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Post by CalgaryPotter on Nov 12, 2013 6:46:35 GMT
3 goals away at Swansea. Gave The Shit a game at Old Trafford. Could've pinched a point at Anfield. Away days with a chance of getting a result. Points at home against 2 teams who are playing out of their skin (WBA & Soton) & the most expensive team on the planet. 3 teams will do worse than us & we have the cash to make something happen in January. LMH, Mr Coates & family, some of us appreciate what you are trying to do & we are fully behind you. Signed : Calgary Potter. (A man who has seen & supported some of the worst Stoke sides in history)
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Post by f1rew0rks on Nov 12, 2013 6:54:32 GMT
Im sure most appreciate what they are trying to do, but many on here cant see beyond the end of their own noses.
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Post by lastoftheldk on Nov 12, 2013 6:54:49 GMT
well said, get ready
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Post by potterpaul on Nov 12, 2013 6:56:41 GMT
I do like this but it doesn't or shouldn't take away the present concerns ie getting the balance right. Still have confidence that this will be achieved.
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Post by CalgaryPotter on Nov 12, 2013 6:57:01 GMT
A tin hat is not needed against half of these gutless wankers,
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Post by CalgaryPotter on Nov 12, 2013 7:15:09 GMT
I do like this but it doesn't or shouldn't take away the present concerns ie getting the balance right. Still have confidence that this will be achieved. Concerns are valid but the wrist slashing that is taking place at the moment is a disgrace to the club. We have some good players, a good manager & a supportive Board. We are in transition & if the wrist slashers prevail we are knackered.
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Post by mcf on Nov 12, 2013 7:31:06 GMT
Some of the bigggest happy clappers aka PHWs seem to be turning on that board though - they don't think they have been supportive. Hughes was given 6 signings but couldn't make the big 7th centre forward signing happen.
The board seemed to stop their backing in January last year as far as I'm concerned.
The chickens may well come home to roost about the board's supposed new chosen route. Butland, Shea, Muneisa may all be for the future when we need to be concentrating on the here an now. The jury is still out on Cameron, Pieters, Arnie and Assaidi. Ireland could prove a good one but what has happened with Pennant seems odd.
There would be something wrong with anyone that wasn't concerned.
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Post by Pugsley on Nov 12, 2013 7:38:24 GMT
Some of the bigggest happy clappers aka PHWs seem to be turning on that board though - they don't think they have been supportive. Hughes was given 6 signings but couldn't make the big 7th centre forward signing happen. The board seemed to stop their backing in January last year as far as I'm concerned. The chickens may well come home to roost about the board's supposed new chosen route. Butland, Shea, Muneisa may all be for the future when we need to be concentrating on the here an now. The jury is still out on Cameron, Pieters, Arnie and Assaidi. Ireland could prove a good one but what has happened with Pennant seems odd. There would be something wrong with anyone that wasn't concerned. When does concern become pant wetting? Stoke fans need to grow a pair.
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Post by mcf on Nov 12, 2013 7:44:55 GMT
Take it up with the PHWs crying about a lack of financial backing for the manager...I think 6 players was a good start....even if it looks like a lot of it was wasted.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 7:50:26 GMT
All cheapies at a time when the TV deal allowed the clubs around us to spend big.
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Post by MrMagic on Nov 12, 2013 7:51:34 GMT
Take it up with the PHWs crying about a lack of financial backing for the manager...I think 6 players was a good start....even if it looks like a lot of it was wasted. A lot of it wasted? Which of the 6 were a waste of money then?
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Post by CalgaryPotter on Nov 12, 2013 8:12:01 GMT
Take it up with the PHWs crying about a lack of financial backing for the manager...I think 6 players was a good start....even if it looks like a lot of it was wasted. I don't believe any of them are wasted as yet, they just need more time in a settled team to bed in.
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Post by mcf on Nov 12, 2013 8:38:28 GMT
Munesia and Assaidi look like a complete waste.
Pieters is no better than what we had.
Pennant will be a waste because he won't seem to play him.
I don't think Arnie will be good enough.
Ireland looks the best bet.
Don't get me wrong, the previous season's signing were also pretty grim. I'd say Ness and Edu were a complete waste obviously. I think Cameron was poor. Nzonzi and Adam were good (even if I think Nzonzi is a mard) I’m sure there was another duffer or 2 as well. Butland and Shea were duffers from the January window.
