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Post by stokefaninde on Feb 9, 2015 4:56:35 GMT
I became a fan after the 2010 World Cup. The competitor in me could not choose to cheer for a front runner. It would have been so easy to choose a Chelsea or a Manchester United but I hate it when people follow the champions of teams in the United States due to their success. I was born a New York Yankee fan in baseball but came to love the Arizona Cardinals in American Football. I wanted to emulate that in cheering for an underdog that deserved my support.
In 2010, before they ever came to the States or had an American player I chose Stoke City. I chose them for their fantastic local support and for the fact that I felt they could make it in the Premeirship for a few years. Within the past couple years, our support made it possible to watch every Premier match on Television. The Championship is a desert. But so long as Stoke stay up, I can watch every match.
I remember the scrappy days. I came to love Pulis because he kept us up. If we fall, I would be doomed to watching sketchy streams from my computer. I still follow Pulis as a thank you to this day. Last year it was Crystal Palace as a second ream... This year West Brazil...
But something beautiful happened. Hughes came in and turned an underdog team into a team that can take it to anyone... Picking up Bojan, the biggest scorer in La Masia history? Peter Crouch, my favorite non American player from the 2010 World Cup? I remember being ecstatic that we had Tuncay and that we just added Eidur Gudjohnsson. The Etherington and Pennant Combo was tough but could they have started over what we have now?
In my short time as a Stoke fan I have seen them in person (Philadelphia scrimmage), getting to meet Kenwynne, Walters and Shotten personally and having the blessing of seeing them as an upper tier team for the foreseeable future. So many other teams have dropped since I have come aboard.... I am so glad I did not choose to follow Fulham or Bolton, Blackburn or Blackpool. I picked a winner!
Instead in the past World Cup I had reason to follow Bosnia, Honduras and Nigeria. Cheer for Cameron while playing for the United States and wonder with you how Shawcross isn't playing for England.
It has been an incredible ride cheering for Stoke. I look forward to the day I can make it in person to the Britannia... I love this team! If you are still reading thank you for doing so... I know we always want more but I am so proud of how far our team has come in such a short time.. Stoke Fan in Delaware.
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Post by 2733517 on Feb 9, 2015 5:43:51 GMT
This is absolutely brilliant I love this new found love for a team I have supported all my life (in football terms) I am now 56 and the more people on board the better , I am a season ticket holder and anything you want to know just ask and we will answer welcome aboard enjoy the ride ........ It's great !!!
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Feb 9, 2015 6:43:45 GMT
Well said Sir. Start saving your dollars and try to make it over here in May for our first FA Cup Final win!  Of course, a lot of Stokies on this board will then hate you for getting a ticket for the game when they failed to do so!  |
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Post by snapotter on Feb 9, 2015 6:47:51 GMT
I loved reading that, thank you. I enjoy learning about the reasons why people pick an unfashionable team like Stoke as their team, whether it be a local connection, a favourite player, or the spirit of the club.
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Post by withnall on Feb 9, 2015 7:23:23 GMT
I misread the title.
Thought it was some sort of testicular auction.
Welcome aboard fan in de.
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Post by Northy on Feb 9, 2015 7:38:43 GMT
Is de Detroit?
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Post by flinteastwood on Feb 9, 2015 8:48:20 GMT
I love that you chose to follow stoke its nice to hear the reasons why you came to be a supporter and you deffo made the right choice mate.
I hope you get the chance to get to the brit one day and see it for yourself.
