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Post by AlbertTatlock on Mar 5, 2017 15:20:29 GMT
After sitting through yesterdays comfortable 2-0 win I walked back home thinking I had very little to be excited about. The atmosphere was probably the worst I've witnessed since before our promotion year, even the goal celebrations were a half hearted muted affair. At the moment I'm just finding it very difficult to get excited about watching the Stoke, I'm always eager for the next match to come along and still feel that buzz as I'm making my way to the ground but then it all seems to fizzle out after watching what's on display, the baffling team and squad selections the slow pass it sideways football, the lack of desire and passion on display which starts from the dug out and spreads itself onto the pitch then into to the crowd, slowly grinding out the last bit of pre-match excitement I had. And it doesn't seem to be improving, I'm not yet contemplating not renewing my ST but something has to change - doesn't it? I'm so grateful we are where we are and for Stoke to remain a premiership side is paramount so what's it all come down to? Is it that my expectations are too high? Have we as a club stagnated in our endeavour to maintain our premiership status? Is it complacency or is it something else? With the talent Stoke have at their disposal I should be coming away from a comfortable home win full of adrenalin filled excitement even when we lose and the obvious disappointment that goes with it knowing we've got a great squad of talented international stars but we put up a good fight, this just isn't the case though. Gouranga.  |
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Post by WhyDelilah on Mar 5, 2017 15:24:56 GMT
After sitting through yesterdays comfortable 2-0 win I walked back home with thinking I had very little to be excited about. The atmosphere was probably the worst I've witnessed since before our promotion year, even the goal celebrations were a half hearted muted affair. At the moment I'm just finding it very difficult to get excited about watching the Stoke, I'm always eager for the next match to come along and still feel that buzz as I'm making my way to the ground but then it all seems to fizzle out after watching what's on display, the baffling team and squad selections the slow pass it sideways football, the lack of desire and passion on display which starts from the dug out and spreads itself onto the pitch then into to the crowd, slowly grinding out the last bit of pre-match excitement I had. And it doesn't seem to be improving, I'm not yet contemplating not renewing my ST but something has to change - doesn't it? I'm so grateful we are where we are and for Stoke to remain a premiership side is paramount so what's it all come down to? Is it that my expectations are too high? Have we as a club stagnated in our endeavour to maintain our premiership status? Is it complacency or is it something else? With the talent Stoke have at their disposal I should be coming away from a comfortable home win full of adrenalin filled excitement even when we lose and the obvious disappointment that goes with it knowing we've got a great squad of talented international stars but we put up a good fight, this just isn't the case though. Gouranga. Get ready to be shot down. This is as good as it gets you ungrateful bastard. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2017 15:25:35 GMT
Cheer up albert. I'm happy, and I can be a reet miserable cnut. Sort the defence out in the Summer, and we can move on!
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Post by AlbertTatlock on Mar 5, 2017 15:44:26 GMT
Cheer up albert. I'm happy, and I can be a reet miserable cnut. Sort the defence out in the Summer, and we can move on! We said this last season didn't we? I'll be like a lot of others looking forward with extreme anticipation at the thought of Walters on the left, Crouch up front, Whelan in the middle and Ryan at the back, hang on a min? BTW I thought Whelan was superb yesterday. Gouranga. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Mar 5, 2017 15:47:30 GMT
It's all just a bit shit isn't it?
I thought we were poor yesterday but there was a few individual performances that made up for that.
We've got to find a way of playing soon that isn't just twatting it to Crouch because that is all we do.
There's a general malaise about the place at the minute. That needs to change.
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Post by harryburrows on Mar 5, 2017 15:53:05 GMT
It's all just a bit shit isn't it? I thought we were poor yesterday but there was a few individual performances that made up for that. We've got to find a way of playing soon that isn't just twatting it to Crouch because that is all we do. There's a general malaise about the place at the minute. That needs to change. I would love to see us become more fit and athletic , even borough seemed in better condition than us yesterday . |
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Post by modfather on Mar 5, 2017 15:56:54 GMT
Boredom because the atmosphere is so dead these days.
