|
|
Post by ted1965 on Mar 5, 2015 16:27:02 GMT
I blink and pinch myself every time I look at the league table 28 games and 42 points in a season where we have been depleted with injuries. In years gone by we would have been throwing everyone behind the ball and scrapping out points here and there while being told how any point we achieved was a miracle from on high. Mark Hughes just gets on with it and produces football to entertain and look where we are, of course nothing should be taken for granted as we know how fast a fall can come but with real backing in the simmer we could be seeing this kind of achievement for seasons to come.
I know you shouldn’t take to many trips down memory lane and live in the moment but just looking at our squad now in comparison to the mid 70’s. We have players now who kids want to be in the playground, players who can make the crowd rise in anticipation, of course since we arrived in the Premier league we had a few players who could excite you but it was so rare they were allowed to express their ability.
The smiles on faces as people leave the Britannia shows how far Mark Hughes has taken this club in a short space of time. The anticipation of away games, yes it’s actually exciting now knowing we can actually win games on the road. We no longer have bonus games, you know those games where it was a bonus if we had a shot or a corner away from home. Okay we don’t win all the time or play well in every game but it really doesn’t matter because football is about being entertained while making real progress and Mark Hughes and his squad give both in abundance. Of course football has limitations and I doubt only a few dreamers believe we can progress beyond top 10 finish but for us that is like winning the league and competing for a champions league place each year. Mark Hughes has put the smile back on the face of Stoke City and like most I can’t wait to see where this club can go.
This season could have been so different but for injuries and some inconsistencies but that’s what makes football the best game in the world, you beat the defending champions in their backyard and lose to the bottom club at home, though a feeling of frustration comes over you it soon passes as you remember how it once was.
That for me is the biggest difference in the last 2 seasons the frustration soon passes as you watch another game that makes you glad you support this club
|
|
|
|
Post by 2004 on Mar 5, 2015 16:29:49 GMT
Fully agree. Great post.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2015 20:47:59 GMT
Great post. Hope I'm not getting in front of myself, but I'm really excited about the future!
|
|
|
|
Post by nutterpotter on Mar 5, 2015 20:54:11 GMT
This summer really is the perfect time to spend big. I'm not having a dig at Coates here, but Hughes has been absolutely superb on a very tight budget. With a bit more money, we really could step up another level and start to challenge regularly for a Europa League place from next season. The profile of the club is great at the moment and we need to make the most of it.
Already looking forward to next season and we've still got 10 games left of this one!
|
|
|
|
Post by viewfrominside on Mar 5, 2015 21:13:23 GMT
Although this has been a very good season for us this year imo we must not forget in summer that we really need to strengthen further, we have done well this season but as a whole the standard of the Premiership this year has been below par. When West Ham and a weakened Southampton who many considered for the drop are up there it kind of proves it.
It's a result imo of an influx of average foreign players and too many managerial changes in modern football.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2015 21:21:28 GMT
One thing that has really impressed me is how our coaching team and players haven't bitched or moaned about our ridiculous injury list this season,they have just quietly gone about their business and done the club proud.
The future looks pretty good at the minute and I look forward to our games more than I have for a very long time.
|
|
|
|
Post by foxysgloves on Mar 5, 2015 21:26:36 GMT
Hughes and his team are doing a fantastic job.
And the great thing is there seems to be signs that, in the long term, we can be even better.
One of our most impressive characteristics now is how we bounce back from setbacks.
Great feeling about the club at the moment.
|
|
|
|
Post by robstokie on Mar 5, 2015 21:31:35 GMT
Sparky has done a great job since coming in. We now look to beat teams, instead of trying to scrape out enough results to keep us out of trouble. However, the most refreshing thing about Sparky is the fact that he is pushing the lads to improve every season and aiming for the top half of the table, rather than settling for 40pts. If we can get Moses and Wolly signed up long term and add another winger, another striker who can offer something different up top and maybe another holding midfielder, we can push on again and look towards cementing ourselves as the team who is best of the rest, as well as trying to win a cup or two.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2015 21:46:39 GMT
Interesting that the points total of 42 from 28 games equates to 1.5 points per game which would leave us with 57 points and probably a top 8 finish if we carry on. It's interesting because I posted roughly the same thing in November after we'd just beaten Spurs. It's been an up and down season, but we seem to have stayed on the path towards 57 points from fairly early on.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scrotnig on Mar 5, 2015 21:52:47 GMT
A great post, except that I don't blink and pinch myself, because the club is generally very well run by people who know what they're doing and who have a passion for the game and the club.
