week. Things are different this term and more players are being given opportunities and “playing for the shirt” is definitely back on the cards. You only have to look at Kenwyne Jones as proof of that. Peter Crouch started the season as first choice up front but when Jones was given a chance in the League Cup, he took it with both hands and bagged himself a hat-trick. He then went onto retain his place in the subsequent league matches. Genuine competition is healthy and shouldn’t be underestimated as an asset at our disposal. Other players on the fringes will have seen what Jones has done and know that they have the chance to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI whenever they are given opportunities. At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option. Peter Coates rightly took the decision to wield the axe, and so began the revolution. A lot of fans questioned the decision at the time. We may have been stuttering under Pulis, but he was still keeping us in the league; did we really need the change? Was it really worth the risk? The answer is undoubtedly yes. It was a mixed reaction from Stoke fans when Coates named his man but with every passing game, more and more fans are coming around to the decision he made. It’s premature to be making bold predictions, but the outlook appears very bright under the guidance of Mark Hughes. Initial post mortem? Things are on the up. Viva la Revolution. Well said. Hopefully, the highlighted part of your post will not be interpreted by some as some sort of attack on Tony Pulis, who I think everyone will agree deserves a large amount of credit for his very significant contribution to the fortunes of Stoke City Football Club. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 13:08:37 GMT
It definitely isn't intended as a dig at Pulis.
|
|
|
|
Post by chr15 on Sept 27, 2013 13:10:56 GMT
It definitely isn't intended as a dig at Pulis. Clearly - but unfortunatley there are those who will choose to view it as such. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 13:19:31 GMT
Good post, WD.  I think Hughesy has pleasently surprised most people, so far. Both with the style and the intent. Many were complaining, straight after the appointment, that this wasn't the revolution they had wanted; but even the hardliners appear on their way to being converted. But I don't agree that Our Tone was unwilling to change; I think he was unable to (or feared he would not be successful doing so, probably more accurately). But I hope, at some point down the line, he can come back for a walk out and let Stokies show their appreciation for what he did do. |
|
|
|
Post by werrington on Sept 27, 2013 13:20:17 GMT
The match day experience is an altogether more pleasant and positive experience both on terms of the football and in the pubs
It was getting a chore rather than an occasion
That's my post mortem and an honest assessment
Excellent post WD
Edit......I for one wanted Mark Hughes as manager when it became clear Martinez was a non starter
|
|
|
|
Post by foxysgloves on Sept 27, 2013 13:30:48 GMT
An absolute dream of a start. Hughes has been all we could have wished for. And more.
No bull shit. Just quietly doing a job and somehow transforming our style of play in an incredibly short time. Throw in a few goals and we're a genuine top half side.
If he can keep this up then the future is very bright.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kjones9 on Sept 27, 2013 13:32:26 GMT
An absolute dream of a start. Hughes has been all we could have wished for. And more. No bull shit. Just quietly doing a job and somehow transforming our style of play in an incredibly short time. Throw in a few goals and we're a genuine top half side. If he can keep this up then the future is very bright. Rimmer. |
|
|
|
Post by foxysgloves on Sept 27, 2013 13:35:15 GMT
An absolute dream of a start. Hughes has been all we could have wished for. And more. No bull shit. Just quietly doing a job and somehow transforming our style of play in an incredibly short time. Throw in a few goals and we're a genuine top half side. If he can keep this up then the future is very bright. Rimmer. A leopard never changes its spots. |
|
|
|
Post by foster on Sept 27, 2013 13:50:30 GMT
WD = Pulis Hater.
|
|
|
|
Post by owdestokie on Sept 27, 2013 14:38:18 GMT
WD. A good balanced post
Where you say "At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option".......I'm not sure that is quite true.