A safe standing area big enough for a couple of thousand fans with all the singers in would improve the atmosphere of the whole ground imo.
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Post by march4 on Mar 5, 2017 15:58:36 GMT
Had we still been in the cup, I think we would all be much happier.
The two awful home defeats against the reserve teams of clubs in a weaker position than ourselves is at the root of our ails.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Mar 5, 2017 15:59:00 GMT
It's all just a bit shit isn't it? I thought we were poor yesterday but there was a few individual performances that made up for that. We've got to find a way of playing soon that isn't just twatting it to Crouch because that is all we do. There's a general malaise about the place at the minute. That needs to change. I would love to see us become more fit and athletic , even borough seemed in better condition than us yesterday . Agreed. When Arnie went off I thought they were going to score tbh. We seemed to get tired and a bit complacent. The whole fitness issue is something that has blighted Hughes' time here really. Why did Arnie go off? |
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Post by harryburrows on Mar 5, 2017 16:01:00 GMT
I would love to see us become more fit and athletic , even borough seemed in better condition than us yesterday . Agreed. When Arnie went off I thought they were going to score tbh. We seemed to get tired and a bit complacent. The whole fitness issue is something that has blighted Hughes' time here really. Why did Arnie go off? Sinusitis apparently, Seriously |
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Post by harryburrows on Mar 5, 2017 16:04:34 GMT
I would love to see us become more fit and athletic , even borough seemed in better condition than us yesterday . Agreed. When Arnie went off I thought they were going to score tbh. We seemed to get tired and a bit complacent. The whole fitness issue is something that has blighted Hughes' time here really. Why did Arnie go off? Wasn't this fitness regime supposed to be some revolutionary new technique where our fitness grows throughout the season helping us finish the season strongly |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Mar 5, 2017 16:17:15 GMT
Agreed. When Arnie went off I thought they were going to score tbh. We seemed to get tired and a bit complacent. The whole fitness issue is something that has blighted Hughes' time here really. Why did Arnie go off? Wasn't this fitness regime supposed to be some revolutionary new technique where our fitness grows throughout the season helping us finish the season strongly Yup and you can't argue with it doing that in previous seasons. But why you should accept the shit start we always have, the mountains of injuries we get and the general fatigue we seem to have I don't know! Sinusitis? I suppose the game was pretty much done and if it was affecting his breathing then fair enough. |
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Post by WhyDelilah on Mar 5, 2017 16:28:49 GMT
It's probably expectation. Some will have you believe it's unrealistic to expect anything better than what is currently on show but that's just nonsense.
You can't spend the kind of money that Hughes has and not have expectations rise. 18 million on Imbula. 12 million on Shaqiri. 15 million on Berahino. 12 million on Joe Allen. We've spent ridiculous amounts of money, and this season we've only regressed. We've gone back to a style akin to what we witnessed under Hughes' predecessor. It isn't pretty and it's far from enjoyable to watch.
Ramadan is a beacon of hope. If he continues his current form, and Arnie can keep going on the other flank, then things could get better.
I'm still not convinced Berahino will fit into our side well with the current set up and tactics. Joe Allen has had a good season but I'm not convinced he's the long term answer behind the front man. The midfield 2 needs a lot of work. Imbula can't even get on the bench and Adam is too slow and immobile.
The game has changed. You need pace but you also need athletes in your team. You need to be quick and press the opposition all over. You need to ping the ball round at speed and have players all over that have good movement and vision. Our current team just seems so stagnant and devoid of any ideas or cutting edge.
Like I say, Arnie and Ramadan offer hope but the squad needs massive surgery over the summer. Lots need shifting out but it'll be difficult given the contracts they're on.
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Post by claytonscrubs on Mar 5, 2017 16:31:34 GMT
I've just witnessed one of the best performances by a young Stoke player I can remember in years yesterday. Plus we've got the maverick Arnie to enjoy every week. A few on here have got their heads stuck in an oven permanently . Don't join them mate ffs.