No issue with buying players for the future as long as you have acquired better ones for the here and now.
PS I know I’m being unfair in calling some of them duffers from an individual point of view but if they are failing to add to the team then I’d have to seriously question it when it was clear that we would need more help from the here and now. If the board knew that Pulis was going in January then they should have either only given him money for the here and now or saved it for Hughes.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 8:41:06 GMT
Munesia and Assaidi look like a complete waste. Pieters is no better than what we had. Pennant will be a waste because he won't seem to play him. I don't think Arnie will be good enough. Ireland looks the best bet. Don't get me wrong, the previous season's signing were also pretty grim. I'd say Ness and Edu were a complete waste obviously. I think Cameron was poor. Nzonzi and Adam were good (even if I think Nzonzi is a mard) I’m sure there was another duffer or 2 as well. Butland and Shea were duffers from the January window. No issue with buying players for the future as long as you have acquired better ones for the here and now. PS I know I’m being unfair in calling some of them duffers from an individual point of view but if they are failing to add to the team then I’d have to seriously question it when it was clear that we would need more help from the here and now. If the board knew that Pulis was going in January then they should have either only given him money for the here and now or saved it for Hughes. I stopped reading when you said arnie won't be good enough, you obviously haven't got a clue.
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Post by mcf on Nov 12, 2013 8:46:16 GMT
Enlighten me then?
What has he done to help the points tally?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 8:56:32 GMT
Enlighten me then? What has he done to help the points tally? He's shown plenty of promise and is relatively young and has just joined a new club in a new country. The problem with stoke fans is they expect too much too soon, give the lad time, he will be more than good enough for our club.
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Post by Jamo on the wing on Nov 12, 2013 9:50:09 GMT
Merk speaks some sense here in respect to the plug being pulled.
I don't agree with his assessment of Muniesa, Assaidi or Arnie and I think to say Hughes was backed by referring to him getting a few in doesn't tell the whole story when you look at the amount spent.
I actually think given the money utilised Hughes has brought some good players in who have either (in the main) improved us or in Muniesa's case will do in the future.
The jury is still out on some of them but overall his business was good albeit he didn't address the big problem of our lack of a natural goalscorer.
MH inherited some good players but he also found a lopsided squad with ageing players with little pace and even less motivation.
I genuinely thought we'd have to spend about £25m in the summer to change things quickly, it soon became apparent this wasn't going to happen and it was as clear as crystal that this transitional season was going to be a bumpy ride.
It will be interesting to see how much backing the gaffer gets in January, we could certainly do with about three additions to the first team.
Clearly we have decided to go in a new direction as far as recruitment is concerned and the motives are questionable. Of course it is great to see us develop young talent but at what price?
At a time when the Premier League riches hit new heights we seemed to have decided to slam the chest shut and rub our hands together in a Scrooge-like manner.
It'll all come out in the wash but I think as supporters we should back a manager who has come in with at least one hand tied behind his back but still has the strength of character to push his plan on.
These next two months the club, manager and players need our support.
The question is, "what are you going to do about it?"
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Post by mcf on Nov 12, 2013 10:37:38 GMT
well, put this way.... ...I'm happy to sing Hughes' name which makes me miles more likely to get to the Victoria Ground heaven than the wankstains
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Post by Staffsoatcake on Nov 12, 2013 10:45:37 GMT
Funny how the rimmers were quite happy to stick with Pulis when we were looking in trouble in March April last season,but now want Hughes out because we are in trouble.
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Post by Gods on Nov 12, 2013 10:56:48 GMT
I have no issue with Hughes, I really like him, he seems erudite and respectful of what went before him and quietly determined.
I am much less sure about the "new direction" though which in reality preceded him last January which is about the time we stopped winning football games although that may be coincidence.
I think the "new direction" is in essence about saving money but publicly pays homage to acquiring young players from foreign markets, the Academy, the Cartwright/Beswicks connection, the USA, and a new ingratiating style of play.
It all sounds very attractive but I do fear it may land us in the Championship and kill the golden goose.
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assburgers
Academy Starlet
King of the Armchair Elite
Posts: 220
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Post by assburgers on Nov 12, 2013 13:20:53 GMT
How dare you try to be positive about our football club. Delete your account immediately. I have resided to the fact that there are a lot of cunts who use this board. On a personal plus side, my shit sifting skills have increased ten fold.
