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Post by ruts66 on Aug 2, 2015 21:40:28 GMT
Yep, Keegan-esque 4-3's aplenty - it won't be dull, that's for sure... I am not being funny but seriously how are we going to suddenly find ourselves embroiled in a whole series of 4-3 games? We have just completed a whole close season with to the best of my knowledge one on target attempt on goal against League opposition in the entire blinking program! Stoke City has been a major part of most of my 48yrs on this planet and in that time I've learned to develop an irreverent sense of humour where my beloved football team is concerned. I don't werrit about the things I can't control and I try just to enjoy the ride. We've been in far worse situations than this and a meaningful ball hasn't been kicked in anger yet. Bring on Liverpool, bring on the noise...
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Post by swampySCFC on Aug 2, 2015 21:42:32 GMT
You've got to believe we are a stronger outfit surely
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Post by michelle1863 on Aug 2, 2015 21:43:05 GMT
Would people calm down...Robert huth (as gutted as I was to see him go) hasn't played in our team for the last couple of seasons, shawcross was out injured for some of the games last season (and that turned out ok) and we all knew begovic was going...no surprise! The one that we will miss - and I can understand people worrying about - is Nzonzi...and let's be honest, he wasn't always 100% on top form. BUT we have added new players, and we have a fit Bojan, so why don't we just see how things turn out rather than everyone starting to panic and talk about relegation, and moving backwards....if we are at the bottom of the table come christmas then fair enough, grumble away, but I for one am looking forward to the season starting. I'm not expecting top 6, but hope we have some more brilliant highs (& I'm sure they'll be some lows!) some laugh out loud moments, and most of all the spine tingling brilliant atmosphere at the Brit when it's rocking! By all accounts the team spirit within the squad sounds high - I just don't hope they come on here and read all the negative comments! I know it's a forum so everyone's entitled to their opinion, but sometimes it's just so over the top on here...you big bunch of sissy's!!!
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Post by trickydicky73 on Aug 2, 2015 21:46:26 GMT
The back four without Ryan need proper protection from our midfield - protection that I don't think what we have today can provide We went into this window needing a right winger and possibly a Whelan replacement. We lost Nzonzi, Bego, Huth and it now appears we need a defensively minded centre half, a defensively minded central midfielder and a right winger. We are, so far, weaker than when the window opened and others much stronger, in particular defensively and I don't understand what the plan was / is signing Wollscheid and Johnson and not replacing Nzonzi. Very worrying You can add Moses to the lost list too even though he was on loan. I honestly thought we would go balls out to bottle what we had against Liverpool but its been rip and replace. And we seem to have used the close season to play ourselves out of form just to compound the misery. I have a very uneasy feeling right now, I'm not going to lie to you. I agree with all that. We need a center back, a proper replacement for N'Zonzi and a right winger. I like some of the signings we have made in the last few seasons, but sometimes when you gamble, you lose. Why can't we go for the middle ground and buy solid, proven players rather than very risky ones or players who have no interest in coming here?
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Post by dutchstokie on Aug 2, 2015 21:48:47 GMT
That we Will get the same Pricks on here whining when we dont batter teams Every week
Fuckin shameful Some of the comments over the last few days
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Post by robwahlmann on Aug 2, 2015 21:56:45 GMT
I'm still not sure this is the right team to send out on Sunday, but it would be my choice right now i think!
GK Butland
RB Wilson (Bards is injured and Johnson isn't ready yet) CD Cameron (Been our best central defender in the friendlies and we need his pace here) CD Muniesa (close call between him and Wilson for me) LB Pieters (only Wilson can compete the way I see it)
CM Whelan (our most steady defensive midfielder) CM MVG (think he'll come good with more games)
RM Odemwingie (looks sharper for every game, him or Afellay for me) AM Ireland (neither Adam or Bojan seems to be fit enough right now) LM Arnie (our only player able to create something special right now)
S Diouf (need his pace and workate up front)
Subs picked from: Given, Haugaard, Texeira, Wollscheid, Johnson, Sidwell, Adam, Bojan, Shenton, Walters, Joselu, Crouch. I presume Bards and Shawcross are injured. I must admit I'd rather play Tex than Wolly if we got more injuries in central defence as Wolly's pace and many mistakes scares the shit out of me!
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Post by keasie1863 on Aug 2, 2015 21:59:29 GMT
I am not being funny but seriously how are we going to suddenly find ourselves embroiled in a whole series of 4-3 games? We have just completed a whole close season with to the best of my knowledge one on target attempt on goal against League opposition in the entire blinking program! Stoke City has been a major part of most of my 48yrs on this planet and in that time I've learned to develop an irreverent sense of humour where my beloved football team is concerned. I don't werrit about the things I can't control and I try just to enjoy the ride. We've been in far worse situations than this and a meaningful ball hasn't been kicked in anger yet. Bring on Liverpool, bring on the noise... Well said ruts,im the same age,and if we got relegated,i would just be grateful to have seen us in the premier league,something i never thought i would see in my life. I am so glad that my son who is 19,has not had to wait 22 yrs like i have,to see us in the top division again.although i think it has spoilt him,a bit like some of the posters on here. So here's to are wonderful club and no matter,what happens Come on you potters.
