Hi Dr Hesham

[raythesailor]

I have been genuinely been interested in your posts since you joined , and entered into our world of the Oatcake, and support of this club  Stoke City.

Your arrival on this site obviously coincided with our signing of Ramadan Sobhi and I hope you have been made to feel welcome ?

Now after the UPs And Downs of being a Stoke Supporter how do your emotions feel towards us now. ?

What is the conception of Stoke as a City, and Stoke City FC in Egypt since our connection via Ramadan ?

Should Ramadan leave us would you and similar Egyptians retaian an interest in us, or just revert to the usual (imo) boring top six YORN a VILLE clubs ?
 
I would welcome fellow Stokies views on the involvement of our new overseas friends,  and how we should encourage them to support real clubs as opposed to the Glory Hunters that we all despise,

A genuine enquiry.

[MuddyWoody]

He's a Sobhi supporter isn't he, rather than a Stokie?

His words not mine.

[Deleted]

I would imagine that as he's a Ramadan fan when he moves to another club the good Doctor will end his association with us Stokies and join that club's forum instead.

[agingerstokie]

He seems to have a genuine interest in the club, from his posts on match day threads

[stokecitytalke]

I went to Egypt in November and I only saw half a dozen lads with football shirts on, and 3 of those were Stoke shirts and all with Ramadan 32. He is a massive star over there.

[Dr Hesham]

WOW, Thanks for creating this topic, I really appreciate it.

- I am a fan for Ramadan and I like to watch all Egyptian players abroad but I have only joined this forum and I didnt join "Liverpool - Arsenal - Westbrom...etc forums", I dont know why but mostly because I believe in Ramadan more than any other Egyptian player including Salah. "and I dont know Ramadan in person "

- Yes, I joined the forum because of Ramadan but it is about 2 seasons now supporting Stoke, watching all games, being here everyday, even when Ramadan is not playing I like to watch and support all Stoke games, and I think I will always support the team even when Ramadan moves, may be I will not watch all games like now but I have good memories here, I wish the team will be better in the upcoming games, I am really sad for the people here who love Stoke they deserve better than that.

- Before Ramadan, mostly me and Egyptians dont know much info about Stoke City except "they are a defensive team and big teams dont like to face them", After watching all Stoke games I see the defense is the worst line and this idea wasn't so true.
Egypt is more than 100 million population, most of us love football, it may be the most important thing for most of Egyptians in their life, looks crazy but it is true, and most of Egyptians love Ramadan especially Al Ahly fans who can be estimated as 75% of Egyptian fans or more, I think Stoke City population is only half million so in case all of them watch all Stoke games so absolutely we have at least 10 millions who are watching all Stoke games in Egypt "20 doubles than fans in Stoke on Trent", many of my friends are watching all Stoke games and we always discuss it, I always see people in streets wearing Ramadan T-Shirt with Stoke "but a fake T-Shirt", and all cafes broadcast Stoke games.
I have a friend who recently moved to work as a physician in Stoke on Trent, although he is "Zamalek fan and doesnt like Ramadan" but he goes to the stadium to support him and the team.

- I dont like the way Hughes used with Ramadan, Ramadan was much much much better than now, even with the national team Egyptian fans are angry cause he is not Ramadan himself, a shadow of Ramadan that we know, recently he wants to make safe passes and defend and has 0 confidence although he was full of confidence he was able to beat any defender, I wish the upcoming manager can understand the guy and help him to build his confidence back, he really can help the team, Salah, El Neny, Hegazy, Elmohamady were playing in Egypt and no one of them did what Ramadan did here, he was supposed to be much better than all of them.
Ramadan is not only a good player, he is a real fighter that has been turned to an employee under Hughes, I believe he will become a fighter again just need a suitable environment.
My advice for Ramadan to stay in Stoke, to try the new manager and see if he is improving or not, also from personal point of view I like the team, the fans and I want him to continue too, if he wants to move then I wish he can come back to Al-Ahly.
I have been to England for just 1 week and didnt have a chance to be in contact with people there, just a tourist but here in the forum I see there are many similarities between English and Egyptian people, I thought English people dont like us as Egyptians, I thought there are many racists there but I believe they are not many they are few but have loud voice, same like here most of Egyptians are not religious or "fake religious" but a minority are extreme so foreigners think Egypt is full of terrorists.
I wish Ramadan can be the new leader for Stoke, I wish i will be able to visit the city and support the team from the stadium, It is like a dream for me to attend Stoke games in stadium but I am a bit busy with medicine currently.