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Post by ************** on Feb 9, 2015 8:56:34 GMT
I became a fan after the 2010 World Cup. The competitor in me could not choose to cheer for a front runner. It would have been so easy to choose a Chelsea or a Manchester United but I hate it when people follow the champions of teams in the United States due to their success. I was born a New York Yankee fan in baseball but came to love the Arizona Cardinals in American Football. I wanted to emulate that in cheering for an underdog that deserved my support. In 2010, before they ever came to the States or had an American player I chose Stoke City. I chose them for their fantastic local support and for the fact that I felt they could make it in the Premeirship for a few years. Within the past couple years, our support made it possible to watch every Premier match on Television. The Championship is a desert. But so long as Stoke stay up, I can watch every match. I remember the scrappy days. I came to love Pulis because he kept us up. If we fall, I would be doomed to watching sketchy streams from my computer. I still follow Pulis as a thank you to this day. Last year it was Crystal Palace as a second ream... This year West Brazil... But something beautiful happened. Hughes came in and turned an underdog team into a team that can take it to anyone... Picking up Bojan, the biggest scorer in La Masia history? Peter Crouch, my favorite non American player from the 2010 World Cup? I remember being ecstatic that we had Tuncay and that we just added Eidur Gudjohnsson. The Etherington and Pennant Combo was tough but could they have started over what we have now? In my short time as a Stoke fan I have seen them in person (Philadelphia scrimmage), getting to meet Kenwynne, Walters and Shotten personally and having the blessing of seeing them as an upper tier team for the foreseeable future. So many other teams have dropped since I have come aboard.... I am so glad I did not choose to follow Fulham or Bolton, Blackburn or Blackpool. I picked a winner! Instead in the past World Cup I had reason to follow Bosnia, Honduras and Nigeria. Cheer for Cameron while playing for the United States and wonder with you how Shawcross isn't playing for England. It has been an incredible ride cheering for Stoke. I look forward to the day I can make it in person to the Britannia... I love this team! If you are still reading thank you for doing so... I know we always want more but I am so proud of how far our team has come in such a short time.. Stoke Fan in Delaware. I remember the last American pilgrim that came over on his own for his first game at The Brit. He ended up having a "cheeky half" in almost every boozer in Stoke, then walked with the crowd and took in a few more halves en route, smashed a quick Oatcake down on London Road and finished up in the Gardeners. He then staggered into the Brit with 45 new mates. You'll always get a great reception with the Stoke lads if you let us know you're coming. Americans still seem to fascinate Stokies. |
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Post by str8outtahampton on Feb 9, 2015 9:04:55 GMT
Delaware. As in: "What did Della wear, Boys, what did Della wear? She wore a brand New Jersey, She wore a brand New Jersey, etc, etc." Welcome indeed. However, Stokefaninde, bear in mind that it is far from impossible that we will follow Fulham, Bolton, Blackpool and so on. But bear in mind also that slumming it in the championship (and indeed below) is just as much fun (or painful - take your pick) as hob-nobbing with the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world. In fact some on here might agree that it is a slightly less grubby existence. |
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chinupstokie
Lads'n'Dads
Following Stoke is for life, not just the Premiership
Posts: 72
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Post by chinupstokie on Feb 9, 2015 9:49:44 GMT
Hi Stokefanindie
It’s great to hear your story and that not every American football fan follows the big teams. You couldn’t have chosen better than Stoke.
I went to Miami last year to watch England play a couple of warm up games before the world cup. In between the games we drove down to Key West for a night. I got talking to an American lad who said he supported Man Utd. He had been to Old Trafford once and told me how great the atmosphere was!! He also said how much he hated Man City fans, very bizarre!
I had great pleasure in putting him right & telling him that he was a glory hunter - or band wagoner as his friend called him.
I hope you manage to get over here in the near future Stokefanindie.
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Post by ************** on Feb 9, 2015 9:49:51 GMT
I love that you chose to follow stoke its nice to hear the reasons why you came to be a supporter and you deffo made the right choice mate. I hope you get the chance to get to the brit one day and see it for yourself. Stoke v Arsenal at the Brit has to be the most intensely charged atmosphere in the UK or possibly even northern Europe (after The Old Firm of course). Has to be. On it's day, for opposing fans, the Brit must feel like being struck across the back of the head with a piece of 3 x 2 compared to the rest of the grounds in England. Stokies are very noisy, very passionate. |
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Post by northstaffycher on Feb 9, 2015 20:10:43 GMT
It would be great if you could get over and as someone has already said you'll get a warm reception and a pint of Bass thrust into your hand. Then we'll be over to take in a Yankees baseball game...with a Stoke flag!