It's not luck. It's hard work and skill. And everyone involved from Coates downwards deserves the credit for it.
Long may it continue.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2015 22:02:11 GMT
The smiles on faces as people leave the Britannia shows how far Mark Hughes has taken this club in a short space of time.
Do you park near the ground?
Still a long way to go to match the feeling of coming up to the prem and getting to the FA Cup Semi/Final and Europe.
Mark has done well though..I'll give him that...but it will take time to shine.
TEST
|
|
|
|
Post by hatchett on Mar 5, 2015 23:19:52 GMT
Brilliant post. It's hard to believe where we are with all the injuries. Imagine if they give Hughes 30 million to spend ??
|
|
|
|
Post by wuzza on Mar 6, 2015 9:23:46 GMT
I would say be very cautious with 'big summer spending' - what we already have has done brilliantly and we have a lot to come back from injury. We really don't want to threaten or reduce the group spirit we have. Additions should be quality not quantity but this brings the problem of certain players getting paid a lot more than others.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kjones9 on Mar 6, 2015 9:32:42 GMT
I would say be very cautious with 'big summer spending' - what we already have has done brilliantly and we have a lot to come back from injury. We really don't want to threaten or reduce the group spirit we have. Additions should be quality not quantity but this brings the problem of certain players getting paid a lot more than others. 100% this. With the current and fully fit and squad who would we replace? The only position were short on is on the wing, we need to sign Moses or someone of similar quality and another winger maybe? Its a tough one. |
|
|
|
Post by crownmeking on Mar 6, 2015 9:41:34 GMT
Has anyone heard from Tazi and Stafford? I am worried for their safety.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bowyer83 on Mar 6, 2015 9:43:13 GMT
I blink and pinch myself every time I look at the league table 28 games and 42 points in a season where we have been depleted with injuries. In years gone by we would have been throwing everyone behind the ball and scrapping out points here and there while being told how any point we achieved was a miracle from on high. Mark Hughes just gets on with it and produces football to entertain and look where we are, of course nothing should be taken for granted as we know how fast a fall can come but with real backing in the simmer we could be seeing this kind of achievement for seasons to come. I know you shouldn’t take to many trips down memory lane and live in the moment but just looking at our squad now in comparison to the mid 70’s. We have players now who kids want to be in the playground, players who can make the crowd rise in anticipation, of course since we arrived in the Premier league we had a few players who could excite you but it was so rare they were allowed to express their ability. The smiles on faces as people leave the Britannia shows how far Mark Hughes has taken this club in a short space of time. The anticipation of away games, yes it’s actually exciting now knowing we can actually win games on the road. We no longer have bonus games, you know those games where it was a bonus if we had a shot or a corner away from home. Okay we don’t win all the time or play well in every game but it really doesn’t matter because football is about being entertained while making real progress and Mark Hughes and his squad give both in abundance. Of course football has limitations and I doubt only a few dreamers believe we can progress beyond top 10 finish but for us that is like winning the league and competing for a champions league place each year. Mark Hughes has put the smile back on the face of Stoke City and like most I can’t wait to see where this club can go. This season could have been so different but for injuries and some inconsistencies but that’s what makes football the best game in the world, you beat the defending champions in their backyard and lose to the bottom club at home, though a feeling of frustration comes over you it soon passes as you remember how it once was. That for me is the biggest difference in the last 2 seasons the frustration soon passes as you watch another game that makes you glad you support this club Very well said Ted. For me personaly Im enjoying every minute but never take anything for granted. I think if we finish 8th or at a long shot 7th Coates will give Sparky a decent transfer kitty which could make us a force to be reckoned with next season. Goooaaarrrnnn Stoke!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Pugsley on Mar 6, 2015 9:51:45 GMT
It's remarkable no doubt, especially as we apparently have lost our DNA and the manager couldn't organise a defence if his life depended on it.
