|
|
Post by gibby1409 on Sept 2, 2016 9:16:08 GMT
Now the silly season has ended (Who else thinks the transfer window should end on July 31st??)
I wanted to put my opinions down on where I think the team/season is, now we can actually concentrate on the games ahead.
1: I think we've strengthened well, and worked on the areas we were looking weak in. There's an argument that we may be slightly thin in a few positions, but by and large, I think we're looking much stronger than last season.
2: There's been lots of comments on how we don't look to be creating much this year, which is largely true. Last season we created loads of chances and we were all complaining that we needed a clinical goal scorer in the team. Bony becomes pivotal in both those points. He's a player in MH's image, he's big, fast, strong, can finish and he brings other players into the game. The ball will stick with Bony, and then Arnie, Bojan, Shak, Imbula, Allen etc will get around him. The chances will come and I'm expecting Bony to be in the right places because he had that goal scorers instinct.
3: We must get the ball in the box quicker this season. We've got a beast of a centre forward who's really powerful in the sir. So I hope MH is saying to our wider men, get it in early when you get the chance. I just don't think they had confidence in Diouf to do this regularly last season.
4: I'm glad Wooly has gone. We were becoming way too preoccupied with him. He wasn't the best centre half, but he's certainly not the worst. He got picked up for how he ran, for wearing gloves, for bitching with teammates, and mainly for just not being Robert Huth!
5: I've watched Stoke since 1969, and I can honestly say I've not been this excited about a group of players since Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons etc. The potential of this group is huge. I got totally dissalusioned during TP's last season, particularly since Boxing Day 2012 anyway. Nowadays I can't wait for match day and knowing that win or lose, we're seeing our team sent out to try and win. ( If the baggies fans think it's been dross before, wait and see what happens now! ) They may sack him first tho 😉
6: We need Glen Johnson back fit and firing asap. He gives us an assurance on the ball, and a real attacking threat. He'd have been close to our player of the season if he'd stayed fit.
So all in all, it's our traditional slow start, but I expect us to be picking up points and getting stronger week by week now, and we'll soon by moving up the league.
Sorry for the longish post but I'd just waited to see how we looked after the window closed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Clem Fandango on Sept 2, 2016 9:17:56 GMT
No we've already been relegated
|
|
|
|
Post by nicholasjalcock on Sept 2, 2016 9:23:13 GMT
I agree with much of the above but we've been in a slump for several months now! We do start slowly but this is the first time we've done it after ending poorly. So, things have to start picking up quickly!
|
|
|
|
Post by skemstokie on Sept 2, 2016 9:24:04 GMT
Now the silly season has ended (Who else thinks the transfer window should end on July 31st??) I wanted to put my opinions down on where I think the team/season is, now we can actually concentrate on the games ahead. 1: I think we've strengthened well, and worked on the areas we were looking weak in. There's an argument that we may be slightly thin in a few positions, but by and large, I think we're looking much stronger than last season. 2: There's been lots of comments on how we don't look to be creating much this year, which is largely true. Last season we created loads of chances and we were all complaining that we needed a clinical goal scorer in the team. Bony becomes pivotal in both those points. He's a player in MH's image, he's big, fast, strong, can finish and he brings other players into the game. The ball will stick with Bony, and then Arnie, Bojan, Shak, Imbula, Allen etc will get around him. The chances will come and I'm expecting Bony to be in the right places because he had that goal scorers instinct. 3: We must get the ball in the box quicker this season. We've got a beast of a centre forward who's really powerful in the sir. So I hope MH is saying to our wider men, get it in early when you get the chance. I just don't think they had confidence in Diouf to do this regularly last season. 4: I'm glad Wooly has gone. We were becoming way too preoccupied with him. He wasn't the best centre half, but he's certainly not the worst. He got picked up for how he ran, for wearing gloves, for bitching with teammates, and mainly for just not being Robert Huth! 5: I've watched Stoke since 1969, and I can honestly say I've not been this excited about a group of players since Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons etc. The potential of this group is huge. I got totally dissalusioned during TP's last season, particularly since Boxing Day 2012 anyway. Nowadays I can't wait for match day and knowing that win or lose, we're seeing our team sent out to try and win. ( If the baggies fans think it's been dross before, wait and see what happens now! ) They may sack him first tho 😉 6: We need Glen Johnson back fit and firing asap. He gives us an assurance on the ball, and a real attacking threat. He'd have been close to our player of the season if he'd stayed fit. So all in all, it's our traditional slow start, but I expect us to be picking up points and getting stronger week by week now, and we'll soon by moving up the league. Sorry for the longish post but I'd just waited to see how we looked after the window closed. Apart from Wolly going (think he had a role as cover but do see your point) 100% agree |
|
|
|
Post by mrcoke on Sept 2, 2016 9:32:59 GMT
Well crafted OP.
