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Post by kustokie on Aug 9, 2016 1:22:23 GMT
Agreed revival. As far as I can see - from 3,000 miles away - Hughes and co have learned very little from last year. I do think the summer signings have been good, but not enough to stay in contention for a top 10 spot. Signings are fine, but if the tactics are weak, then they don't get you very far. When we won last year, it almost always seemed to be by one goal. That is playing way too close to the line for me. I think we will be struggling big time come January and it'll take some big spending from Coates to pull us out of the fire. Can't see us ending above 14th. Unfortunately I agree. 5th lowest scorers last season and for me that's due to tactics\style of play rather than personnel. We could really take some tonkings unless we get in at least one defender. Just wanted to add my support, since I am sure we are in the minority. I have not been so apprehensive for the start of a season in a long time. We have basically the same issues we had at the end of last season. The center of the defense is very suspect. We can't put crosses into the box to save our lives and we still don't know who our starting CF is.
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Post by kustokie on Aug 9, 2016 1:27:56 GMT
I expect Wolly to fall over with someone/anyone, many, many times!!!
I personally found Nigel Worthington more comfortable in a back four
I wasn't aware he needed anyone around him to fall over lol To be fair, they we all falling over last season. I expect they will at least have some new boots.
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Post by j3st3r on Aug 9, 2016 2:57:12 GMT
Hey Up... Gooooooarn John Goooooooarn John... Work Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard Hey up Jester, watch out for those falling planes! Hope things are well. Ma Salama Hey buddy.. you coming over for a game this season..?
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Post by Pedropotter on Aug 9, 2016 7:12:10 GMT
I'd take 11th and a cup final. That would be the equivalent of a moment où l'on mange in The Schooner Sir Ahhh David, the Schooner. Happy memories of Chateau Rothschild and oysters with Roger Moore. The little red sails on the breeze, the lively gulls, the smell of candy floss and fat lasses in the air, happy memories indeed. I trust you are keeping well fed sir?
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Post by stokiejoe on Aug 9, 2016 7:29:09 GMT
Just hope that we can be more injury free and have a more settled side. If we can then the world is our lobster
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Post by RAF on Aug 9, 2016 7:52:15 GMT
When I rattle a lot of our players names off in my head I think wow we'll do well. But something is just lacking at the moment that stops it all coming together on the pitch. Be it a forward, another strong centre back to give the attacking players the confidence to go forward, the formation? I don't know what it is but I have every confidence hughesy will tie it all together by the end of August. I will tell you where we are lacking. Our Support! It's fucking wank. Apparently we will do well not to be in trouble this season and the only reason we have done so well in the last 3 seasons is that the top teams have been wank! Also we haven't moved on apparently! We have as a fan base become exactly what we fucking hated about the Elite prem fan! There is wanting your team to do well and being a spoiled prick! Makes me want to fucking honk! H
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Post by RAF on Aug 9, 2016 7:56:10 GMT
Agreed revival. As far as I can see - from 3,000 miles away - Hughes and co have learned very little from last year. I do think the summer signings have been good, but not enough to stay in contention for a top 10 spot. Signings are fine, but if the tactics are weak, then they don't get you very far. When we won last year, it almost always seemed to be by one goal. That is playing way too close to the line for me. I think we will be struggling big time come January and it'll take some big spending from Coates to pull us out of the fire. Can't see us ending above 14th. Unfortunately I agree. 5th lowest scorers last season and for me that's due to tactics\style of play rather than personnel. We could really take some tonkings unless we get in at least one defender. Hang on, you've just said it's not about personnel, but then suggested we will take some tonkings if we don't get at least one defender in? Surely that is exactly to do with personnel? H
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Post by Kjones9 on Aug 9, 2016 11:12:19 GMT
I really hope we play some good football. That means moving the ball a lot quicker especially at home. More shots, more crosses and more action in the opposition box. That's what I hope for. What I expect is more tippy tappy fannying around and a low goals output. When we get a corner or set piece I expect nothing but I fully expect the opposition to score every time the ball is crossed into our box. Dont feel very optimistic to be honest. Hope I'm wrong! Copy and paste?
