|
Post by foster on Mar 18, 2014 12:41:06 GMT
Its not a miracle but Mark Hughes is doing a very good job for us so far. Players play on merit, invariably play in their right positions, Walters aside, and no game is ever lost before we have even kicked a ball. We've been poor at times for sure and that will always be the case in all liklihood but we have generally played well, even away, and should have more points than we have. I wanted Mark Hughes way before he ever became our manager, wanted him when it was clear our previous manager would be leaving and wanted him when he arrived.Thankfully, SO FAR, I think I was right on this particular matter. He is doing a very good job and given time and a bit of financial backing, he will do an even better job than he's doing now. This statements still football related isn't it?
|
|
|
Post by mcf on Mar 18, 2014 12:53:19 GMT
The last month and a half have been superb - to have taken 12 points from 21 with pretty difficult fixtures when we only took 4 from the previous 7 has been a triffic turnaround.
The manner of the 3 wins were brilliant too.
If we get anything around 45 points then it will have been triffic in what could have been a really tricky season for us.
The squad has definitely been improved as the new signings are looking good - I never, ever thought I would be saying that after what I saw from them after 10-15 games.
Although I said that a good manager would make the right signings, add to a good core group and be able to finish in the top 10 I always thought it was more likely that we would go down. If we finish in the same vein as the last few games then Hughes really couldn't have done much more.
Of course, it could all go tits up but I really, really doubt it given the ability and attitudes of all concerned.
All is rosy this week.
|
|
|
Post by Lakeland Potter on Mar 18, 2014 13:04:28 GMT
The last month and a half have been superb - to have taken 12 points from 21 with pretty difficult fixtures when we only took 4 from the previous 7 has been a triffic turnaround. The manner of the 3 wins were brilliant too. If we get anything around 45 points then it will have been triffic in what could have been a really tricky season for us. The squad has definitely been improved as the new signings are looking good - I never, ever thought I would be saying that after what I saw from them after 10-15 games. Although I said that a good manager would make the right signings, add to a good core group and be able to finish in the top 10 I always thought it was more likely that we would go down. If we finish in the same vein as the last few games then Hughes really couldn't have done much more. Of course, it could all go tits up but I really, really doubt it given the ability and attitudes of all concerned. All is rosy this week. I see at least one bookie has us at 66/1 to go down - by far the longest odds of the bottom eleven. It isn't over until the fat lady sings - but she has certainly cleared her throat a few times in the past month! I'm usually one of the biggest optimists but even I'm surprised at how we have played (and how good we have looked) in the past month and a half. Well done Sparky and the management team.
|
|
|
Post by mcf on Mar 18, 2014 13:16:26 GMT
The last month and a half have been superb - to have taken 12 points from 21 with pretty difficult fixtures when we only took 4 from the previous 7 has been a triffic turnaround. The manner of the 3 wins were brilliant too. If we get anything around 45 points then it will have been triffic in what could have been a really tricky season for us. The squad has definitely been improved as the new signings are looking good - I never, ever thought I would be saying that after what I saw from them after 10-15 games. Although I said that a good manager would make the right signings, add to a good core group and be able to finish in the top 10 I always thought it was more likely that we would go down. If we finish in the same vein as the last few games then Hughes really couldn't have done much more. Of course, it could all go tits up but I really, really doubt it given the ability and attitudes of all concerned. All is rosy this week. I see at least one bookie has us at 66/1 to go down - by far the longest odds of the bottom eleven. It isn't over until the fat lady sings - but she has certainly cleared her throat a few times in the past month! I'm usually one of the biggest optimists but even I'm surprised at how we have played (and how good we have looked) in the past month and a half. Well done Sparky and the management team. I think anyone claiming (apart from the odd one) that says they saw this coming is a f*****g liar to be honest. Mnay of even the most ardent wankstains and Hughes bum boys thought we would struggle to get to 40 points. Hughes called it though as he said we would finish the 2nd half of the season strongly - I thought he was a muppet for saying it but fair play to him.