If I was to have one wish (apart from winning every game) it would be to see Arni and Shaq taking on their man more, going to the byline more often and centring with central defender facing their own goal. I'm not saying all the time; I'm saying mix it up more rather than solely concentrating on keeping possession and cutting inside.
|
|
|
|
Post by stokiejoe on Sept 2, 2016 10:03:34 GMT
Now the silly season has ended (Who else thinks the transfer window should end on July 31st??) I wanted to put my opinions down on where I think the team/season is, now we can actually concentrate on the games ahead. 1: I think we've strengthened well, and worked on the areas we were looking weak in. There's an argument that we may be slightly thin in a few positions, but by and large, I think we're looking much stronger than last season. 2: There's been lots of comments on how we don't look to be creating much this year, which is largely true. Last season we created loads of chances and we were all complaining that we needed a clinical goal scorer in the team. Bony becomes pivotal in both those points. He's a player in MH's image, he's big, fast, strong, can finish and he brings other players into the game. The ball will stick with Bony, and then Arnie, Bojan, Shak, Imbula, Allen etc will get around him. The chances will come and I'm expecting Bony to be in the right places because he had that goal scorers instinct. 3: We must get the ball in the box quicker this season. We've got a beast of a centre forward who's really powerful in the sir. So I hope MH is saying to our wider men, get it in early when you get the chance. I just don't think they had confidence in Diouf to do this regularly last season. 4: I'm glad Wooly has gone. We were becoming way too preoccupied with him. He wasn't the best centre half, but he's certainly not the worst. He got picked up for how he ran, for wearing gloves, for bitching with teammates, and mainly for just not being Robert Huth! 5: I've watched Stoke since 1969, and I can honestly say I've not been this excited about a group of players since Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons etc. The potential of this group is huge. I got totally dissalusioned during TP's last season, particularly since Boxing Day 2012 anyway. Nowadays I can't wait for match day and knowing that win or lose, we're seeing our team sent out to try and win. ( If the baggies fans think it's been dross before, wait and see what happens now! ) They may sack him first tho 😉 6: We need Glen Johnson back fit and firing asap. He gives us an assurance on the ball, and a real attacking threat. He'd have been close to our player of the season if he'd stayed fit. So all in all, it's our traditional slow start, but I expect us to be picking up points and getting stronger week by week now, and we'll soon by moving up the league. Sorry for the longish post but I'd just waited to see how we looked after the window closed. Agree with this including the Waddington team comments. Supporter since 1958 so similar memories and feelings. My only wish would be to see a right footed winger on the right and a left footed winger on the left. Not fashionable but having played both positions it is far easier to cross with your best foot and pull it back from the touchline. Hoping Bony who is a French speaker can get through to Imbula what is required from him. See Bony as a stronger quicker version of Crouch and more in the mould of a traditional centre forward like Ritchie. Can't wait to get this international nonsense out of the way and see our team play. Hoping Bruno will be everything and more that we lost letting Huth leave. Maybe just maybe we can score from a corner? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 10:08:49 GMT
Now the silly season has ended (Who else thinks the transfer window should end on July 31st??) I wanted to put my opinions down on where I think the team/season is, now we can actually concentrate on the games ahead. 1: I think we've strengthened well, and worked on the areas we were looking weak in. There's an argument that we may be slightly thin in a few positions, but by and large, I think we're looking much stronger than last season. 2: There's been lots of comments on how we don't look to be creating much this year, which is largely true. Last season we created loads of chances and we were all complaining that we needed a clinical goal scorer in the team. Bony becomes pivotal in both those points. He's a player in MH's image, he's big, fast, strong, can finish and he brings other players into the game. The ball will stick with Bony, and then Arnie, Bojan, Shak, Imbula, Allen etc will get around him. The chances will come and I'm expecting Bony to be in the right places because he had that goal scorers instinct. 