I put it down to luck.
|
|
|
|
Post by okeydokeystokie2 on Mar 6, 2015 9:57:43 GMT
I would say be very cautious with 'big summer spending' - what we already have has done brilliantly and we have a lot to come back from injury. We really don't want to threaten or reduce the group spirit we have. Additions should be quality not quantity but this brings the problem of certain players getting paid a lot more than others. 100% this. With the current and fully fit and squad who would we replace? The only position were short on is on the wing, we need to sign Moses or someone of similar quality and another winger maybe? Its a tough one. I agree with this too. We all said at the start of the season that the squad was so strong. I can't remember a season so disrupted by injuries, but everybody who has come in has done well. In the last few weeks, fringe players like Ireland, Charlie and Geoff have stepped up and performed. Marc Wilson has come in and done well. It's a credit to the coaching staff and the players.
I might have said we still needed a right back, but Bardsley looks to be really settling in now and playing his best football. A lot depends on Wingie's return. If he comes back strong he is another option on the right or through the middle. If we don't sign Victor we will need a left sided attacking player, although Arnie has played his best football there for us.
I don't see the need to panic. The only way we can push on again now is to keep a happy squad on similar wages and keep our key players, Bego, Ryan and N'Zonzi. The next step would be a natural goal scorer, like an Inggs. Very impressed with that lad. A bit like James Beattie - right place, right time and a confident finisher. A 15-20 goal a season striker would have us pushing the top 6. Trouble is finding one of those within our budget and wage structure is nearly Mission Impossible.
|
|
|
|
Post by malisastokie on Mar 6, 2015 9:58:05 GMT
I can absultely believe it !
The side made so much progress last year, I originally thought 57 was a good finish 3 weeks ago ...I would to see us break the 60 piont mark
|
|
|
|
Post by jukeboxjury on Mar 6, 2015 9:58:40 GMT
I agree, having been a supporter since 1960, and having seen some of the great Stoke players in the past.
The one point I would like to make is that BIG spending on foreign players doesn't guarantee success.
The team spirit in a club is essential in getting everyone on board and that's not just the players but the whole staff at SCFC.
We are going through a purple patch and that is great considering the injuries that have occurred this season, and long may it continue.
You just have to see the joy on the players faces after the final whistle to know that it meant a lot to them.
I don't want to pick out individuals for praise because this season has been a squad effort. Mark Hughes has done the best with what he has to work with and its evident that they are a well disciplined outfit even if Charlie does at times go a bit over the top, but again I would rather have that than a disinterested 30 million plus superstar whose only intention is to fill his bank balance.
I know its a simplistic way of looking at it but give me our squad any day rather than the Man City or United superbrats.
|
|
|
|
Post by harryburrows on Mar 6, 2015 10:06:47 GMT
We have a very tough run of fixtures in April & may, I would be very happy with a 50+ point finish
|
|
|
|
Post by malisastokie on Mar 6, 2015 10:18:10 GMT
I am happy with the squad ...one moe striker is all that's needed !
we could spend millions and not do any better !
|
|
|
|
Post by hutcheater on Mar 6, 2015 10:29:02 GMT
Another very positive side to this season is that, by and large, Stoke have stayed out of the headlines and got on with accumulating points. No spitting incident; no friendly fist in the face from the manager to mention just two incidents in today's papers. There was the Ireland incident, but Stoke were the victims, not the aggressors. Let's stay under the radar and continue as a tight knit squad who know what they are aiming for.
|
|
|
|
Post by j3st3r on Mar 6, 2015 10:45:11 GMT
I think but for some bad luck.. weve threatened to do this a few times.. ive looked back at many a season and thought if only we hadnt let in a last minute goal here and there, how different our points tally could have been. Without wanting to tempt fate, we seemed to have reduced the last minute frailties that have denied us points so many times in previous seasons and long may it continue. Even more suprising given our injury list. All credit to the strenghth and depth of the squad, and the terrific work being done by the coaching staff.
|
|
|
|
Post by gothicstokelover on Mar 6, 2015 13:09:27 GMT
Football Manager next year should be interesting next year....
|
|
|
|
Post by kustokie on Mar 6, 2015 15:08:48 GMT
It's certainly a great time to be Stokie - most promising team and manager since the Waddington days. April and May will be tough. When we were on 36 points I said we had a good chance to get 8 points from the next 4 games and 8 points from remaining 8 games. That would be 52 points which would be outstanding especially with all the injuries. So we are on track; however, fasten your seat belts because the landing is going to be bumpy.
|
|