|
|
|
Post by werrington on Mar 18, 2014 13:23:19 GMT
I see at least one bookie has us at 66/1 to go down - by far the longest odds of the bottom eleven. It isn't over until the fat lady sings - but she has certainly cleared her throat a few times in the past month! I'm usually one of the biggest optimists but even I'm surprised at how we have played (and how good we have looked) in the past month and a half. Well done Sparky and the management team. I think anyone claiming (apart from the odd one) that says they saw this coming is a f*****g liar to be honest. Mnay of even the most ardent wankstains and Hughes bum boys thought we would struggle to get to 40 points. Hughes called it though as he said we would finish the 2nd half of the season strongly - I thought he was a muppet for saying it but fair play to him. Whoever took over it was always going to be a battle this season as we were heading rapidly in a downwards direction I said at the time he was an excellent appt and will take the club on Given the funds available he can hold his head high
|
|
|
Post by okeydokeystokie2 on Mar 18, 2014 13:27:14 GMT
Well done to MH and the rest of the coaching staff and players.
I would have given TP more time, but that was probably out of loyalty and sentimentality. That's probably why Peter Coates is a billionaire and I'm reading this while trying to make a living.
Saturday was great, and the team look to be getting better as their confidence increases.
As always, little things can make a massive difference. Well played Glenn Whelan. He has been the constant in the centre of our midfield while Charlie, Fonzie and Ireland have all come in at different times and played well during this spell. A nod also to Jon Walters, who has played his part and scored some crucial pens. It all adds to the feel good confidence of the whole squad.
Mark Hughes has got them playing well, mixing it up, together and fighting for each other, now getting results and things are looking good. There is competition for places with different players able to slot into the team. Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Whelan, Adam, N'Zonzi and Crouch are playing as well as we've seen them and Peiters, Muniesa, Arnautovich, Ireland and Odemwingie are starting to make a real contribution. Even getting JP and Kenwyne out of the club looks like good management.
I think we are looking good for our best league finish. Given the money spent it's a fantastic achievement and I'm not sure he could have done any more.
Also looks like another good decision from Saint Peter, when many might have steered clear after the QPR fiasco.
|
|
|
Post by Paul Spencer on Mar 18, 2014 13:46:18 GMT
I see at least one bookie has us at 66/1 to go down - by far the longest odds of the bottom eleven. It isn't over until the fat lady sings - but she has certainly cleared her throat a few times in the past month! I'm usually one of the biggest optimists but even I'm surprised at how we have played (and how good we have looked) in the past month and a half. Well done Sparky and the management team. I think anyone claiming (apart from the odd one) that says they saw this coming is a f*****g liar to be honest. Mnay of even the most ardent wankstains and Hughes bum boys thought we would struggle to get to 40 points. Hughes called it though as he said we would finish the 2nd half of the season strongly - I thought he was a muppet for saying it but fair play to him.
So what's a Hughes bum boy then then ... people who were prepared to give him more than half a season (in some cases even less) before righting him off?
Who are these Hughes bum boys then?
Name them ...
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 13:47:03 GMT
I,m afraid punctuation has never been one of my strong points, even my eldest daughter had a go at me over it the other day!
|
|
|
Post by Gods on Mar 18, 2014 13:58:14 GMT
Well done Mr Hughes. I have to say to you when you kept repeating that your teams always get better in the second half of the season I didn't believe a flipping word of it. After all you didn't even get to the second half of the season in your last job But this team has got better. So I repeat, well done, great work from you and your coaching team. Most people who spend a lot of time around Stoke City football club seem to gain an emotional attachment to it as well. A little part of the club rubs off on them as well as vice versa. I'd love to know if this is the case for you. I can see you don't do badge kissing stuff and well done for that but you can tell us at the end of this season if this a stepping stone for you or an end in it's own right?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 14:02:37 GMT
I think anyone claiming (apart from the odd one) that says they saw this coming is a f*****g liar to be honest. Mnay of even the most ardent wankstains and Hughes bum boys thought we would struggle to get to 40 points. Hughes called it though as he said we would finish the 2nd half of the season strongly - I thought he was a muppet for saying it but fair play to him.
So what's a Hughes bum boy then then ... people who were prepared to give him more than half a season (in some cases even less) before righting him off?
Who are these Hughes bum boys then?
Name them ...