3: We must get the ball in the box quicker this season. We've got a beast of a centre forward who's really powerful in the sir. So I hope MH is saying to our wider men, get it in early when you get the chance. I just don't think they had confidence in Diouf to do this regularly last season. 4: I'm glad Wooly has gone. We were becoming way too preoccupied with him. He wasn't the best centre half, but he's certainly not the worst. He got picked up for how he ran, for wearing gloves, for bitching with teammates, and mainly for just not being Robert Huth! 5: I've watched Stoke since 1969, and I can honestly say I've not been this excited about a group of players since Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons etc. The potential of this group is huge. I got totally dissalusioned during TP's last season, particularly since Boxing Day 2012 anyway. Nowadays I can't wait for match day and knowing that win or lose, we're seeing our team sent out to try and win. ( If the baggies fans think it's been dross before, wait and see what happens now! ) They may sack him first tho 😉 6: We need Glen Johnson back fit and firing asap. He gives us an assurance on the ball, and a real attacking threat. He'd have been close to our player of the season if he'd stayed fit. So all in all, it's our traditional slow start, but I expect us to be picking up points and getting stronger week by week now, and we'll soon by moving up the league. Sorry for the longish post but I'd just waited to see how we looked after the window closed. Agree with most of that. We should have kept Wolloscheid though IMO. |
|
|
|
Post by Gods on Sept 2, 2016 10:16:23 GMT
Good point on Glenn Johnson.
Am I right in thinking he sustained the injury in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth back in February and he has not started a competitive match since?
At his age he will surely be several weeks once fully fit batting his way back in to things.
|
|
|
|
Post by jimmygscfc on Sept 2, 2016 10:39:12 GMT
Good point on Glenn Johnson. Am I right in thinking he sustained the injury in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth back in February and he has not started a competitive match since? At his age he will surely be several weeks once fully fit batting his way back in to things. I thought he was fit now, so it's just rustiness that'll be the problem. He should be fit for selection for Spurs shouldn't he? |
|
|
|
Post by Lakeland Potter on Sept 2, 2016 10:48:48 GMT
Good point on Glenn Johnson. Am I right in thinking he sustained the injury in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth back in February and he has not started a competitive match since? At his age he will surely be several weeks once fully fit batting his way back in to things. I thought he was fit now, so it's just rustiness that'll be the problem. He should be fit for selection for Spurs shouldn't he? I'm sure that the injury he has had since the start of the season is not the same injury he had in February. It isn't that unusual that a player has a long injury layoff and then picks up another injury as he steps up his training ready for his comeback. Hopefully he will at least be in the squad for the Spurs game even if he doesn't start. I'd like to have seen another full back or two in the transfer window as Pieters hasn't looked good for a while and, if we don't need to replace Johnson now we probably will need to next summer. Tripper anyone?  |
|
|
|
Post by foster on Sept 2, 2016 11:45:15 GMT
Wish we were playing tomorrow. Want to see the new boys in action.
|
|
|
|
Post by nott1 on Sept 2, 2016 11:47:15 GMT
Can't wait for the next game. If our squad play to their ability we can beat anyone now!
|
|
|
|
Post by Bowyer83 on Sept 2, 2016 11:50:07 GMT
If Sparky plays his best team we could be a major force to deal with this season.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bojan Mackey on Sept 2, 2016 11:51:56 GMT
I fucking detest international football anyway so this pointless friendly break just when a new season is starting sends me absolutely apoplectic, I just want to see Martins Indi clothesline someone and I've got to wait ages for it.
Fuck off FA.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 11:58:34 GMT
I think we can beat Tottenham. Dembele is suspended for one more game (ours!) which makes me more confident, given that he was magnificent in their 4-0 win.
Given that Kane, Alli and one or two others seem to have not woken up yet, if we aim for a more combative style of play, we should at least come away with a draw.