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 12, 2018 23:17:28 GMT stokecitytalke said:

I went to Egypt in November and I only saw half a dozen lads with football shirts on, and 3 of those were Stoke shirts and all with Ramadan 32. He is a massive star over there.

This is true, I attended a game for the national team in the qualification for world cup few months ago, I tried to count those wearing Stoke City T-shirt, I think at least I saw 30-40 so approximately in a stadium full of 80.000 persons you can find 1000 wearing Stoke T-Shirts. 

I was thinking about taking photos for local people here wearing Stoke T-Shirts and post it here but mostly they will not understand it and may become angry. 

BTW Stoke T-Shirts here are fake, it can cost from 50-200 LE "2-8 Pound sterling
", we have a different market here, for example a team like Al-Ahly was selling T-Shirts for 30-40 pounds but few were buying it, now Al-Ahly is selling original T-Shirts "but not the same quality" for around "10 pounds" and selling millions of T-shirts yearly, I wish the marketing team in Stoke can do something like that. 

Al Ahly played a game few days ago against Atletico Madrid with around 70.000 fans, both of the teams gained millions of $$, I imagine if Al-Ahly can play a friendly game against Stoke either here in Egypt or in Emirates, the stadium will be full, Stoke will earn millions of $$, increases number of fans for the team in Middle East. 

[innocentbystander]

Great reply Doc. Amazing that to think that 10 million Egyptians are glued to Stoke games.
You have not seen the best of Stoke fans in the time Ramadan has been here, but with a more adventurous manager I'm looking forward to seeing Sobhi show more of the strength that he has sometimes shown in glimpses.
I'd be furious if he went to another team.

[mcw]

What you are getting here Dr Hesham is true feeling and passion about a club where the supporters are in general truly invested. With that comes extreme highs and lows, with us experiencing lows at the moment! On that basis apologies for some of what you have to endure- both watching our games and the reaction on here afterwards!
I am a big fan of Sobhi and think he will come good in time, he may lack a yard in pace but I can see he has the strength and trickery to overcome that. He just needs a good run of games, someone to show confidence in him and he will come good. All the talk about Liverpool is premature, he looks to me like a player that needs to build a good base and convince himself he can go to a higher level before making that jump.

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 0:23:15 GMT innocentbystander said:

Great reply Doc. Amazing that to think that 10 million Egyptians are glued to Stoke games.
You have not seen the best of Stoke fans in the time Ramadan has been here, but with a more adventurous manager I'm looking forward to seeing Sobhi show more of the strength that he has sometimes shown in glimpses.
I'd be furious if he went to another team.

Even in my family, my brother and my mother always watch Stoke games with me, I was playing Play Station with my friends recently and they were asking about the new manager for Stoke and if the team can improve, Also in soccer forums here people are discussing the new manager if he will be the Flores or Onil, I am sure more than 10 millions are watching Stoke games but this is an approximate number for those who watch the team regularly. 

As i mentioned before I thought there are many racists in England, but I saw great support for the lad although he didnt show himself yet, but many people here in the forum love him and support him, it is the a bit different with Salah as he is shining currently but I also see many fans and media in England are supporting him which means English people is not like we thought, many of them like Egypt and Egyptians. 

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 0:35:17 GMT mcw said:

What you are getting here Dr Hesham is true feeling and passion about a club where the supporters are in general truly invested. With that comes extreme highs and lows, with us experiencing lows at the moment! On that basis apologies for some of what you have to endure- both watching our games and the reaction on here afterwards!
I am a big fan of Sobhi and think he will come good in time, he may lack a yard in pace but I can see he has the strength and trickery to overcome that. He just needs a good run of games, someone to show confidence in him and he will come good. All the talk about Liverpool is premature, he looks to me like a player that needs to build a good base and convince himself he can go to a higher level before making that jump.

It is true 100%, it is premature for Ramadan to move any where, he didn't prove himself yet to move any where, it may be true Klopp asked Salah about him because it was in trusted Egyptian website here but it doesn't mean he is going to buy him.

I watched many games this season, and Stoke City has better players than many other teams, I believe Stoke will not relegate and relegation battle will be a chance for a fighter like Ramadan to prove himself, if he cant prove himself with the new manager so it is better for him to come back to Al-Ahly. 