Hughes bum boys = former Pulis hating wankstains (on this board, if you liked one of them then you MUST hate the other) = people who in general thanked Pulis for what he did but saw it was time for a change = people with a reasonable attitude to the way things work in football but because they disagreed with some then had to be insulted and have puerile names made up for them becuase some posters thought it was ahem...."Funny" but most just saw as tiresome. there's a little box for everyone to be put into Paul, it's ALL black and white on here...surely you know that by now
|
|
|
Post by mcf on Mar 18, 2014 14:29:35 GMT
I think anyone claiming (apart from the odd one) that says they saw this coming is a f*****g liar to be honest. Mnay of even the most ardent wankstains and Hughes bum boys thought we would struggle to get to 40 points. Hughes called it though as he said we would finish the 2nd half of the season strongly - I thought he was a muppet for saying it but fair play to him. Whoever took over it was always going to be a battle this season as we were heading rapidly in a downwards direction I said at the time he was an excellent appt and will take the club on Given the funds available he can hold his head high well done Wezzo...gold star
|
|
|
Post by mcf on Mar 18, 2014 14:31:55 GMT
So what's a Hughes bum boy then then ... people who were prepared to give him more than half a season (in some cases even less) before righting him off?
Who are these Hughes bum boys then?
Name them ...
Hughes bum boys = former Pulis hating wankstains (on this board, if you liked one of them then you MUST hate the other) = people who in general thanked Pulis for what he did but saw it was time for a change = people with a reasonable attitude to the way things work in football but because they disagreed with some then had to be insulted and have puerile names made up for them becuase some posters thought it was ahem...."Funny" but most just saw as tiresome. there's a little box for everyone to be put into Paul, it's ALL black and white on here...surely you know that by now It's all too fucking easy
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 15:05:10 GMT
Some of you are just fucking pathetic. It is possible to like Mark Hughes, appreciate what he is doing and have high hopes for the future without hating Tony Pulis. Not every good thing said about Hughes is a dig at Pulis.
Pulis was a great manager for this football club and deserves more respect from some of you, but hes gone, this is a new era, get behind Hughes.
And are those of you who moan about us being unpopular because of Pulis the same ones who want to abuse Aaron Ramsey? The rest of football just love us for that don't they!
|
|
|
Post by cheekymatt71 on Mar 18, 2014 15:14:20 GMT
I think all the talk about lack of funding for new players is a bit of a red herring to be honest.
Its well known that a LOT of manager operate better on a smaller budget. Pulis was great in the loan signings market and old has-beens on the cheap. Its when he gets a big pot of gold to spend he tended to spunk it without thinking.
The same can be said for Hughes. Hes spotted lots of great talent on the cheap - Kompany is the one that comes to mind but there are plenty of others. Some of his big money signings at Man City were complete flops (as were most at QPR).
Hes done the same this season - hes undoubtedly raised the quality of the squad with very little money. Arnautovic, Assaidi, Ireland, Odemwingie.
Im not saying he shouldnt get more money to spend. But having more money doesnt always mean better signings.
|
|
|
Post by Stafford-Stokie on Mar 18, 2014 15:28:18 GMT
LMH has done a remarkable job overall - for a minimal transfer fee outlay. It has helped that he has blended a mix of styles. Has Stafford been remotely man enough to give Hughes even a minimum level of recognition - and have the balls and sense to remove his childish "taxi" image? I agree that hughes is doing very well at the moment and have given him praise where it's due. That doesn't mean I have to like the bloke though does it? TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Lakeland Potter on Mar 18, 2014 15:37:02 GMT
LMH has done a remarkable job overall - for a minimal transfer fee outlay. It has helped that he has blended a mix of styles. Has Stafford been remotely man enough to give Hughes even a minimum level of recognition - and have the balls and sense to remove his childish "taxi" image? I agree that hughes is doing very well at the moment and have given him praise where it's due. That doesn't mean I have to like the bloke though does it? TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But if you think he is doing well, why do you want him to leave? Liking him as a person is surely less important than whether he does well as a manager? I like Desmond Tutu - he seems a really happy bloke who would be fun to have a drink with - but buggered if I want him to be our manager on the strength of it.