Something went on in January that badly affected the rest of the season, we were in a rut but I don't think Pulis had "any room to change" rather than being "unwilling to change". Looking back whatever it was may have stopped the evolution during the close season. Something which we will never know
Its now a new page in the history of the club. Onwards and upwards!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Davef on Sept 27, 2013 15:52:51 GMT
Good stuff, but when is this treading on eggshells going to end? We should be able to praise our current manager without having to put an addendum at the end of the post telling everyone we're not having a dig at our previous one.
|
|
|
|
Post by jstoke7 on Sept 27, 2013 15:58:56 GMT
WD. A good balanced post Where you say "At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option".......I'm not sure that is quite true. Something went on in January that badly affected the rest of the season, we were in a rut but I don't think Pulis had "any room to change" rather than being "unwilling to change". Looking back whatever it was may have stopped the evolution during the close season. Something which we will never know Its now a new page in the history of the club. Onwards and upwards!!! Pulis has always played the same way, there wasn't even the slightest sign that we were evolving at all. You really think he could get us playing the football we are now with the coaching staff and the mentality he has? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 16:00:19 GMT
WD. A good balanced post Where you say "At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option".......I'm not sure that is quite true. Something went on in January that badly affected the rest of the season, we were in a rut but I don't think Pulis had "any room to change" rather than being "unwilling to change". Looking back whatever it was may have stopped the evolution during the close season. Something which we will never know Its now a new page in the history of the club. Onwards and upwards!!! In what way did he not have room to change Owde? Was someone forcing him to pick the same under performing players in the same malfunctioning system every week? Or spend millions on players he didn't know what to do with? Even before January when we were 8th we were struggling for goals, and we finished the season before that one very poorly as well. |
|
|
|
Post by sheikhmomo on Sept 27, 2013 16:10:12 GMT
We may only be 6 weeks into the new campaign but Stoke fans can reflect on a positive start to life under Mark Hughes’ leadership. After a torrid time in his previous spell at Loftus Road, where he went a dozen matches without victory, a good start was all important. The early results will have taken a bit of pressure off Hughes’ back and allowed him to get on with the task in hand. With a couple of league wins already chalked up that monkey is well and truly off his back. In addition to the victories in the league, we have also turned in a couple of comfortable results in the cup, not forgetting the very decent draw against Man City at The Brit to boot. That draw could, and perhaps should, have been even better save for some poor finishing on the day too. Our two defeats to date have been on the road at Anfield and at The Emirates, nothing to lose face over there. In fact, similar to Man City at home, the Liverpool match could’ve been better had Walters converted his penalty late on. All things considered, we’ve had a successful start to the 2013/14 campaign. Results aside though, perhaps the most encouraging thing of all has been the performances. Under Hughes’ management we have witnessed a significant change in style and it appears to be one that is working well for us, and things can only improve as time progresses. With each passing game the players are becoming more accustomed to what is being asked of them and the displays will only get better. There were concerns amongst Stoke fans that any perceived change in approach may have had negative consequences in terms of results. A more open and attacking mind set could have left us vulnerable at the back; it was always going to be a fine line. Thus far it appears to be a line we are treading quite successfully and it definitely isn’t a case of ‘style over substance’. Another important factor to consider is that entertainment is back on the agenda once again. The final 18 months under Tony Pulis were quite drab if we’re being honest. Most fans are happy enough if the results are rolling in, regardless of style and performances on the pitch. The problem under Pulis was that the results were no longer being delivered. If you aren’t entertaining your fan base, and you’re turning in miserable performances along the way, you’re always going to be heading for trouble. By contrast, this Season has been a breath of fresh air. We are witnessing a more patient and controlled side. Ball retention has improved ten-fold and we are witnessing a team willing to commit more bodies forward and create chances. No longer are we more concerned with nullifying anything that the opposition has to offer. It is now a case of setting up to cause our opponents problems. We are still far from the finished article though and we still need to address the lack of goals that has plagued us for a good while, but the signs are there that we’re definitely moving in the right direction. It’s still early doors and it’s too early to get carried away, but all the signs are positive. Another