Ramadan is not well educated, just 20 years old, coming from a completely different culture, has massive numbers of fans here, trying to prove himself for people who dont know him, many people here "zamalek fans" are waiting his failure too because they hate him, so he is under pressure from many factors, I understand he may not be able to accommodate but in case he can accommodate he will be a star. 

[Deleted]

Thanks for your thoughts Dr Hesham and enlightening us on the way Egyptians view Ramadan. Indeed, before Hughes, under Tony Pulis, we built a reputation for being hard to beat at home with a really strong back line. Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross led one of the best defensive units in the Premier League. However, football uinder Pulis was binary and boring. We wanted more attacking football, flair and finesse. Initially we got it under Hughes but then it all started to unravel a couple of years ago.  

Stoke fans are as passionate about football as any fans in the world. It really is in their DNA. As you may be aware, Stoke are the second oldest football club in the world. Stoke historically is a very working class area. Football has always been a massive part of the culture and plays an important role. 

We are all keeping everything crossed that QSF will arrive and be the man to breathe new life into Stoke City and move us forward as a club. I personally think Ramadan has huge potential and that under the right manager will flourish and show the world what Egyptians already know: that he is a great player. Let's hope this is a new chapter for Ramadan and Stoke City.

All the best Dr Hesham. 

[barnscfc1]

Jan 13, 2018 0:21:02 GMT Dr Hesham said:

Jan 12, 2018 23:17:28 GMT stokecitytalke said:

I went to Egypt in November and I only saw half a dozen lads with football shirts on, and 3 of those were Stoke shirts and all with Ramadan 32. He is a massive star over there.

This is true, I attended a game for the national team in the qualification for world cup few months ago, I tried to count those wearing Stoke City T-shirt, I think at least I saw 30-40 so approximately in a stadium full of 80.000 persons you can find 1000 wearing Stoke T-Shirts. 

I was thinking about taking photos for local people here wearing Stoke T-Shirts and post it here but mostly they will not understand it and may become angry. 

BTW Stoke T-Shirts here are fake, it can cost from 50-200 LE "2-8 Pound sterling
", we have a different market here, for example a team like Al-Ahly was selling T-Shirts for 30-40 pounds but few were buying it, now Al-Ahly is selling original T-Shirts "but not the same quality" for around "10 pounds" and selling millions of T-shirts yearly, I wish the marketing team in Stoke can do something like that. 

Al Ahly played a game few days ago against Atletico Madrid with around 70.000 fans, both of the teams gained millions of $$, I imagine if Al-Ahly can play a friendly game against Stoke either here in Egypt or in Emirates, the stadium will be full, Stoke will earn millions of $$, increases number of fans for the team in Middle East. 


Note to Stokes commercial team - take on board the statement concerning the friendly and revenue, oh and free travel fo supporters pmsl

[scfcrmagic]

We Stoke fans appreciate a player who gives 100% and plays with pride and passion for our club. Ramadan is only young, but we can all see he plays with heart and soul, and we love him for that.
With the right manager he will develop and grow into the player we have seen glimpses of on the pitch. He’s a good honest hardworking player, I hope he’s still a Stoke player for a good while longer, he is well liked by all here.
I was a Mark Hughes supporter, but even I have to admit he had lost the plot and players such as Ramadan lose the confidence in their own ability.
I’m sure a change of manager will be the confidence boost he needs.

[realstokebloke]

Jan 13, 2018 0:36:23 GMT Dr Hesham said:

Jan 13, 2018 0:23:15 GMT innocentbystander said:

Great reply Doc. Amazing that to think that 10 million Egyptians are glued to Stoke games.
You have not seen the best of Stoke fans in the time Ramadan has been here, but with a more adventurous manager I'm looking forward to seeing Sobhi show more of the strength that he has sometimes shown in glimpses.
I'd be furious if he went to another team.

Even in my family, my brother and my mother always watch Stoke games with me, I was playing Play Station with my friends recently and they were asking about the new manager for Stoke and if the team can improve, Also in soccer forums here people are discussing the new manager if he will be the Flores or Onil, I am sure more than 10 millions are watching Stoke games but this is an approximate number for those who watch the team regularly. 