|
|
|
Post by cheekymatt71 on Mar 18, 2014 16:02:47 GMT
I agree that hughes is doing very well at the moment and have given him praise where it's due. That doesn't mean I have to like the bloke though does it? TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But if you think he is doing well, why do you want him to leave? Liking him as a person is surely less important than whether he does well as a manager? I like Desmond Tutu - he seems a really happy bloke who would be fun to have a drink with - but buggered if I want him to be our manager on the strength of it. Desmond Tutu's red and white army. Im a fan already
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:08:12 GMT
Some of you are just fucking pathetic. It is possible to like Mark Hughes, appreciate what he is doing and have high hopes for the future without hating Tony Pulis. Not every good thing said about Hughes is a dig at Pulis. Pulis was a great manager for this football club and deserves more respect from some of you, but hes gone, this is a new era, get behind Hughes. And are those of you who moan about us being unpopular because of Pulis the same ones who want to abuse Aaron Ramsey? The rest of football just love us for that don't they! spot on mate but that's the way it is on here...there's a thread about Crouch for England and apparently if you don't think he deserves a call up then that's the same as saying "He's shit and i hate him" it's all black and white on here..if you like one person that means you hate another, if you agree with one poster then you must therefore agree with everything he/she has ever said and be branded as such, if you appreciate Pulis for what he did then you're automatically a "Rimmer" who now must hate Hughes etc. etc. etc...... the word you used, "Pathetic" sums it up quite nicely and just illustrates how some people are completely incapable of separating their passion from actual reasoned discussion and thought processes and it's unfortunately these extreme positions that get noticed more often by the outside world; i actually read an article a couple of months back saying "Most Stoke fans weren't happy at the appointment of Hughes before a ball had even been kicked" and that's simply down to feckin idiots like that bloke with his "Hughes out" van that got into the papers. it's the same with the Ramsey situation..the people that do the booing talk about how it's a message to Wenger etc. and isn't directed at Ramsey specifically but then they don't seem to have the sense to realise that no-one else in football actually sees that message so therefore it quite simply doesn't actually achieve anything that they want it to and just makes us as a club look bad in the process. hysterical fans who seemingly can't think things through as fast as they talk or type unfortunately but i suppose without them then football wouldn't be the same so we have to put up with them no matter how bloody idiotic they are.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:11:47 GMT
I agree that hughes is doing very well at the moment and have given him praise where it's due. That doesn't mean I have to like the bloke though does it? TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But if you think he is doing well, why do you want him to leave? Liking him as a person is surely less important than whether he does well as a manager?I like Desmond Tutu - he seems a really happy bloke who would be fun to have a drink with - but buggered if I want him to be our manager on the strength of it. simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two
|
|
|
Post by Stafford-Stokie on Mar 18, 2014 16:18:24 GMT
But if you think he is doing well, why do you want him to leave? Liking him as a person is surely less important than whether he does well as a manager?I like Desmond Tutu - he seems a really happy bloke who would be fun to have a drink with - but buggered if I want him to be our manager on the strength of it. simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two Whatever I think isn't going to make the club get rid of him. I don't like him and will be glad to see the back of him. He will probably piss off at the first offer anyway. If he does well as he is then that is fine by me but the sooner he is replaced the better. Hope that is ok with you.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:23:16 GMT
simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two Whatever I think isn't going to make the club get rid of him. I don't like him and will be glad to see the back of him. He will probably piss off at the first offer anyway. If he does well as he is then that is fine by me but the sooner he is replaced the better. Hope that is ok with you. He's done nothing to win you over then mate? The mystery offence he's done wrong by you over still eclipsed the man Yoo and Chelsea wins?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:24:05 GMT
simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two Whatever I think isn't going to make the club get rid of him. I don't like him and will be glad to see the back of him. He will probably piss off at the first offer anyway. If he does well as he is then that is fine by me but the sooner he is replaced the better. Hope that is ok with you. so...hypothetically if Hughes gets us into the top 6 next season then goes and is replaced by someone you like as a person then you'll be more than happy that Hughes left then? a straight yes or no will do rather than your usual vague nonsense so you don't tie yourself up in knots
|
|
|
Post by mcf on Mar 18, 2014 16:25:44 GMT