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Post by foster on Aug 9, 2016 11:15:30 GMT
When I rattle a lot of our players names off in my head I think wow we'll do well. But something is just lacking at the moment that stops it all coming together on the pitch. Be it a forward, another strong centre back to give the attacking players the confidence to go forward, the formation? I don't know what it is but I have every confidence hughesy will tie it all together by the end of August. I will tell you where we are lacking. Our Support! It's fucking wank. Apparently we will do well not to be in trouble this season and the only reason we have done so well in the last 3 seasons is that the top teams have been wank! Also we haven't moved on apparently! We have as a fan base become exactly what we fucking hated about the Elite prem fan! There is wanting your team to do well and being a spoiled prick! Makes me want to fucking honk! H
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Post by ayem on Aug 9, 2016 11:16:40 GMT
Im thinking a push for 6-7th. More settled players. Bojan looks good, Doouf should hit stride, shaqiri, imbula both had a preseason.
Lets just score goals.
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Post by Kjones9 on Aug 9, 2016 11:21:00 GMT
There will be plenty of eggs on faces... again. There will be plenty that dissappear... again.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2016 11:26:04 GMT
Think it will be a similar season to last, a few extra goals, but with our defence undoing our good work. Think hughes has made steps to ease pressure on the defence, but if he fails to sign another CB, then we deserve what we get.
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Post by mrred on Aug 9, 2016 11:34:02 GMT
I'd take a top 10 finish but I honestly think we'll have a struggle on this season. We've had so many seasons of gradual progression, somethings got to give at some point. I've just got a horrible feeling we're due for one.
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Post by foster on Aug 9, 2016 11:43:34 GMT
I'd take a top 10 finish but I honestly think we'll have a struggle on this season. We've had so many seasons of gradual progression, somethings got to give at some point. I've just got a horrible feeling we're due for one. Last season was our stale season I reckon. I think this season we'll do better goals and points wise.
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Post by okeydokeystokie2 on Aug 9, 2016 11:43:47 GMT
When we had our first choice back 5 (including Jack) with Ryan fit we were really solid. Any of our centre backs look better playing with Ryan than they do when he's not there. Glen J also brings the best out of Shaq.
MH will not settle for not improving. Whether that means he will bring new players in or get more from our existing squad, I can't see him being content to let our play slip backwards. I fully expect the team to improve this season and hope that we have better luck with injuries.
Joe Allen is a great addition to the squad and Ramadan has bags of potential. The fact that Arnie is still here is a huge bonus. I thought he would go. I also believe Shaqiri, Bojan and Imbula will all be better this season. Should be really good. We are so close to having a fantastic side. IF we could get Berahino, he could be the last piece of the jigsaw.
The league has to be tougher this year. Even though I expect us to be a better team, that does not necessarily mean a higher league position.It will be hard to finish above Everton and Chelsea again so we may slip out of the top 10. A top half finish in this league would be a fabulous achievement for Stoke City.
We've got a tough start, but Boro, Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham will not be thinking we're an easy game either.
Good luck Stoke City. We'll be with you every step along the way.
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Post by Pugsley on Aug 9, 2016 11:56:45 GMT
Agreed revival. As far as I can see - from 3,000 miles away - Hughes and co have learned very little from last year. I do think the summer signings have been good, but not enough to stay in contention for a top 10 spot. Signings are fine, but if the tactics are weak, then they don't get you very far. When we won last year, it almost always seemed to be by one goal. That is playing way too close to the line for me. I think we will be struggling big time come January and it'll take some big spending from Coates to pull us out of the fire. Can't see us ending above 14th. How are the tactics weak?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2016 12:06:53 GMT
Increase the goals and entertainment. Oh, and lose the beard.
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