As i mentioned before I thought there are many racists in England, but I saw great support for the lad although he didnt show himself yet, but many people here in the forum love him and support him, it is the a bit different with Salah as he is shining currently but I also see many fans and media in England are supporting him which means English people is not like we thought, many of them like Egypt and Egyptians. 

As for me Dr. H, you are very welcome on here and your posts not only inform us further on Sohbi himself but are a real insight into how we (Stoke & English football) are seen in Egypt.

On another note, you have stumble across a brilliant nickname for Martin O' Neill (as your post above) "Onil", or, even better "0-nil" sums him up perfectly and tells us exactly how desperately miserable our games would have been if he had come here: 0 - 0 every week 'til May. 

And that's thinking positively.

If that was premeditated, well done. If accidental, well done also. Here on in he will always be 0nil for me.

[Block 22]

Brilliant post Dr Hesham.

[rondogmcmuffin]

Jan 13, 2018 0:11:41 GMT Dr Hesham said:

WOW, Thanks for creating this topic, I really appreciate it.

- I am a fan for Ramadan and I like to watch all Egyptian players abroad but I have only joined this forum and I didnt join "Liverpool - Arsenal - Westbrom...etc forums", I dont know why but mostly because I believe in Ramadan more than any other Egyptian player including Salah. "and I dont know Ramadan in person "

- Yes, I joined the forum because of Ramadan but it is about 2 seasons now supporting Stoke, watching all games, being here everyday, even when Ramadan is not playing I like to watch and support all Stoke games, and I think I will always support the team even when Ramadan moves, may be I will not watch all games like now but I have good memories here, I wish the team will be better in the upcoming games, I am really sad for the people here who love Stoke they deserve better than that.

- Before Ramadan, mostly me and Egyptians dont know much info about Stoke City except "they are a defensive team and big teams dont like to face them", After watching all Stoke games I see the defense is the worst line and this idea wasn't so true.
Egypt is more than 100 million population, most of us love football, it may be the most important thing for most of Egyptians in their life, looks crazy but it is true, and most of Egyptians love Ramadan especially Al Ahly fans who can be estimated as 75% of Egyptian fans or more, I think Stoke City population is only half million so in case all of them watch all Stoke games so absolutely we have at least 10 millions who are watching all Stoke games in Egypt "20 doubles than fans in Stoke on Trent", many of my friends are watching all Stoke games and we always discuss it, I always see people in streets wearing Ramadan T-Shirt with Stoke "but a fake T-Shirt", and all cafes broadcast Stoke games.
I have a friend who recently moved to work as a physician in Stoke on Trent, although he is "Zamalek fan and doesnt like Ramadan" but he goes to the stadium to support him and the team.

- I dont like the way Hughes used with Ramadan, Ramadan was much much much better than now, even with the national team Egyptian fans are angry cause he is not Ramadan himself, a shadow of Ramadan that we know, recently he wants to make safe passes and defend and has 0 confidence although he was full of confidence he was able to beat any defender, I wish the upcoming manager can understand the guy and help him to build his confidence back, he really can help the team, Salah, El Neny, Hegazy, Elmohamady were playing in Egypt and no one of them did what Ramadan did here, he was supposed to be much better than all of them.
Ramadan is not only a good player, he is a real fighter that has been turned to an employee under Hughes, I believe he will become a fighter again just need a suitable environment.
My advice for Ramadan to stay in Stoke, to try the new manager and see if he is improving or not, also from personal point of view I like the team, the fans and I want him to continue too, if he wants to move then I wish he can come back to Al-Ahly.
I have been to England for just 1 week and didnt have a chance to be in contact with people there, just a tourist but here in the forum I see there are many similarities between English and Egyptian people, I thought English people dont like us as Egyptians, I thought there are many racists there but I believe they are not many they are few but have loud voice, same like here most of Egyptians are not religious or "fake religious" but a minority are extreme so foreigners think Egypt is full of terrorists.
I wish Ramadan can be the new leader for Stoke, I wish i will be able to visit the city and support the team from the stadium, It is like a dream for me to attend Stoke games in stadium but I am a bit busy with medicine currently.

Thanks for sharing your views, your knowledge on Ramadan and Egyptian culture in football and mostly for cheering on the mighty Potters.

I always enjoy reading your posts and it's a credit to have someone like you on here.

Keep doing what you're doing and let's hope the new manager see's Ramadan as a constant first team player. There's a hell of a player in there!

