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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 24, 2017 20:12:23 GMT
Just met an Irish scout in the way home (In full Ireland squad gear) and he told me it was a bit of a shock we let go Walters, Whelan and Wilson (albeit last season) as they really did a lot for Stoke outside of them playing. Quite interesting. Sweeney is a massive porspect apparently. Heavily talking to Hendrick before he signed for Burnley apparently.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Aug 24, 2017 20:49:05 GMT
Did a lot in what respect?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2017 21:32:02 GMT
Did a lot in what respect? Made is popular in Ireland. |
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Post by mrteddysalad on Aug 24, 2017 21:37:54 GMT
I wore a Stoke shirt at a pub in Ireland recently and this guy comes up to me and says "In my 40 years I've never seen a Stoke fan on Irish soil." So I don't think we're very popular over there.
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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 24, 2017 21:42:57 GMT
Did a lot in what respect? Made is popular in Ireland. Talking to lots of youngsters, sounded like we've turned a few down but they've essentially put Stoke in a great light in the Ireland camp etc. Stoke well respected amongst prem players in terms of dressing room etc apparently (not just Irish players). Quite interesting hearing stuff like that. |
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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 24, 2017 21:45:16 GMT
I wore a Stoke shirt at a pub in Ireland recently and this guy comes up to me and says "In my 40 years I've never seen a Stoke fan on Irish soil." So I don't think we're very popular over there. 1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) |
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Post by PotteringThrough on Aug 24, 2017 21:49:28 GMT
I wore a Stoke shirt at a pub in Ireland recently and this guy comes up to me and says "In my 40 years I've never seen a Stoke fan on Irish soil." So I don't think we're very popular over there. 1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) Imagine if it was the same 1 bloke you'd spoken to. How ridiculous would it sound then? |
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Post by banksisgod on Aug 24, 2017 21:54:39 GMT
In fairness, even though as a club we contributed more players than any other to the Irish national side over the past number of years - Given, Wilson, Whelan, Walters, Delap and Ireland, Stoke hasn't really gained any traction over here.
I've been supporting Stoke very vocally for over fifty years, and most people here think I am soft in the head. Although the EPL is king in Ireland, it's principally the big clubs that get the support. All coverage of the EPL over here is myopic in that regard.
The amount of times people have said "STOKE!! How the f##k did you end up supporting STOKE??!!". I explained to one individual how it was to do with a particular edition of "The Big Match" all those years ago that got me hooked. He looked at me as if I had a screw loose. Then I asked him who he supported. "Leeds" was the reply. At which point, I smiled and walked away.....
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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 24, 2017 21:54:48 GMT
1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) Imagine if it was the same 1 bloke you'd spoken to. How ridiculous would it sound then? Wasn't saying mine was something to go by...I met him on the train. I said it was interesting. |
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Post by walrus on Aug 24, 2017 22:10:43 GMT
I can understand why he might say that looking at the situation from an entirely Irish perspective. But the reality is that however much those players might have raised the profile of Stoke in Ireland, and increased the respect the Irish FA have for our club, our popularity in Ireland will be a very, very minor consideration to the club's hierarchy.
Those players were all allowed to leave because they were deemed to have run their course for us and it was time for them to move on in favour of new blood. I very much doubt the conversation went:
Hughes: I'm happy to let Whelan be sold to Villa. He's surplus to requirements and we might as well cash in while he still has some transfer value.
Coates: Whooooa there sonny, are you mad? Have you considered the impact that might have on our popularity in Limerick?
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Post by kaney78 on Aug 24, 2017 22:14:53 GMT
In fairness, even though as a club we contributed more players than any other to the Irish national side over the past number of years - Given, Wilson, Whelan, Walters, Delap and Ireland, Stoke hasn't really gained any traction over here. I've been supporting Stoke very vocally for over fifty years, and most people here think I am soft in the head. Although the EPL is king in Ireland, it's principally the big clubs that get the support. All coverage of the EPL over here is myopic in that regard. The amount of times people have said "STOKE!! How the f##k did you end up supporting STOKE??!!". I explained to one individual how it was to do with a particular edition of "The Big Match" all those years ago that got me hooked. He looked at me as if I had a screw loose. Then I asked him who he supported. "Leeds" was the reply. At which point, I smiled and walked away..... surprised you didn't laugh in his face lol 😂 |
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Post by mrteddysalad on Aug 24, 2017 22:47:23 GMT
I wore a Stoke shirt at a pub in Ireland recently and this guy comes up to me and says "In my 40 years I've never seen a Stoke fan on Irish soil." So I don't think we're very popular over there. 1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) I was telling that story in jest. This board doesn't have a good smiley for sarcasm. |
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Post by thanksjon on Aug 25, 2017 10:07:29 GMT