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Post by salopstick on Nov 12, 2013 14:02:53 GMT
all ive heard this weekend, yesterday and today through the media is how palace and sunderland are doomed without miracles and how norwich and fulham are fighting for the 4th from bottom trophy
no mention of stoke
i still maintain we are better than all 4 of those and the corner will still turn
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Post by Robo10 on Nov 12, 2013 14:26:45 GMT
Geoff Cameron has been great all season, one of the highlights for me.
Still think he is better suited to a defensive midfield role though. Looks comfortable on the ball, athletic, quick.
Pieters is better than Marc Wilson period Arnie I like, but has been poor for the last 2 games Assaidi has to get a start!
Agree on some of the others as pointless - Muniesa (who looks good when played but only in cup games? wtf), Ness/Edu waste of a wage, as is Pennant. Shea we havent seen enough of when fit to make any sort of judgement, but at the minute this looks a level too high for him.
Butland a duffer? Will be England number 1 in 3-4 years, and I will bet ours once Asmir leaves whether in Jan or the summer - Tommy alas showed at Brum his best days are gone.
I am however still cautiously optimistic that we are just a little tinker and a few good results away from having a stress free season, but we will possibly need to sacrifice Nzonzi to do so as I think he is the problem, as talented as he is - Ireland is twice the player in our style. I think Palacios has been much better, and Crouch seems to be playing with determination again - hasnt been the same since his teeth got knocked out last year!
Jan OUT: JONES, WHELAN, NESS, EDU, PENNANT, ETHERS, ASMIR (hope not but...),
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Post by Kjones9 on Nov 12, 2013 14:41:36 GMT
Some of the bigggest happy clappers aka PHWs seem to be turning on that board though - they don't think they have been supportive. Hughes was given 6 signings but couldn't make the big 7th centre forward signing happen. The board seemed to stop their backing in January last year as far as I'm concerned. The chickens may well come home to roost about the board's supposed new chosen route. Butland, Shea, Muneisa may all be for the future when we need to be concentrating on the here an now. The jury is still out on Cameron, Pieters, Arnie and Assaidi. Ireland could prove a good one but what has happened with Pennant seems odd. There would be something wrong with anyone that wasn't concerned. When does concern become pant wetting? Stoke fans need to grow a pair. This, it seems that the fight has gone from the fans, it's like reading the arsenal forum on here nowadays.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 17:30:44 GMT
I have no issue with Hughes, I really like him, he seems erudite and respectful of what went before him and quietly determined. I am much less sure about the "new direction" though which in reality preceded him last January which is about the time we stopped winning football games although that may be coincidence. I think the "new direction" is in essence about saving money but publicly pays homage to acquiring young players from foreign markets, the Academy, the Cartwright/Beswicks connection, the USA, and a new ingratiating style of play. It all sounds very attractive but I do fear it may land us in the Championship and kill the golden goose. You lose me every time you say 'ingratiating'. Ingratiating to who? People talk about the second half of last season as a blip when in fact the unbeaten run just before it was the blip. We'd been in decline for most of 2012.
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Post by Gods on Nov 12, 2013 17:46:44 GMT
I have no issue with Hughes, I really like him, he seems erudite and respectful of what went before him and quietly determined. I am much less sure about the "new direction" though which in reality preceded him last January which is about the time we stopped winning football games although that may be coincidence. I think the "new direction" is in essence about saving money but publicly pays homage to acquiring young players from foreign markets, the Academy, the Cartwright/Beswicks connection, the USA, and a new ingratiating style of play. It all sounds very attractive but I do fear it may land us in the Championship and kill the golden goose. You lose me every time you say 'ingratiating'. Ingratiating to who? People talk about the second half of last season as a blip when in fact the unbeaten run just before it was the blip. We'd been in decline for most of 2012. Ingratiating, intended to gain approval or favour, with the fans, it won't have escaped your attention that many folks found the style of play under Mr Pulis less than aesthetically pleasing. Under the "new direction" we are to adopt something better, more attractive, more exciting right? By the way I should add to my "haters hate etc. theory" that "analysts analyse" just for your benefit, you will trawl over the minutiae of the Hughes tactics and decisions until, just like Pulis, you eventually conclude that he does not know his arse from his elbow I suspect you have already taken a small step in that direction with your B rating! I only say that in jest, I do enjoy your stuff in the fanzine and on here and have (very occasionally and whisper it quietly) been known to express some of your thoughts as though they were my own!