[nott1]

Jan 13, 2018 0:21:02 GMT Dr Hesham said:

Jan 12, 2018 23:17:28 GMT stokecitytalke said:

I went to Egypt in November and I only saw half a dozen lads with football shirts on, and 3 of those were Stoke shirts and all with Ramadan 32. He is a massive star over there.

This is true, I attended a game for the national team in the qualification for world cup few months ago, I tried to count those wearing Stoke City T-shirt, I think at least I saw 30-40 so approximately in a stadium full of 80.000 persons you can find 1000 wearing Stoke T-Shirts. 

I was thinking about taking photos for local people here wearing Stoke T-Shirts and post it here but mostly they will not understand it and may become angry. 

BTW Stoke T-Shirts here are fake, it can cost from 50-200 LE "2-8 Pound sterling
", we have a different market here, for example a team like Al-Ahly was selling T-Shirts for 30-40 pounds but few were buying it, now Al-Ahly is selling original T-Shirts "but not the same quality" for around "10 pounds" and selling millions of T-shirts yearly, I wish the marketing team in Stoke can do something like that. 

Al Ahly played a game few days ago against Atletico Madrid with around 70.000 fans, both of the teams gained millions of $$, I imagine if Al-Ahly can play a friendly game against Stoke either here in Egypt or in Emirates, the stadium will be full, Stoke will earn millions of $$, increases number of fans for the team in Middle East. 

The cost of PL shirts should never be above the £10 your guys are paying as they are made for considerably less than £5 and delivered here where extortionate mark ups are made. It's a scandal!

[nott1]

Jan 13, 2018 10:35:16 GMT rondogmcmuffin said:

Jan 13, 2018 0:11:41 GMT Dr Hesham said:

WOW, Thanks for creating this topic, I really appreciate it.

- I am a fan for Ramadan and I like to watch all Egyptian players abroad but I have only joined this forum and I didnt join "Liverpool - Arsenal - Westbrom...etc forums", I dont know why but mostly because I believe in Ramadan more than any other Egyptian player including Salah. "and I dont know Ramadan in person "

- Yes, I joined the forum because of Ramadan but it is about 2 seasons now supporting Stoke, watching all games, being here everyday, even when Ramadan is not playing I like to watch and support all Stoke games, and I think I will always support the team even when Ramadan moves, may be I will not watch all games like now but I have good memories here, I wish the team will be better in the upcoming games, I am really sad for the people here who love Stoke they deserve better than that.

- Before Ramadan, mostly me and Egyptians dont know much info about Stoke City except "they are a defensive team and big teams dont like to face them", After watching all Stoke games I see the defense is the worst line and this idea wasn't so true.
Egypt is more than 100 million population, most of us love football, it may be the most important thing for most of Egyptians in their life, looks crazy but it is true, and most of Egyptians love Ramadan especially Al Ahly fans who can be estimated as 75% of Egyptian fans or more, I think Stoke City population is only half million so in case all of them watch all Stoke games so absolutely we have at least 10 millions who are watching all Stoke games in Egypt "20 doubles than fans in Stoke on Trent", many of my friends are watching all Stoke games and we always discuss it, I always see people in streets wearing Ramadan T-Shirt with Stoke "but a fake T-Shirt", and all cafes broadcast Stoke games.
I have a friend who recently moved to work as a physician in Stoke on Trent, although he is "Zamalek fan and doesnt like Ramadan" but he goes to the stadium to support him and the team.

- I dont like the way Hughes used with Ramadan, Ramadan was much much much better than now, even with the national team Egyptian fans are angry cause he is not Ramadan himself, a shadow of Ramadan that we know, recently he wants to make safe passes and defend and has 0 confidence although he was full of confidence he was able to beat any defender, I wish the upcoming manager can understand the guy and help him to build his confidence back, he really can help the team, Salah, El Neny, Hegazy, Elmohamady were playing in Egypt and no one of them did what Ramadan did here, he was supposed to be much better than all of them.
Ramadan is not only a good player, he is a real fighter that has been turned to an employee under Hughes, I believe he will become a fighter again just need a suitable environment.
My advice for Ramadan to stay in Stoke, to try the new manager and see if he is improving or not, also from personal point of view I like the team, the fans and I want him to continue too, if he wants to move then I wish he can come back to Al-Ahly.
I have been to England for just 1 week and didnt have a chance to be in contact with people there, just a tourist but here in the forum I see there are many similarities between English and Egyptian people, I thought English people dont like us as Egyptians, I thought there are many racists there but I believe they are not many they are few but have loud voice, same like here most of Egyptians are not religious or "fake religious" but a minority are extreme so foreigners think Egypt is full of terrorists.
I wish Ramadan can be the new leader for Stoke, I wish i will be able to visit the city and support the team from the stadium, It is like a dream for me to attend Stoke games in stadium but I am a bit busy with medicine currently.