Just want that perfectly dinked in cross from Arnie to fly past Lloris via a Wilf bullet header. Excited.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 12:01:10 GMT
Agree with the window closing July 31st, TBH I'd close it earlier, as it gives players time to get a good pre season in with new team mates, and although fitness should not really be an issue for the likes of Bony, i'm sure Citeh would have kept him in prime shape, styles of play and formations would certainly vary widely.
|
|
|
|
Post by samba :) on Sept 2, 2016 12:01:44 GMT
We could do with england getting annihilated from a stoke city point of view
|
|
|
|
Post by djduncanjames on Sept 2, 2016 12:03:53 GMT
For the next game. If our squad play to their ability we can beat anyone now!  |
|
|
|
Post by mailman44 on Sept 2, 2016 12:06:33 GMT
Great window! Well done the Pizza Boys. Give Bony some time to settle, play Diouf along side him and look out!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2016 12:07:55 GMT
If Sparky plays his best team we could be a major force to deal with this season. Without Butland? Hahaha  |
|
|
|
Post by chiefdelilah on Sept 2, 2016 12:16:38 GMT
I don't think we did create loads of chances last season. This season's problems are a continuation, not a new development.
|
|
|
|
Post by sheikhmomo on Sept 2, 2016 12:53:27 GMT
The season started three weeks ago. We forgot. Again.
|
|
|
|
Post by djduncanjames on Sept 2, 2016 12:53:30 GMT
I just realised both of our strikers will be gone for a month for the ACON! When is that exactly, before or after the next Window? I wanna say its kinda dead in the middle of it... We'll only have Walters and Crouchy
|
|
|
|
Post by boskampsflaps on Sept 2, 2016 13:24:10 GMT
Great window! Well done the Pizza Boys. Give Bony some time to settle, play Diouf along side him and look out! I very much doubt we'll be playing 2 up front. |
|
|
|
Post by Rick Grimes on Sept 2, 2016 13:25:25 GMT
I don't think we did create loads of chances last season. This season's problems are a continuation, not a new development. I'm hoping that Bony and his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the game goes a long way to solving this problem. We should be able to attack in a number of different ways, we know we can play it into his feet and he's strong enough to hold people off, we know if we can put some quality crosses in that he's good a great chance of getting on the end of them and we know he can certainly finish. |
|
|
|
Post by Bowyer83 on Sept 2, 2016 13:32:07 GMT
If Sparky plays his best team we could be a major force to deal with this season. Without Butland? Hahaha It's fans like you that make my shit hang from a great height. |
|
|
|
Post by riponstokie on Sept 2, 2016 13:36:24 GMT
Very good opening post. Think we were all waiting to make judgements until the window shuts, and whilst the start of the season has been pretty poor, the season does truly begin now. Sparky has brought in some good players and he now has all the ingredients to take the squad to the top 7 imo. Just need some luck with injuries and to do some bloody defensive work! Is a bit of a buzz around the place after winning deadline day. Hopefully this momentum is turned into results and to finally see the potential of this team fulfilled!
|
|
|
|
Post by trentvale68 on Sept 2, 2016 13:42:25 GMT
Well if we find ourselves 9 points off where we hoped to be at he end of the season then perhaps we might feel differently
Im always baffled how somehow there is a perception that the opening 4 or 5 games don't really count and yet xmas fixtures and final run in are always life & death
EVERY GAME & EVERY POINT MATTERS!!
|
|
|
|
Post by realstokebloke on Sept 2, 2016 13:54:14 GMT
Sheiky is right. We can't keep giving everyone else 9pts at the start of the season every year - it's the same start date for all of us ffs.
Which does, for me anyway, dovetail with the transfer window point exactly.
It does need to "slam shut" before the season starts 100%.
Have to admit, I have no idea why it closes when it does.
Nonsense.
On stilts.
But yes, far fewer excuses now, especially with Wilf on board.
Exciting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gods on Sept 2, 2016 14:08:44 GMT
Good job the window did stay open IMHO, it was a welcome distraction from us ruminating over the fact that we are once again riven with injuries and the starting gun has gone but never mind getting out on the "B" of the "Bang" as the top sprinters say we have not yet left the flipping blocks :-)
|
|