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Post by kustokie on Aug 2, 2015 22:01:09 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August
Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery.
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Post by stokemark on Aug 2, 2015 22:05:21 GMT
I'm still not sure this is the right team to send out on Sunday, but it would be my choice right now i think! GK Butland RB Wilson (Bards is injured and Johnson isn't ready yet) CD Cameron (Been our best central defender in the friendlies and we need his pace here) CD Muniesa (close call between him and Wilson for me) LB Pieters (only Wilson can compete the way I see it) CM Whelan (our most steady defensive midfielder) CM MVG (think he'll come good with more games) RM Odemwingie (looks sharper for every game, him or Afellay for me) AM Ireland (neither Adam or Bojan seems to be fit enough right now) LM Arnie (our only player able to create something special right now) S Diouf (need his pace and workate up front) Subs picked from: Given, Haugaard, Texeira, Wollscheid, Johnson, Sidwell, Adam, Bojan, Shenton, Walters, Joselu, Crouch. I presume Bards and Shawcross are injured. I must admit I'd rather play Tex than Wolly if we got more injuries in central defence as Wolly's pace and many mistakes scares the shit out of me! I'm in the 'Walters must play camp' but that looks like a weaker team that the. one that beat Liverpool and here's the rub for me - despite 7 new players being signed only one appears remotely likely to start on Sunday. I'll say it again, stronger overall squad but weaker starting 11.
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Post by Billybigbollox on Aug 2, 2015 22:06:07 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. Fuck me! I hope the boy's ok KUstokie. The rest of it seems unimportant when things like that happen
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Post by keasie1863 on Aug 2, 2015 22:06:23 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. All the best to you and youre son.hope hes ok,after his surgery.my best wishes.
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Post by Kjones9 on Aug 2, 2015 22:18:32 GMT
Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. if encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.
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Post by Rt Hon Reverend Luvpump on Aug 2, 2015 22:23:49 GMT
We need another center half
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Post by kustokie on Aug 2, 2015 22:24:35 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. Fuck me! I hope the boy's ok KUstokie. The rest of it seems unimportant when things like that happen Thanks. I'll let you know how it turns out
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Post by Gods on Aug 2, 2015 22:29:13 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. I hope your son gets better very quickly, he should mend well and fast at that age, still very concerning I am sure
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Post by penkvillepotter on Aug 2, 2015 22:32:50 GMT
On the face of it we are worse off than 10 weeks ago but LMH hasn't let me down yet. I have faith. It'll be tough to improve on last year but I wouldn't discount it.
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Post by crapslinger on Aug 2, 2015 22:50:09 GMT
We need another center half On todays evidence we need two.
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Post by turtlefox on Aug 2, 2015 23:00:45 GMT
The lack of aggression in defence worries me. I think all of our defenders know how to defend but they need to get tighter and be more lion like. Defending has been a huge strength of ours in the Prem and we shouldn't lose that through adapting our style.
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Post by kustokie on Aug 2, 2015 23:45:24 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. All the best to you and youre son.hope hes ok,after his surgery.my best wishes. . Thanks. We're on our way to Omaha.
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Post by jezzascfc on Aug 3, 2015 0:22:57 GMT
We have not yet put out our best XI. After we do, then we can see where we are - before that every match is just a fitness improver.
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Post by arnie3010 on Aug 3, 2015 0:34:53 GMT
We have not yet put out our best XI. After we do, then we can see where we are - before that every match is just a fitness improver. But which team is our best XI actually?
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Post by jezzascfc on Aug 3, 2015 0:45:45 GMT
We have not yet put out our best XI. After we do, then we can see where we are - before that every match is just a fitness improver. But which team is our best XI actually? Depends on match fitness and injury situation of several players.......
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Post by ayem on Aug 3, 2015 0:52:46 GMT
But which team is our best XI actually? Depends on match fitness and injury situation of several players....... Plus we simply don't know how the new guys/ returning from injury guys are going to progress. Last year I thought moves were to make some cups runs, and I don't think this year has been too different besides the nzonzi covers. Still optimistic, but with healthy concerns. I enjoy watching Stoke football and refuse to go into a season with a doom and gloom attitude.
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Post by ashleyscfc on Aug 3, 2015 1:02:48 GMT
Butland
Wilson (If Bards/Johnson aren't fit. What about the academy player?) Cameron (Based on one of the pre season games. He was brilliant, just pray he has one of his better games) Muniesa (Same applies, hopefully he will keep his positioning and learn to handle to likes of benteke) Pieters (Solid)
MVG (Done well in pre-season overall) Sidwell (Captained the side, a chance for him to step up post injury)
Afellay (Looked like he could be a difference maker, tracking back though?) Ireland (Always like him in this role, and with Diouf, Arnie, Afellay running infront its criminal if he can't have a pivotal role) Arnie (Consistent since last season, get the crowd behind him and he can be a match winner)
Diouf (The mercurial forward, seems to bungle the ball in by any means, works hard and we need his pace. Seems happier than a few months ago which is a relief)
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Post by JoeinOz on Aug 3, 2015 1:09:23 GMT
My only thoughts is I am looking forward to the football season.