Thanks for sharing your views, your knowledge on Ramadan and Egyptian culture in football and mostly for cheering on the mighty Potters.

I always enjoy reading your posts and it's a credit to have someone like you on here.

Keep doing what you're doing and let's hope the new manager see's Ramadan as a constant first team player. There's a hell of a player in there!

I agree!

[macarisredarmy]

Great post Dr Hesham, really interesting insights. Hopefully the new boss will be able to get the best out of Rama. You certainly have seen Stoke in a poor light since he was signed.

[y_oh_y_delilah]

Hi Doctor (are you really a doctor??). Loved reading your posts and greatly appreciate your kind thoughts about our great club.
The only thing I’d take issue with is your contention of racism and perceived dislike of Egyptian people by some English people.
In my experience this is simply not true doc.
I don’t know anyone who remotely thinks like that and from a personal point of view, having visited Egypt numerous time for business and pleasure I simply love the country and the people. So much that I was on the point of buying a holiday apartment in Houghada until the ‘troubles’ put a massive stop to all that.
I still have friends in Egypt who are all so sad what has happened politically to your country and the massive affect it’s had on tourism.
As soon as our Foreign Office tells us that it’s safe to travel, believe you me I’ll be on one of the first planes out there.
In the meantime, good luck to you and your family.

[nonameface]

Great post and I'm really pleased Dr Hesham is part of the forum.

For me Ramadan could be a great player for us, his work ethic and technical ability is great, his pace not so, but he doesn't need it, just needs confidence to get in the box straight away and then let his majestic feet do the rest. I know generally he's played left but I'd prefer him on the right.

We are unlikely as a club to get many more European fans so should focus on Africa and North America/Canada.
Commercially we are an embarrassment and the club should be looking to get a great relationship with Egypt and as you say Hesham through "original" shirts and winter friendlies.

[johnnysoul60]

Jan 13, 2018 0:11:41 GMT Dr Hesham said:

WOW, Thanks for creating this topic, I really appreciate it.

- I am a fan for Ramadan and I like to watch all Egyptian players abroad but I have only joined this forum and I didnt join "Liverpool - Arsenal - Westbrom...etc forums", I dont know why but mostly because I believe in Ramadan more than any other Egyptian player including Salah. "and I dont know Ramadan in person "

- Yes, I joined the forum because of Ramadan but it is about 2 seasons now supporting Stoke, watching all games, being here everyday, even when Ramadan is not playing I like to watch and support all Stoke games, and I think I will always support the team even when Ramadan moves, may be I will not watch all games like now but I have good memories here, I wish the team will be better in the upcoming games, I am really sad for the people here who love Stoke they deserve better than that.

- Before Ramadan, mostly me and Egyptians dont know much info about Stoke City except "they are a defensive team and big teams dont like to face them", After watching all Stoke games I see the defense is the worst line and this idea wasn't so true.
Egypt is more than 100 million population, most of us love football, it may be the most important thing for most of Egyptians in their life, looks crazy but it is true, and most of Egyptians love Ramadan especially Al Ahly fans who can be estimated as 75% of Egyptian fans or more, I think Stoke City population is only half million so in case all of them watch all Stoke games so absolutely we have at least 10 millions who are watching all Stoke games in Egypt "20 doubles than fans in Stoke on Trent", many of my friends are watching all Stoke games and we always discuss it, I always see people in streets wearing Ramadan T-Shirt with Stoke "but a fake T-Shirt", and all cafes broadcast Stoke games.
I have a friend who recently moved to work as a physician in Stoke on Trent, although he is "Zamalek fan and doesnt like Ramadan" but he goes to the stadium to support him and the team.