But if you think he is doing well, why do you want him to leave? Liking him as a person is surely less important than whether he does well as a manager?I like Desmond Tutu - he seems a really happy bloke who would be fun to have a drink with - but buggered if I want him to be our manager on the strength of it. simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two To be fair though, unless we had got 'Big Sam' or Benitez then I wouldn't have been happy with anyone as I simply wanted Pulis to stay.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:29:08 GMT
simple, concise, straight forward, logical question LP.......so i think we all know therefore that Stafford ain't gonna reply to it fuck how the club does, Stafford doesn't like him as a person so he has to go.....bizarre logic for someone who apparently supports the club. look at mcf for example, he never liked the Hughes appointment and was very vocal about it but now he can see it's moving us forwards he's accepted that, realised his personal feelings aren't bigger than the good of the club so holds his hands up and gives the new man a pat on the back and, genuinely, fair play to him for that! stafford could learn a thing or two To be fair though, unless we had got 'Big Sam' or Benitez then I wouldn't have been happy with anyone as I simply wanted Pulis to stay. yeah i know...i'm just commending you on the fact that even though the one person you wanted in the job wasn't here and therefore you personally were never going to be happy with any replacement, you've been more than willing to basically say "Actually... fair play, sod what i think, he's done a good job so i'll lay off all the negative shit" (and that's actually a genuine compliment..didn't mean it to sound as patronising as it actually does )
|
|
|
Post by Stafford-Stokie on Mar 18, 2014 16:30:17 GMT
Whatever I think isn't going to make the club get rid of him. I don't like him and will be glad to see the back of him. He will probably piss off at the first offer anyway. If he does well as he is then that is fine by me but the sooner he is replaced the better. Hope that is ok with you. so...hypothetically if Hughes gets us into the top 6 next season then goes and is replaced by someone you like as a person then you'll be more than happy that Hughes left then? a straight yes or no will do rather than your usual vague nonsense so you don't tie yourself up in knots Yes.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:38:04 GMT
so...hypothetically if Hughes gets us into the top 6 next season then goes and is replaced by someone you like as a person then you'll be more than happy that Hughes left then? a straight yes or no will do rather than your usual vague nonsense so you don't tie yourself up in knots Yes. so, let's get this straight once and for all..... you'd be happier with a manager of less quality that you liked as a person and Stoke being less successful as a consequence of that?
|
|
|
Post by cheekymatt71 on Mar 18, 2014 16:39:16 GMT
Apparently Hughes said he fucking hates that Stafford-Stokie fella on the oatcake. Sounds like a lovers tiff to me
|
|
|
Post by mickmacc on Mar 18, 2014 16:49:01 GMT
I take my hat off to MH.Really didn't think a transformation like he has achieved was possible
|
|
|
Post by cheeesfreeex on Mar 18, 2014 16:51:07 GMT
Yes. so, let's get this straight once and for all..... you'd be happier with a manager of less quality that you liked as a person and Stoke being less successful as a consequence of that? Not even my argument, but it is a public forum. Now it's you who are looking pathetic Mick. You asked for a one worder, and got it. So what are you attempting to achieve? An apology from SS for what he thinks? A climb down, change of mind? You really are becoming fascistic in your attempts to tell people what they should think.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 16:57:27 GMT
so, let's get this straight once and for all..... you'd be happier with a manager of less quality that you liked as a person and Stoke being less successful as a consequence of that? Not even my argument, but it is a public forum. Now it's you who are looking pathetic Mick. You asked for a one worder, and got it. So what are you attempting to achieve? An apology from SS for what he thinks? A climb down, change of mind? You really are becoming fascistic in your attempts to tell people what they should think. not at all...simply that Stafford has said for ages he supports the club if not the man, he's now saying that he'd be happy for the club to be less successful if the manager was someone he liked. that's not being fascistic at all, simply pointing out the fact that he's completely contradicting himself and basically stating that his personal feelings are bigger than the club. i've never once told anyone what they should think, what i don't like however is people changing tack as and when it suits them on different threads as and when it happens to fit a certain argument that day. if i'm able to remember what they previously said and show that contradicts what they say now that doesn't make me fascistic in any way, it makes you a muppet however for talking bollocks i also humbly apologise for commenting on a thread entitled "Plaudits for hughes" and asking why one poster isn't willing to give any...there was me thinking that's what the actual thread title was about given the fact that it's a discussion! i'll happily tow the party line from now in as you'd apparently be happier on a forum where we all agree on everything and don't question anyone's hypocrisies.....how fun a discussion on one of your message boards would be eh?
|
|