Cheer up Albert ,you could have been born a Vale fan. 😉
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Post by heworksardtho on Mar 5, 2017 16:43:09 GMT
Think your lucky not been a Mackem
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2017 16:57:02 GMT
Wasn't this fitness regime supposed to be some revolutionary new technique where our fitness grows throughout the season helping us finish the season strongly Yup and you can't argue with it doing that in previous seasons. But why you should accept the shit start we always have, the mountains of injuries we get and the general fatigue we seem to have I don't know! Sinusitis? I suppose the game was pretty much done and if it was affecting his breathing then fair enough. We didnt finish last season strong Bayern |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2017 16:58:01 GMT
It's one of the games that I've felt we were never in any trouble. Easy, easy, easy, etc;
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Post by alster on Mar 5, 2017 17:13:50 GMT
It's probably expectation. Some will have you believe it's unrealistic to expect anything better than what is currently on show but that's just nonsense. You can't spend the kind of money that Hughes has and not have expectations rise. 18 million on Imbula. 12 million on Shaqiri. 15 million on Berahino. 12 million on Joe Allen. We've spent ridiculous amounts of money, and this season we've only regressed. We've gone back to a style akin to what we witnessed under Hughes' predecessor. It isn't pretty and it's far from enjoyable to watch. Ramadan is a beacon of hope. If he continues his current form, and Arnie can keep going on the other flank, then things could get better. I'm still not convinced Berahino will fit into our side well with the current set up and tactics. Joe Allen has had a good season but I'm not convinced he's the long term answer behind the front man. The midfield 2 needs a lot of work. Imbula can't even get on the bench and Adam is too slow and immobile. The game has changed. You need pace but you also need athletes in your team. You need to be quick and press the opposition all over. You need to ping the ball round at speed and have players all over that have good movement and vision. Our current team just seems so stagnant and devoid of any ideas or cutting edge. Like I say, Arnie and Ramadan offer hope but the squad needs massive surgery over the summer. Lots need shifting out but it'll be difficult given the contracts they're on. I don't think there is any chance that Berahino will succeed unless we change the way we're playing, there is no one in the middle who is remotely capable of feeding him in. I agree that its not all doom and gloom there are plenty of positives but the squad does need a serious overhaul. It might happen but I just can't see how it can with all the contract extentions we keep handing out left right and centre, we should be looking at a cull but all the signs are no such thing will be happening this Summer. The other worry for me is that I don't even think we're getting the best out of what we have, our general play is very basic and agricultural despite us having the players on the books to be so much better than we are. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Mar 5, 2017 17:22:29 GMT
Yup and you can't argue with it doing that in previous seasons. But why you should accept the shit start we always have, the mountains of injuries we get and the general fatigue we seem to have I don't know! Sinusitis? I suppose the game was pretty much done and if it was affecting his breathing then fair enough. We didnt finish last season strong Bayern I've tried to erase last season from the mind! But you are right. I didn't think we'd finished that badly! |
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Post by TrentValePotter96 on Mar 5, 2017 17:27:17 GMT
mix of things I reckon, when our 2nd went in I nearly didn't stand up to celebrate.
We aren't challenging/fighting anything, so stumbling towards the end of the season.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2017 17:48:13 GMT
We didnt finish last season strong Bayern I've tried to erase last season from the mind! But you are right. I didn't think we'd finished that badly! Probably the best way with last season Bayern ! |
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Post by bojanwonder on Mar 5, 2017 18:01:06 GMT
Weidly I quite enjoyed yesterday's game! We looked quite comfortable, had some consistency in both halves and Sobhi was something of a revelation.
Could be better but an improvement on previous weeks in my opinion.
Think I expected the worst after last week so I was easily pleased! 😆
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Post by Old School Stokie on Mar 5, 2017 18:06:43 GMT
Are we more pleasing to the eye because we pass instead of Hoof? From what I've seen we can pass all day between backs & Goalie, it all goes tits up when we try and move forward and cannot keep the ball for more than three passes. Our build up is so slow that all teams have loads of time to get back and organise a solid 8 man defense.