One of the great things about following Stoke in Ireland is the joy you get when you meet a fellow Stokie.There is a big tie in now between Stoke and Dublin Schoolboy clubs and most Stoke home matches the flag bearers are from Dublin this has definitely raised Stoke's profile in Ireland.It was great for me when Stoke had so many Irish players but time stands still for no one and players move on,I suppose it will help when we sigh Shane Long next week.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Aug 25, 2017 10:16:00 GMT
1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) I was telling that story in jest. This board doesn't have a good smiley for sarcasm. That's because sarcasm (and its cousin irony) are words and concepts which are forbidden subjects for discussion in North Staffs schools and homes. This must be the case as, in all the places I have lived and worked in the UK, I've never known a place where irony and sarcasm are so rarely recognised for what they are by so many people, as is the case in Stoke on Trent. In social media a sarcasm icon is sorely needed. For face to face conversation I am thinking of marketing a series of lapel badges and costume jewellery which people can illuminate when they are being sarcastic or ironic.  |
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Post by hokire on Aug 25, 2017 10:21:30 GMT
I've been a supporter since 1972. In all that time I've met only 3 other supporters in Ireland. One of them (a mate of mine) is, like myself, an occasional on this forum but we've made a few trips to Stoke in the past few seasons. Lots of fun in the Potters Bar explaining our connection with Stoke and discussing everyone from Brendan O Callaghan to Jon Walters at the bar. However I am a rare species in Ireland and it is still an item of amusement for many. The presence of Whelan and Walters in particular has given a certain sneaking admiration for the club. I'm enjoying it more than ever and look forward to another trip this season.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2017 10:41:39 GMT
I would imagine most of the Irish are Utd fans! Oh! and by the way, thanks to the Irish for one of my favourite players ever. A certain Mr, Terry Conroy!
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Post by nott1 on Aug 25, 2017 10:43:50 GMT
In fairness, even though as a club we contributed more players than any other to the Irish national side over the past number of years - Given, Wilson, Whelan, Walters, Delap and Ireland, Stoke hasn't really gained any traction over here. I've been supporting Stoke very vocally for over fifty years, and most people here think I am soft in the head. Although the EPL is king in Ireland, it's principally the big clubs that get the support. All coverage of the EPL over here is myopic in that regard. The amount of times people have said "STOKE!! How the f##k did you end up supporting STOKE??!!". I explained to one individual how it was to do with a particular edition of "The Big Match" all those years ago that got me hooked. He looked at me as if I had a screw loose. Then I asked him who he supported. "Leeds" was the reply. At which point, I smiled and walked away..... Gloryhunters mostly then? |
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Post by banksisgod on Aug 25, 2017 19:54:19 GMT
We don't have a "local" club to support in the EPL as we are in a different country. Because the T.V. coverage is so heavily weighted towards the big clubs from London, Manchester and Liverpool, kids in Ireland are going to be drawn towards them (if their Leeds supporting Dad doesn't get to them first!). As a kid, I was a rarity in being a sucker for the underdog.
So it is a different experience for an Irish person supporting an English club. It's not like a native of Stoke deciding to support Man.U. or Liverpool, which is, in my view, a crime worthy of ostracisation.
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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 25, 2017 21:09:18 GMT
1 person? Bloody hell. He must be right... (Hope you realise how ridiculous that sounds) I was telling that story in jest. This board doesn't have a good smiley for sarcasm. Apologies Teddy! Obviously went right over my head...I blame the couple of pints I had!  |
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Post by theonlywayisstoke on Aug 25, 2017 21:14:22 GMT
I've been a supporter since 1972. In all that time I've met only 3 other supporters in Ireland. One of them (a mate of mine) is, like myself, an occasional on this forum but we've made a few trips to Stoke in the past few seasons. Lots of fun in the Potters Bar explaining our connection with Stoke and discussing everyone from Brendan O Callaghan to Jon Walters at the bar. However I am a rare species in Ireland and it is still an item of amusement for many. The presence of Whelan and Walters in particular has given a certain sneaking admiration for the club. I'm enjoying it more than ever and look forward to another trip this season. Great to hear Hokire! I must admit, being Irish myself, I did love having some representation in the team  |
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Post by hokire on Aug 25, 2017 22:27:04 GMT
I've been a supporter since 1972. In all that time I've met only 3 other supporters in Ireland. One of them (a mate of mine) is, like myself, an occasional on this forum but we've made a few trips to Stoke in the past few seasons. Lots of fun in the Potters Bar explaining our connection with Stoke and discussing everyone from Brendan O Callaghan to Jon Walters at the bar. However I am a rare species in Ireland and it is still an item of amusement for many. The presence of Whelan and Walters in particular has given a certain sneaking admiration for the club. I'm enjoying it more than ever and look forward to another trip this season. Great to hear Hokire! I must admit, being Irish myself, I did love having some representation in the team Yep - extra connection helps!!. I found myself explaining Stoke through Jon Walters!!! He has been brilliant for Ireland as well. Sad to see him go. |
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Post by liathroid on Aug 26, 2017 11:02:36 GMT
education is what other supporters need when you tell them you support Stoke
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2017 17:33:21 GMT
So Jon where abouts in the Republic were you born
Bare Ken Ed la
Love SJW and wish him nothing but the best (except against us obviously )
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