- I dont like the way Hughes used with Ramadan, Ramadan was much much much better than now, even with the national team Egyptian fans are angry cause he is not Ramadan himself, a shadow of Ramadan that we know, recently he wants to make safe passes and defend and has 0 confidence although he was full of confidence he was able to beat any defender, I wish the upcoming manager can understand the guy and help him to build his confidence back, he really can help the team, Salah, El Neny, Hegazy, Elmohamady were playing in Egypt and no one of them did what Ramadan did here, he was supposed to be much better than all of them.
Ramadan is not only a good player, he is a real fighter that has been turned to an employee under Hughes, I believe he will become a fighter again just need a suitable environment.
My advice for Ramadan to stay in Stoke, to try the new manager and see if he is improving or not, also from personal point of view I like the team, the fans and I want him to continue too, if he wants to move then I wish he can come back to Al-Ahly.
I have been to England for just 1 week and didnt have a chance to be in contact with people there, just a tourist but here in the forum I see there are many similarities between English and Egyptian people, I thought English people dont like us as Egyptians, I thought there are many racists there but I believe they are not many they are few but have loud voice, same like here most of Egyptians are not religious or "fake religious" but a minority are extreme so foreigners think Egypt is full of terrorists.
I wish Ramadan can be the new leader for Stoke, I wish i will be able to visit the city and support the team from the stadium, It is like a dream for me to attend Stoke games in stadium but I am a bit busy with medicine currently.

Its great to have your views and I hope that Ramadan can find his way under the new manager . I have a friend here who is Egyptian but has been in this area for over 20 years she is a great woman full of spirit , many of us like people for who they are not where they are from and most Stoke people are friendly but the City has had some hard economic times and also does not have great levels of education and racists tend to exploit this , may think that Brexit will bring the past back of jobs for low skilled workers but this wont happen now with technology .

I can see great ability and strength in Ramadan and was encouraged very much recently by his goal at Huddersfield . He had a good spell in the team last season but then got dropped which at the time made no sense . The one aspect of his game that frustrates me is his final decision i.e. when to cross or to shoot , he tends to keep beating players until he runs out of options and I hoped our coaches would improve this in him , maybe the new one will because he does have the ability to play at a high level , we keep reading links to Liverpool for him so maybe in a year or two he might go there .

[Deleted]

Hi Dr. As a big Squash fan I have a great admiration for Egyptian sport as Egyptians currently dominate Squash to a ridiculous degree. I’ve even started shouting “YALLA!” when I win a tough point! 😅

The political battles between secularists and religious fundamentalists are a terrible tragedy. Similar issues are taking place in Turkey, which like Egypt is another largely secular Islamic country. Iran was largely secular too for a long time.

I think there is a reasonable fear that similar issues will become more and more prominent in western countries with a growing Islamic population. Many on the left of the political spectrum will call you a racist for recognising these issues but I don’t think they quite understand the gravity of the situation. If this is why people in Egypt have a misconception of racism then I hope they can understand that the fears we have are the same as the fears many of them once had, that are now turning to reality. The political wings of religion should never gain great power, and should always be resisted for the sake of freedom and liberalism.

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 7:15:15 GMT @pullisball said:

Thanks for your thoughts Dr Hesham and enlightening us on the way Egyptians view Ramadan. Indeed, before Hughes, under Tony Pulis, we built a reputation for being hard to beat at home with a really strong back line. Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross led one of the best defensive units in the Premier League. However, football uinder Pulis was binary and boring. We wanted more attacking football, flair and finesse. Initially we got it under Hughes but then it all started to unravel a couple of years ago.  

Stoke fans are as passionate about football as any fans in the world. It really is in their DNA. As you may be aware, Stoke are the second oldest football club in the world. Stoke historically is a very working class area. Football has always been a massive part of the culture and plays an important role. 

We are all keeping everything crossed that QSF will arrive and be the man to breathe new life into Stoke City and move us forward as a club. I personally think Ramadan has huge potential and that under the right manager will flourish and show the world what Egyptians already know: that he is a great player. Let's hope this is a new chapter for Ramadan and Stoke City.

All the best Dr Hesham. 

I didnt watch Stoke before Ramadan, but watched some games for West Brom this season with Tony Pulis, checked Stoke positions in the last few seasons, and understood the same you mentioned, Pulis can build a well organized team, playing poor boring games, and win some points here and there whatever the opponent so a team with Pulis cant relegate and cant also compete, but certainly he is better than Hughes. 