important factor to consider is the competition instilled in the team by Hughes and the utilisation of the squad at his disposal. Again, it was no secret that Tony Pulis had his favourites during his tenure. It didn’t matter what the fringe players did when given a chance; you could pretty much put your mortgage on predicting the starting XI the following week. Things are different this term and more players are being given opportunities and “playing for the shirt” is definitely back on the cards. You only have to look at Kenwyne Jones as proof of that. Peter Crouch started the season as first choice up front but when Jones was given a chance in the League Cup, he took it with both hands and bagged himself a hat-trick. He then went onto retain his place in the subsequent league matches. Genuine competition is healthy and shouldn’t be underestimated as an asset at our disposal. Other players on the fringes will have seen what Jones has done and know that they have the chance to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI whenever they are given opportunities. At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option. Peter Coates rightly took the decision to wield the axe, and so began the revolution. A lot of fans questioned the decision at the time. We may have been stuttering under Pulis, but he was still keeping us in the league; did we really need the change? Was it really worth the risk? The answer is undoubtedly yes. It was a mixed reaction from Stoke fans when Coates named his man but with every passing game, more and more fans are coming around to the decision he made. It’s premature to be making bold predictions, but the outlook appears very bright under the guidance of Mark Hughes. Initial post mortem? Things are on the up. Viva la Revolution. Cheers ted. |
|
|
|
Post by geoff321 on Sept 27, 2013 16:16:26 GMT
It's a pretty remarkable start, with a win rate of 57.14% after seven games. This compares to a win rate at Fulham of 32.5% and at QPR of 23.5%, overall.
Football is about winning, if he can keep Stoke playing well and winning he will rightly get a lot of praise.
Regarding the comparison with Pulis, it's fairly meaningless. Tone's job was to get Stoke promoted and then establish them as a PL club, which he did.
MH's job is to take Stoke to the next level, I think people refer to it as evolving. He's got a difficult job, but I think he has the qualities needed too do it.
|
|
|
|
Post by sheikhmomo on Sept 27, 2013 16:16:39 GMT
WD. A good balanced post Where you say "At the tail end of Pulis’ internship we had definitely found ourselves in a rut and he was unwilling to change. He continually promised evolution but it was something he never delivered. It reached a point where evolution was no longer an option".......I'm not sure that is quite true. Something went on in January that badly affected the rest of the season, we were in a rut but I don't think Pulis had "any room to change" rather than being "unwilling to change". Looking back whatever it was may have stopped the evolution during the close season. Something which we will never know Its now a new page in the history of the club. Onwards and upwards!!! In what way did he not have room to change Owde? Was someone forcing him to pick the same under performing players in the same malfunctioning system every week? Or spend millions on players he didn't know what to do with? Even before January when we were 8th we were struggling for goals, and we finished the season before that one very poorly as well. The pace of the transition has been staggering really and is a real testament to Hughes, his seemingly excellent coaching team and of course the players who were capable of more than pretty much anyone imagined. However, if this side continues to fire blanks it will be interesting to see how long Hughes remains faithful to the system/personnel. He's been pretty brutal with some personnel (Wilko, Crouch and Whelan) less so with others (Walters). If the blanks continue is he willing/able to fundamentally look at the system? |
|
|
|
Post by BryStokeCityFC on Sept 27, 2013 16:19:38 GMT
I cannot thank pulis enough for keeping us up in the premier league, but all things come to an end and it was the right time for the club which has worked wonders.
|
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 27, 2013 16:21:49 GMT
In what way did he not have room to change Owde? Was someone forcing him to pick the same under performing players in the same malfunctioning system every week? Or spend millions on players he didn't know what to do with? Even before January when we were 8th we were struggling for goals, and we finished the season before that one very poorly as well. The pace of the transition has been staggering really and is a real testament to Hughes, his seemingly excellent coaching team and of course the players who were capable of more than pretty much anyone imagined. However, if this side continues to fire blanks it will be interesting to see how long Hughes remains faithful to the system/personnel. He's been pretty brutal with some personnel (Wilko, Crouch and Whelan) less so with others (Walters). If the blanks continue is he willing/able to fundamentally look at the system? From the evidence so far the problem is the personnel, not the system. Hopefully come February, the personnel will be sorted. |
|
|
|
Post by geoff321 on Sept 27, 2013 16:24:11 GMT
If you have a win rate of 57.14%, there's not a lot wrong with the personnel.
