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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 18:21:27 GMT
Just dreaming after Liverpool.
Before now, the Bolton semi, and playing Valencia in Europe was the stuff of Stoke folklore for generations to come, if we end up finding ourselves in championship (or god forbid league 1 or 2) obscurity.
But for me, it doesn't matter if Hughes has sex with my wife, he's already a legend in my eyes and I will always remember this season.
My question is: Is this now the 'high water mark' of this Stoke generation?
If it is, I'm still grateful to Peter Coates and the whole organisation for making this dream happen, even if this is as good as it gets.
But am I crazy for thinking it could get even better, provided:
(a) PC remains in charge
(b) Hughes stays
(c) We continue to strengthen with cost-effective players and don't rock the balance of the team
(d) Hopefully seeing some youth team come through
If not, there's every chance we could struggle. Thoughts?
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 18:25:24 GMT
I honestly think that there is still some real progress to be made with this team/squad and a few additions in the summer.
Hopefully getting into Europe via our league position and winning a trophy in the next 2 or 3 seasons.
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Post by CalgaryPotter on May 25, 2015 18:27:53 GMT
We're a club on the up and after yesterday's performance, we'll be a club to fear next season.
Expect a lot more teams to come to the Brit and shut up shop. The hardest part next season will be getting the first goal.
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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 18:28:58 GMT
I honestly think that there is still some real progress to be made with this team/squad and a few additions in the summer. Hopefully getting into Europe via our league position and winning a trophy in the next 2 or 3 seasons. Me too, just trying to keep my feet on the ground. Failing! Top six next season, then I'm happy forever! |
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 18:34:08 GMT
More to come, me thinks! I believe our club has the ambition now to go for more. i.e. Top ten finishes, capped with a trophy or two.
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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 18:34:40 GMT
We're a club on the up and after yesterday's performance, we'll be a club to fear next season. Expect a lot more teams to come to the Brit and shut up shop. The hardest part next season will be getting the first goal. Good point, but I would have hoped that the opposition would know that we're not a one-dimensional team any longer (in fact I would love it if they're that stupid!). We have one of the scariest array of offensive talent, in the variety of challenges we pose to the opposing defenders (height, speed, trickiness, physicality etc). It's a flipping nightmare to defend against. |
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Post by cobhamstokey on May 25, 2015 18:39:08 GMT
Whatever happens we'll never lose the amazing memories of the last 8 years. Having watched my first game in 77 I don't remember the glory years of the early 70s but I certainly remember the horrors of the mid 80s to early 000's with only the Macari years bringing some restbite at a lower level.
As fans we've earnt these last 8 years and may there be many more too come. I'm a realist and don't see us making the CL but there's still a lot of future memories like yesterday to be created and hopefully a cup.
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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 18:46:02 GMT
I guess what I was saying is that if it is the high water mark, it's brilliant and something that will stay with me forever.  |
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Post by luciani on May 25, 2015 18:48:26 GMT
I think one of the most impressive things is probably something that we as fans don't actually appreciate- the slow evolution of the team and the club. This is no boom and bust club, we're building steadily and sensibly and becoming a real force. Well done to those who, behind the scenes, are taking the club forward at a steady and sustainable pace. Sometimes we fans naturally get greedy and impatient, but there are plenty of examples of teams who would give their right arms to be where we are now |
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Post by riccyfuller93 on May 25, 2015 18:49:35 GMT
Every club can progress.
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 18:51:00 GMT
Yes - but we actually are |
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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 18:51:05 GMT
I think one of the most impressive things is probably something that we as fans don't actually appreciate- the slow evolution of the team and the club. This is no boom and bust club, we're building steadily and sensibly and becoming a real force. Well done to those who, behind the scenes, are taking the club forward at a steady and sustainable pace. Sometimes we fans naturally get greedy and impatient, but there are plenty of examples of teams who would give their right arms to be where we are now +1 |
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2015 18:53:59 GMT
Sorry. I'm a stokie and saw my first game in 75. This could all go tits up. We are stoke after all :-(
GD
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Post by bathstoke on May 25, 2015 18:59:42 GMT
Sorry. I'm a stokie and saw my first game in 75. This could all go tits up. We are stoke after all :-( GD Have another drink, it'll pass |
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Post by cognacsmoker on May 25, 2015 19:12:43 GMT
Sorry. I'm a stokie and saw my first game in 75. This could all go tits up. We are stoke after all :-( GD It is pessimistic I guess! More than thirty years of hurt make me think this is as good as it gets. It is bloody good though! |
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Post by salopstick on May 25, 2015 19:19:50 GMT
I'm still pissed off a bit about those stupid home defeats to burnley leics and villa and where we would have finished then
A great season
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Post by oldpotter on May 25, 2015 19:25:23 GMT
Its been a cracking season, just enjoy the close season, and see what happens in the transfer market.
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Post by Staying up for Grandadstokey on May 25, 2015 20:34:11 GMT
We're a club on the up and after yesterday's performance, we'll be a club to fear next season. Expect a lot more teams to come to the Brit and shut up shop. The hardest part next season will be getting the first goal. Precisely, we sometimes struggle against teams who sit deep, I think it's vital we reinforce attacking areas especially on the right side and that is in no way a criticism of SJW who has had a very good season, but someone with genuine pace would not go amiss. |
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