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Post by stokerstayinup on Nov 12, 2013 17:54:30 GMT
11 different goalscorers at this stage of the season is a plus.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 17:55:56 GMT
You lose me every time you say 'ingratiating'. Ingratiating to who? People talk about the second half of last season as a blip when in fact the unbeaten run just before it was the blip. We'd been in decline for most of 2012. Ingratiating, intended to gain approval or favour, with the fans, it won't have escaped your attention that many folks found the style of play under Mr Pulis less than aesthetically pleasing. Under the "new direction" we are to adopt something better, more attractive, more exciting right? By the way I should add to my "haters hate etc. theory" that "analysts analyse" just for your benefit, you will trawl over the minutiae of the Hughes tactics and decisions until, just like Pulis, you eventually conclude that he does not know his arse from his elbow I suspect you have already taken a small step in that direction with your B rating! I only say that in jest, I do enjoy your stuff in the fanzine and on here and have (very occasionally and whisper it quietly) been known to express some of your thoughts as though they were my own! Equally I think you're one of the best posters on here even though we rarely agree. I am worried about Hughes' tactics. I even agree with Tazi that his post match comments after Sunday were a real concern if taken at face value. I'm not convinced the manager was appointed for anything to do with style of play - if anything he was a pretty conservative choice. The new direction to me was about reigning in spending and improving results, two things that rarely make for compatible bedfellows. Clearly something had to change though.
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Post by dozintheseventees on Nov 12, 2013 17:59:58 GMT
I knew this POSITIVE THREAD would be anything but.
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Post by Gods on Nov 12, 2013 18:42:58 GMT
Ingratiating, intended to gain approval or favour, with the fans, it won't have escaped your attention that many folks found the style of play under Mr Pulis less than aesthetically pleasing. Under the "new direction" we are to adopt something better, more attractive, more exciting right? By the way I should add to my "haters hate etc. theory" that "analysts analyse" just for your benefit, you will trawl over the minutiae of the Hughes tactics and decisions until, just like Pulis, you eventually conclude that he does not know his arse from his elbow I suspect you have already taken a small step in that direction with your B rating! I only say that in jest, I do enjoy your stuff in the fanzine and on here and have (very occasionally and whisper it quietly) been known to express some of your thoughts as though they were my own! Equally I think you're one of the best posters on here even though we rarely agree. I am worried about Hughes' tactics. I even agree with Tazi that his post match comments after Sunday were a real concern if taken at face value. I'm not convinced the manager was appointed for anything to do with style of play - if anything he was a pretty conservative choice. The new direction to me was about reigning in spending and improving results, two things that rarely make for compatible bedfellows. Clearly something had to change though. Twice I have tried to start a debate on here as to what exactly constitutes the 'new direction' since we never get any clarity on it from the Board but there have been few takers! We can both agree reigning in spending is a key component of it but I had the new style of play down as being a larger component than improving the results provided of course the results didn't get so bad that we actually went down. I must admit though that most Boards would have improving the results above enhancing the style of play. One is an imperative the other a nice to have so you are probably correct on this. However if the style of play is not high on Hughes given agenda then I feel it is high on his own personal agenda. I agree he was a conservative choice and I always thought of him as if not quite the arch-pragmatist that Pulis was at the very least a job in hand sort of a manager. But 2 passages of play this season made me think he has really taken this style of play thing very seriously: The start of the 2nd half when we were trailing 2-1 to Arsenal so still very much at the races with regard to getting something from the game, there was a spell of about 15 minutes where we simply knocked it around the park with no Arsenal player getting a sniff of the ball. I know it was not threatening in a real penetrative way but the Emirates fell completely silent and you could almost sense the Arsenal fans thinking 'crikey, isn't us supposed to be doing this stuff?' And the second was the 2nd half at Fulham where we attacked for a spell like there was no tomorrow. Arnie, Ireland, N’Zonzi and Assaidi putting together passages of play which were simply breath taking, I don’t think I have seen a Stoke team chase an away game like that ever under anyone. Of course in the end we didn't get a goal, Darren Bent delivered the classic sucker punch and in turn reminded us we don't have a real goal poacher by dumping Robert Huth and his backside and producing a clinical finish. Oh well, we will see where it is all heading!
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