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Post by Laughing Gravy on Feb 9, 2015 20:28:01 GMT
Delaware. As in: "What did Della wear, Boys, what did Della wear? She wore a brand New Jersey, She wore a brand New Jersey, etc, etc." Welcome indeed. However, Stokefaninde, bear in mind that it is far from impossible that we will follow Fulham, Bolton, Blackpool and so on. But bear in mind also that slumming it in the championship (and indeed below) is just as much fun (or painful - take your pick) as hob-nobbing with the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world. In fact some on here might agree that it is a slightly less grubby existence. Absolutely right hampton and not wishing to denigrate you as a Johnny come lately Stokefaninde and as the vernacular goes 'boast about the size of my dick', but it is the slumming it in the depths of despair which make the current heights much sweeter for some of us old(er) fans. Hopefully you don't need (and won't have to) suffer the same despair over the next quarter of a century to understand what I mean. |
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Post by stokefaninde on Feb 10, 2015 14:21:15 GMT
Well said Sir. Start saving your dollars and try to make it over here in May for our first FA Cup Final win! Of course, a lot of Stokies on this board will then hate you for getting a ticket for the game when they failed to do so! I would love to come for that! Unfortunately having two little kids and a wife that stays home for work for the time being, it may be a few years before I make it across the pond. Until then I'll have to watch the matches at home with my Stoke scarf and one of my Stoke jerseys:) |
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Post by stokefaninde on Feb 10, 2015 14:46:04 GMT
Delaware. As in: "What did Della wear, Boys, what did Della wear? She wore a brand New Jersey, She wore a brand New Jersey, etc, etc." Welcome indeed. However, Stokefaninde, bear in mind that it is far from impossible that we will follow Fulham, Bolton, Blackpool and so on. But bear in mind also that slumming it in the championship (and indeed below) is just as much fun (or painful - take your pick) as hob-nobbing with the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world. In fact some on here might agree that it is a slightly less grubby existence. I actually have a "Delaware... At least we're not New Jersey" t shirt hahaha. I know its possible and even probable that we'll go down at some point, but I really did my homework on teams to root for in hoping to pick an underdog to stay up for a few years. Some quick searches showed me that Pulis was the type to not get relegated due to style of play and we have an owner who has loads of cash and seems to really know how to run a club. I'll admit I was worried when we switched to Hughes, and as I was watching the Philadelphia scrimmage with a friend (an Ipswitch fan of all teams), he was starting to convince me that it would be the year we were going down because we were trying to change our style of play too quickly, which usually means a quick death in European football. But Sparky has made a believer out of me with his tactics and with the talent we currently have. I know a lot on here are nervous because we haven't splashed a lot of cash in transfers but I can't help but to think the way we are doing it is rather brilliant. We've picked up so many with so much talent for so little. The one I was most upset about not getting of all people was Diouf, and instead of the 10 million or so he would have gone for he signed on a free. Arnie, Bojan, Muniesa, Pieters, Bardsley and others being had for so little is looking like a masterstroke to me, not being frugal. How many teams go for big transfers for strikers and get relegated? Many of the recent misses have even been calculated gambles in my opinion. Guidetti had a good reputation for such a young guy, but didn't work out. I know Shea gets a lot of stick and he may never prove to be more than an MLS player, but there are flashes of talent that was worth at least a gamble. I'm personally looking forward to seeing how some of the other young guys pan out like Tex and Shenton. I think the biggest reason I chose Stoke was that in my opinion they were the most "American" of the teams in the premiership, and though they have evolved into something greater than they were when I chose them, I still feel that way. Us Americans love underdogs. Our athletes tend to be big and strong in most sports (a Stoke trait), our fans are passionate (If you make it over here, check out an NFL tailgate, for any team). The best coaches will think outside of the box and even be unfashionable if it gives us an edge (Rory Delap longthrow), and I am so proud to hear it everytime an announcer mentions Stoke as a side that never gives up like so many others do. I was blown away when they started scouting and picking Americans (though there have been some misses on that pipeline) and my national pride will likely never allow me to believe Cameron should be anywhere but starting for our team, a stance I try to be objective about though I am unsure if I am sometimes. We'll but up for the forseeable future I think, but if not, I'll go down with the rest of you, just from a bit farther away. |