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Post by kustokie on Aug 3, 2015 3:07:07 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. Bad fracture Will need surgery plates and screws tomorrow. Oatcake is good distraction.
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Post by malteser68 on Aug 3, 2015 4:39:36 GMT
I'm still not sure this is the right team to send out on Sunday, but it would be my choice right now i think! GK Butland RB Wilson (Bards is injured and Johnson isn't ready yet) CD Cameron (Been our best central defender in the friendlies and we need his pace here) CD Muniesa (close call between him and Wilson for me) LB Pieters (only Wilson can compete the way I see it) CM Whelan (our most steady defensive midfielder) CM MVG (think he'll come good with more games) RM Odemwingie (looks sharper for every game, him or Afellay for me) AM Ireland (neither Adam or Bojan seems to be fit enough right now) LM Arnie (our only player able to create something special right now) S Diouf (need his pace and workate up front) Subs picked from: Given, Haugaard, Texeira, Wollscheid, Johnson, Sidwell, Adam, Bojan, Shenton, Walters, Joselu, Crouch. I presume Bards and Shawcross are injured. I must admit I'd rather play Tex than Wolly if we got more injuries in central defence as Wolly's pace and many mistakes scares the shit out of me! so if even with half the defence decimated you'd rather play the untested dionatan teixeira over wollscheid can someone pls explain why we bought him when we knew beforehand that he was clearly not up to standard ?
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Post by jeycov on Aug 3, 2015 6:26:53 GMT
Whenever I think about this I kept asking myself "what if this is as good as it gets?". If things stay the same we're a little worse off than we were 10 weeks ago. If Ryan and Bojan come and we add a RW and DM we have a good chance of improving on last season. If none of those occur we'll be back where we were three year ago where 40 points was the target. So I'm reserving judgement till end of August Bit anxious right now sitting in ER with 16 year old son who has double fracture of the right ankle after MotoX crash. Being transferred to Omaha for surgery. Southampton have managed to be successful having lost some of their very best players over the last 2 seasons. No reason why we cannot do the same. Regardless of MH team on Sunday they need our support
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Post by crapslinger on Aug 3, 2015 7:17:06 GMT
I'm still not sure this is the right team to send out on Sunday, but it would be my choice right now i think! GK Butland RB Wilson (Bards is injured and Johnson isn't ready yet) CD Cameron (Been our best central defender in the friendlies and we need his pace here) CD Muniesa (close call between him and Wilson for me) LB Pieters (only Wilson can compete the way I see it) CM Whelan (our most steady defensive midfielder) CM MVG (think he'll come good with more games) RM Odemwingie (looks sharper for every game, him or Afellay for me) AM Ireland (neither Adam or Bojan seems to be fit enough right now) LM Arnie (our only player able to create something special right now) S Diouf (need his pace and workate up front) Subs picked from: Given, Haugaard, Texeira, Wollscheid, Johnson, Sidwell, Adam, Bojan, Shenton, Walters, Joselu, Crouch. I presume Bards and Shawcross are injured. I must admit I'd rather play Tex than Wolly if we got more injuries in central defence as Wolly's pace and many mistakes scares the shit out of me! so if even with half the defence decimated you'd rather play the untested dionatan teixeira over wollscheid can someone pls explain why we bought him when we knew beforehand that he was clearly not up to standard ? I think Hughes needs to explain this one, as you say we could all see last season that he was not fit for purpose, total waste of money and a squad place reminds me of Brek Shea wank.
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Post by robwahlmann on Aug 3, 2015 7:57:45 GMT
I'm still not sure this is the right team to send out on Sunday, but it would be my choice right now i think! GK Butland RB Wilson (Bards is injured and Johnson isn't ready yet) CD Cameron (Been our best central defender in the friendlies and we need his pace here) CD Muniesa (close call between him and Wilson for me) LB Pieters (only Wilson can compete the way I see it) CM Whelan (our most steady defensive midfielder) CM MVG (think he'll come good with more games) RM Odemwingie (looks sharper for every game, him or Afellay for me) AM Ireland (neither Adam or Bojan seems to be fit enough right now) LM Arnie (our only player able to create something special right now) S Diouf (need his pace and workate up front) Subs picked from: Given, Haugaard, Texeira, Wollscheid, Johnson, Sidwell, Adam, Bojan, Shenton, Walters, Joselu, Crouch. I presume Bards and Shawcross are injured. I must admit I'd rather play Tex than Wolly if we got more injuries in central defence as Wolly's pace and many mistakes scares the shit out of me! so if even with half the defence decimated you'd rather play the untested dionatan teixeira over wollscheid can someone pls explain why we bought him when we knew beforehand that he was clearly not up to standard ? I've really tried to be positive about Wolly, but too often he lets me down with performances like yesterday. He is so slow on the first yards that he will always struggle to keep up with pacey players. Why we decided to keep him and sell Huth is really a decision which can come back to haunt us. Most of what LMH has done since his arrival have been ace, but this decision is probably his worst mistake.
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