|
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 27, 2013 16:25:52 GMT
There is when we should have 4 more points than we've got and still can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo.
|
|
|
|
Post by sheikhmomo on Sept 27, 2013 16:31:19 GMT
The pace of the transition has been staggering really and is a real testament to Hughes, his seemingly excellent coaching team and of course the players who were capable of more than pretty much anyone imagined. However, if this side continues to fire blanks it will be interesting to see how long Hughes remains faithful to the system/personnel. He's been pretty brutal with some personnel (Wilko, Crouch and Whelan) less so with others (Walters). If the blanks continue is he willing/able to fundamentally look at the system? From the evidence so far the problem is the personnel, not the system. Hopefully come February, the personnel will be sorted. 15 games until the window even opens Bayern. At some point he may have to adapt the system to suit the personnel he has. |
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 27, 2013 16:34:02 GMT
From the evidence so far the problem is the personnel, not the system. Hopefully come February, the personnel will be sorted. 15 games until the window even opens Bayern. At some point he may have to adapt the system to suit the personnel he has. Possibly but I can't see really what he can do that will make much of a difference barring the old Walters behind KJ 4-4-1-1. Which would be amusing but would it bear more goals? I just think the personnel we have for up front aren't that good. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 16:57:34 GMT
In what way did he not have room to change Owde? Was someone forcing him to pick the same under performing players in the same malfunctioning system every week? Or spend millions on players he didn't know what to do with? Even before January when we were 8th we were struggling for goals, and we finished the season before that one very poorly as well. The pace of the transition has been staggering really and is a real testament to Hughes, his seemingly excellent coaching team and of course the players who were capable of more than pretty much anyone imagined. However, if this side continues to fire blanks it will be interesting to see how long Hughes remains faithful to the system/personnel. He's been pretty brutal with some personnel (Wilko, Crouch and Whelan) less so with others (Walters). If the blanks continue is he willing/able to fundamentally look at the system? That we're creating more chances though suggests there isn't anything much wrong with the system itself (on the attacking front at least). What system is going to guarantee a striker converts his chances? |
|
|
|
Post by owdestokie on Sept 27, 2013 17:10:56 GMT
Rob.
I'm only trying to look from different sides of the cube. Around Xmas/January something went on behind the scenes and the manager had to play with the cards he had whether they be good, bad or indifferent. I expected significant changes in the summer with a start by clearing out his backroom staff, perhaps I was hoping for to much.
Without doubt MH seems to have turned a pigs ear into a silk purse with more or less the same players, long may it continue.
At least this post seems to be having balanced discussion lol
|
|
|
|
Post by sheikhmomo on Sept 27, 2013 17:12:00 GMT
The pace of the transition has been staggering really and is a real testament to Hughes, his seemingly excellent coaching team and of course the players who were capable of more than pretty much anyone imagined. However, if this side continues to fire blanks it will be interesting to see how long Hughes remains faithful to the system/personnel. He's been pretty brutal with some personnel (Wilko, Crouch and Whelan) less so with others (Walters). If the blanks continue is he willing/able to fundamentally look at the system? That we're creating more chances though suggests there isn't anything much wrong with the system itself (on the attacking front at least). What system is going to guarantee a striker converts his chances? I really don't think we're creating significantly more real decent chances to be honest, despite being in control of games. Sunday's game on re watching was hugely frustrating in terms of the lack of genuine chances created, even bearing in mind the quality of the opposition. I just wonder whether he will rotate that 'forward' three in search of a goal or eventually try something different. |
|
|
|
Post by oggyoggy on Sept 27, 2013 17:13:22 GMT
Good summation so far. Lets hope hughes continues and finds a way of tightening our defence at set pieces whilst finding a few extra goals.
Its interesting what has been said about jones being given his chance. I guess the test will be if ireland starts over adam v norwich and perhaps pennant instead of walters. Surely they deserve their opportunity given the their recent performances
|
|
|
|
Post by adamsson on Sept 27, 2013 17:16:34 GMT
Actually looking forward to the match on Sunday something I haven't done for a couple of years  |
|