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Post by stokefaninde on Feb 10, 2015 14:45:59 GMT
Delaware. As in: "What did Della wear, Boys, what did Della wear? She wore a brand New Jersey, She wore a brand New Jersey, etc, etc." Welcome indeed. However, Stokefaninde, bear in mind that it is far from impossible that we will follow Fulham, Bolton, Blackpool and so on. But bear in mind also that slumming it in the championship (and indeed below) is just as much fun (or painful - take your pick) as hob-nobbing with the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world. In fact some on here might agree that it is a slightly less grubby existence. I actually have a "Delaware... At least we're not New Jersey" t shirt hahaha. I know its possible and even probable that we'll go down at some point, but I really did my homework on teams to root for in hoping to pick an underdog to stay up for a few years. Some quick searches showed me that Pulis was the type to not get relegated due to style of play and we have an owner who has loads of cash and seems to really know how to run a club. I'll admit I was worried when we switched to Hughes, and as I was watching the Philadelphia scrimmage with a friend (an Ipswitch fan of all teams), he was starting to convince me that it would be the year we were going down because we were trying to change our style of play too quickly, which usually means a quick death in European football. But Sparky has made a believer out of me with his tactics and with the talent we currently have. I know a lot on here are nervous because we haven't splashed a lot of cash in transfers but I can't help but to think the way we are doing it is rather brilliant. We've picked up so many with so much talent for so little. The one I was most upset about not getting of all people was Diouf, and instead of the 10 million or so he would have gone for he signed on a free. Arnie, Bojan, Muniesa, Pieters, Bardsley and others being had for so little is looking like a masterstroke to me, not being frugal. How many teams go for big transfers for strikers and get relegated? Many of the recent misses have even been calculated gambles in my opinion. Guidetti had a good reputation for such a young guy, but didn't work out. I know Shea gets a lot of stick and he may never prove to be more than an MLS player, but there are flashes of talent that was worth at least a gamble. I'm personally looking forward to seeing how some of the other young guys pan out like Tex and Shenton. I think the biggest reason I chose Stoke was that in my opinion they were the most "American" of the teams in the premiership, and though they have evolved into something greater than they were when I chose them, I still feel that way. Us Americans love underdogs. Our athletes tend to be big and strong in most sports (a Stoke trait), our fans are passionate (If you make it over here, check out an NFL tailgate, for any team). The best coaches will think outside of the box and even be unfashionable if it gives us an edge (Rory Delap longthrow), and I am so proud to hear it everytime an announcer mentions Stoke as a side that never gives up like so many others do. I was blown away when they started scouting and picking Americans (though there have been some misses on that pipeline) and my national pride will likely never allow me to believe Cameron should be anywhere but starting for our team, a stance I try to be objective about though I am unsure if I am sometimes. We'll but up for the forseeable future I think, but if not, I'll go down with the rest of you, just from a bit farther away. |
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Post by hartzchoco on Feb 10, 2015 15:03:54 GMT
Nice read. Always good to know there is a few of us over here! For me, I'm planning my pilgrimage to the Brit for over boxing Day 2016. It would be great to get some Yanks on this board to head over at the same time.
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Post by danceswithclams on Feb 10, 2015 15:27:27 GMT
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Post by metalhead on Feb 10, 2015 17:27:06 GMT
I love that you chose to follow stoke its nice to hear the reasons why you came to be a supporter and you deffo made the right choice mate. I hope you get the chance to get to the brit one day and see it for yourself. Stoke v Arsenal at the Brit has to be the most intensely charged atmosphere in the UK or possibly even northern Europe (after The Old Firm of course). Has to be. On it's day, for opposing fans, the Brit must feel like being struck across the back of the head with a piece of 3 x 2 compared to the rest of the grounds in England. Stokies are very noisy, very passionate. I remember reading a Spurs fan saying he genuinely felt in fear for his life after the Danny Rose incident last year. Like, he was worried he might be ambushed as he walked back to the ground, like the atmosphere was so dark it was toxic... And I fucking loved it!  |
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Post by alansuddick on Feb 10, 2015 19:25:01 GMT
How many people on here, hundreds or thousands, lets all do a pledge and get him over here, ill go a quid !