Yes, Stoke fans are one of the best fans in Europe, even Guardiola said something like that few days ago, he said I am afriad we still have big games away against Liverpool, Stoke City and another team cant remember it, so he understands well playing against Stoke in front of their fans will not be the same like the game he won with 7 

Lets wait and see the new manager, Jese left the team and if Stoke willnot buy a new Left Winger so Ramadan has his chance to prove himself for the new manager, if he cant do that so cant blame any one except himself. 

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 8:03:07 GMT scfcrmagic said:

We Stoke fans appreciate a player who gives 100% and plays with pride and passion for our club. Ramadan is only young, but we can all see he plays with heart and soul, and we love him for that.
With the right manager he will develop and grow into the player we have seen glimpses of on the pitch. He’s a good honest hardworking player, I hope he’s still a Stoke player for a good while longer, he is well liked by all here.
I was a Mark Hughes supporter, but even I have to admit he had lost the plot and players such as Ramadan lose the confidence in their own ability.
I’m sure a change of manager will be the confidence boost he needs.

Yes, this is what I mean, he is a fighter, hardworking player who hates to lose, and this kind of players is needed, but when those players lose confidence they convert to shadow. 

I remember Stoke city lost last season against Tottenham with 4 goals, Ramadan was the only fighting player on the pitch and Coates told journalists that we were bad except Ramadan, after than with 1 or 2 games he was dropped, I wish Ramadan starts to remember himself 1 or 2 seasons ago, PL is a very competitive league but there are many poor defenders too, he can do his magic again. 

Best of luck for Stoke and Ramadan. 

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 9:43:02 GMT realstokebloke said:

Jan 13, 2018 0:36:23 GMT Dr Hesham said:

Even in my family, my brother and my mother always watch Stoke games with me, I was playing Play Station with my friends recently and they were asking about the new manager for Stoke and if the team can improve, Also in soccer forums here people are discussing the new manager if he will be the Flores or Onil, I am sure more than 10 millions are watching Stoke games but this is an approximate number for those who watch the team regularly. 

As i mentioned before I thought there are many racists in England, but I saw great support for the lad although he didnt show himself yet, but many people here in the forum love him and support him, it is the a bit different with Salah as he is shining currently but I also see many fans and media in England are supporting him which means English people is not like we thought, many of them like Egypt and Egyptians. 

As for me Dr. H, you are very welcome on here and your posts not only inform us further on Sohbi himself but are a real insight into how we (Stoke & English football) are seen in Egypt.

On another note, you have stumble across a brilliant nickname for Martin O' Neill (as your post above) "Onil", or, even better "0-nil" sums him up perfectly and tells us exactly how desperately miserable our games would have been if he had come here: 0 - 0 every week 'til May. 

And that's thinking positively.

If that was premeditated, well done. If accidental, well done also. Here on in he will always be 0nil for me.

After El Neny, Ramadan, Salah, Hegazi moved to PL, Egyptians are watching all games and playing PL fantasy, all soccer pages on Facebook with millions of fans are discussing which captain to choose, which player to drop ... etc.

Frankly speaking I dont know Onil before being linked with Stoke City, I know it is written this way but it is just easier for me to say it Onil instead of O'Neill. 

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 9:45:57 GMT Block 22 said:

Brilliant post Dr Hesham .

Thanks Block 22, I wish Ramadan proves my point of view and I also wish Berahino proves your point of view.

[Dr Hesham]

Jan 13, 2018 10:35:16 GMT rondogmcmuffin said:

Jan 13, 2018 0:11:41 GMT Dr Hesham said:

Thanks for sharing your views, your knowledge on Ramadan and Egyptian culture in football and mostly for cheering on the mighty Potters.

I always enjoy reading your posts and it's a credit to have someone like you on here.

Keep doing what you're doing and let's hope the new manager see's Ramadan as a constant first team player. There's a hell of a player in there!

Thanks alot, I am sure many Egyptians want to join too but mostly they dont know the forum and just write on Facebook and Twitter.

I wish that too, Ramadan needs to build his motivations again, he has to prove himself to play regularly in PL, to play in World Cup too, to compete with Salah ... etc. 

[Deleted]

I knew Ramadan was popular in Egypt, but I didn't know he was HUGE!

Great player, should be utilised more IMO.