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Post by alster on Mar 5, 2017 18:11:00 GMT
Are we more pleasing to the eye because we pass instead of Hoof? From what I've seen we can pass all day between backs & Goalie, it all goes tits up when we try and move forward and cannot keep the ball for more than three passes. Our build up is so slow that all teams have loads of time to get back and organise a solid 8 man defense. Heve you missed the last 3 months or so we've stopped even trying to pass the ball, intricate interplay is a thing of the past. |
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Post by Pugsley on Mar 5, 2017 18:21:29 GMT
Are we more pleasing to the eye because we pass instead of Hoof? From what I've seen we can pass all day between backs & Goalie, it all goes tits up when we try and move forward and cannot keep the ball for more than three passes. Our build up is so slow that all teams have loads of time to get back and organise a solid 8 man defense. Heve you missed the last 3 months or so we've stopped even trying to pass the ball, intricate interplay is a thing of the past. We saw flashes of it yesterday. Not enough but it's there somewhere and we're capable. The amount of moaning is pretty pathetic to be honest and very tiresome. |
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Post by crouchpotato1 on Mar 5, 2017 18:33:09 GMT
I have to agree about the atmosphere at home games because it's probably the worst it's been in the premier league of late.Unless we feel aggrieved by a reffing decision there is practically no noise coming from the stands.How we get it back I'm not sure but it really is like a fuckin morgue.Before anyone says it's the same at most home clubs games I know it is but I'm not interested in them.
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Post by alster on Mar 5, 2017 18:40:55 GMT
Heve you missed the last 3 months or so we've stopped even trying to pass the ball, intricate interplay is a thing of the past. We saw flashes of it yesterday. Not enough but it's there somewhere and we're capable. The amount of moaning is pretty pathetic to be honest and very tiresome. Arnie and Ramadan are very capable of playing that type of game, the players in the centre have neither the vision or capability, effen Affelay who I thought probably had seems more interested in holding onto the ball for far too long squirming in and out of tight situations making himself look very tidy and capable of keeping possession but totally ignoring great opportunities to play players in. |
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Post by simple on Mar 5, 2017 18:44:13 GMT
We are lucky we don't support,Sunderland,Hull,Burnley,Watford,CP and that boring team at junction 1 on the M5.Or a Newcasle fan because at the minute they are winning 6 months ago they were shit.
The problem we have is the 15000 who have only known success,they don't know the bad times and the 12000 of us who remember the bad times are just complacent.
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Post by OldStokie on Mar 5, 2017 18:44:53 GMT
We need a good old fashioned relegation scrap. Anything is better than 9th place boring nogger.  OS. |
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Post by Paul Spencer on Mar 5, 2017 18:45:04 GMT
After sitting through yesterdays comfortable 2-0 win I walked back home thinking I had very little to be excited about. The atmosphere was probably the worst I've witnessed since before our promotion year, even the goal celebrations were a half hearted muted affair. At the moment I'm just finding it very difficult to get excited about watching the Stoke, I'm always eager for the next match to come along and still feel that buzz as I'm making my way to the ground but then it all seems to fizzle out after watching what's on display, the baffling team and squad selections the slow pass it sideways football, the lack of desire and passion on display which starts from the dug out and spreads itself onto the pitch then into to the crowd, slowly grinding out the last bit of pre-match excitement I had. And it doesn't seem to be improving, I'm not yet contemplating not renewing my ST but something has to change - doesn't it? I'm so grateful we are where we are and for Stoke to remain a premiership side is paramount so what's it all come down to? Is it that my expectations are too high? Have we as a club stagnated in our endeavour to maintain our premiership status? Is it complacency or is it something else? With the talent Stoke have at their disposal I should be coming away from a comfortable home win full of adrenalin filled excitement even when we lose and the obvious disappointment that goes with it knowing we've got a great squad of talented international stars but we put up a good fight, this just isn't the case though. Gouranga. On your point about the atmosphere, isn't that the same throughout pretty much the entire Premier League? Even at the big boys, Old Trafford, Anfield, Stamford Bridge, Emirates, Ethiad, Goodison you can hear a pin drop save for the away fans. The only home fans I can think of that generate any atmosphere are Spurs and Palace. Compared to Germany and Italy the atmosphere generally in top flight English football is dreadful, I'm not really sure why. |
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