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Post by kustokie on Feb 12, 2015 17:40:37 GMT
First timer here. Been a Stoke fan for more than 50 years - albeit more than 30 from across the pond. My wife read somewhere "you may change your car, house and wife but you'll never change your soccer team" (I think she meant football but that's another story). I can personally attest to the fact that it's true - the only other team I can get excited about is the University of Kansas basketball team (see Avatar). Since they are unlikely to play each other it's not a problem. Saw Stoke in Philadelphia and Kansas City. But the best match I have seen over here is when KC beat Manure. I try get over two or three times a year and get to a match - saw the Manure match on Boxing Day and planning to go see them play WHU with my mate, David. We last went to Upton Park over 40 years ago so we are not sure what to expect. But I do remember the 4th game of the semi-final in '72 when we beat WH 3-2! Got punched in the face by a pig-faced West Ham fan on the way back to the bus but it was worth it. Unfortunately, we spent all our money on the semis and couldn't afford to go the final. Enjoy reading this board, especially references to the Waddington years. I am interested in people's thoughts on how today's team compares with the 1972 team that won the League Cup:
Banks Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic Conroy, Dobing, Eastham, Bernard Greenhoff, Ritchie
Bench (one!): Bernard
More or less the same team almost won the League in 1974-5 when we finished 5th, 4 points behind the sheep shaggers. Main changes were Hudson for Dobing and Shilton for Banks.
IMO the back four is much stronger than what we have right now. With Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic in front Banskie or Shilton, I doubt we would have lost last night.
BTW: Still hate the Arse!
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Post by mywaydesolzan on Feb 12, 2015 17:46:25 GMT
First timer here. Been a Stoke fan for more than 50 years - albeit more than 30 from across the pond. My wife read somewhere "you may change your car, house and wife but you'll never change your soccer team" (I think she meant football but that's another story). I can personally attest to the fact that it's true - the only other team I can get excited about is the University of Kansas basketball team (see Avatar). Since they are unlikely to play each other it's not a problem. Saw Stoke in Philadelphia and Kansas City. But the best match I have seen over here is when KC beat Manure. I try get over two or three times a year and get to a match - saw the Manure match on Boxing Day and planning to go see them play WHU with my mate, David. We last went to Upton Park over 40 years ago so we are not sure what to expect. But I do remember the 4th game of the semi-final in '72 when we beat WH 3-2! Got punched in the face by a pig-faced West Ham fan on the way back to the bus but it was worth it. Unfortunately, we spent all our money on the semis and couldn't afford to go the final. Enjoy reading this board, especially references to the Waddington years. I am interested in people's thoughts on how today's team compares with the 1972 team that won the League Cup:
Banks Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic Conroy, Dobing, Eastham, Bernard Greenhoff, Ritchie
Bench (one!): Bernard
More or less the same team almost won the League in 1974-5 when we finished 5th, 4 points behind the sheep shaggers. Main changes were Hudson for Dobing and Shilton for Banks.
IMO the back four is much stronger than what we have right now. With Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic in front Banskie or Shilton, I doubt we would have lost last night.
BTW: Still hate the Arse!
That team is legendary. You can't swap anyone. |
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Post by kustokie on Feb 12, 2015 18:15:00 GMT
was hoping someone would say that! The main reason we conceded 4 yesterday was because the defenders backed off and gave Citeh too much space - especially down the wings. Marsh and Pejic never backed off. Shawcross and Huth or Wolfie compare well with Smith and Bloor, but any combination of Wilson, Cameron, Bardsley, Pieters, Muniesa, Teixeira you like are no where as good as Pejic and Marsh. We definitely need to strengthen in both those positions.
BTW I made a mistake the sub was John Mahoney
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Post by TheWiseMaster on Feb 12, 2015 22:41:27 GMT
First timer here. Been a Stoke fan for more than 50 years - albeit more than 30 from across the pond. My wife read somewhere "you may change your car, house and wife but you'll never change your soccer team" (I think she meant football but that's another story). I can personally attest to the fact that it's true - the only other team I can get excited about is the University of Kansas basketball team (see Avatar). Since they are unlikely to play each other it's not a problem. Saw Stoke in Philadelphia and Kansas City. But the best match I have seen over here is when KC beat Manure. I try get over two or three times a year and get to a match - saw the Manure match on Boxing Day and planning to go see them play WHU with my mate, David. We last went to Upton Park over 40 years ago so we are not sure what to expect. But I do remember the 4th game of the semi-final in '72 when we beat WH 3-2! Got punched in the face by a pig-faced West Ham fan on the way back to the bus but it was worth it. Unfortunately, we spent all our money on the semis and couldn't afford to go the final. Enjoy reading this board, especially references to the Waddington years. I am interested in people's thoughts on how today's team compares with the 1972 team that won the League Cup:
Banks Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic Conroy, Dobing, Eastham, Bernard Greenhoff, Ritchie
Bench (one!): Bernard
More or less the same team almost won the League in 1974-5 when we finished 5th, 4 points behind the sheep shaggers. Main changes were Hudson for Dobing and Shilton for Banks.
IMO the back four is much stronger than what we have right now. With Marsh, Smith, Bloor, Pejic in front Banskie or Shilton, I doubt we would have lost last night.
BTW: Still hate the Arse!
The question of Stoke's best ever team was raised by the Sentinel last week and the 1974/5 team came out tops There is a thread on the topic if you care to look back |
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Post by mailman44 on Feb 13, 2015 1:51:41 GMT
Nice read. Always good to know there is a few of us over here! For me, I'm planning my pilgrimage to the Brit for over boxing Day 2016. It would be great to get some Yanks on this board to head over at the same time. Let's do it! |
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Post by hartzchoco on Feb 13, 2015 2:08:34 GMT
Nice read. Always good to know there is a few of us over here! For me, I'm planning my pilgrimage to the Brit for over boxing Day 2016. It would be great to get some Yanks on this board to head over at the same time. Let's do it! I'm serious, we should. We could meet up at JFK, or even in London. Get a bunch of us Yanks to head over, hook up with our board brothers..... we almost have to do it, if you really think about it. |
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Post by mailman44 on Feb 13, 2015 2:36:09 GMT
I agree Hartzy, I have seen us in Orlando and Reit Im Weinkl last summer, I have to get over to the Brit and also need to attend an away match. I need a nice Sat-Tu match schedule so I can see two matches in a week.
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Post by sopendal on Feb 13, 2015 6:28:30 GMT
was hoping someone would say that! The main reason we conceded 4 yesterday was because the defenders backed off and gave Citeh too much space - especially down the wings. Marsh and Pejic never backed off. Shawcross and Huth or Wolfie compare well with Smith and Bloor, but any combination of Wilson, Cameron, Bardsley, Pieters, Muniesa, Teixeira you like are no where as good as Pejic and Marsh. We definitely need to strengthen in both those positions. BTW I made a mistake the sub was John Mahoney Oh my god, I just love these expert comments! So based upon what exactly do you rate Teixeira below or above anyone??? |
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Post by kustokie on Feb 13, 2015 15:08:40 GMT
I threw in Tex just to see if I could get a reaction.
Anyway, I am definitely up for a trip to the Brit next season. I try to avoid the big airports like JFK and, especially Heathrow because getting through customs and immigration is a nightmare. Manchester is the closest to the Potteries (about 45 mins by car). But I usually fly from Newark to Birmingham, because Birmingham Airport is small and you can usually be on the motorway in less than an hour after landing. It's about an hour's drive to Stoke. Also my immediate family is now in Nottingham, which is close to Birmngham airport - poor bastards support Forest!
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Post by mailman44 on Feb 13, 2015 15:18:03 GMT
I don't think Boxing Day is going to work for me because I have small kids. I travel to/through Europe for work I might just stop over enroute back to the States and meet the US contingent there.
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