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Post by Trouserdog on Jul 18, 2020 19:25:14 GMT
God,it feels so nice to know that we're safe. Busy month or two ahead though, in a somewhat unusual transfer landscape. Here's what I think we need to do squad-wise.
GK
Adam Davies has been great the last three games. Is he the answer? Who knows- I've not seen enough of him, but the shirt's his to lose now. On the other hand, Jack Butland has to go, to anyone daft enough to pay money for him, or even take the useless clown off our hands. We should try to start a bidding war by sticking him up for auction, perhaps on e-bay, and see if we can get more than about 25p for him. Hopefully,some daft Premier League club will bid for him based on his name and England caps. New Keeper needed though, probably someone out of contract.
RB
Tommy Smith's been a bit disappointing for me, but he's the best right back we've got and is alright for a mid-table Championship side. His back-up has to be either the returning Mauritz Bauer or Tom Edwards. A lot depends on whether Edwards is going to knuckle down and get back into the manager's good books. If so, I'd keep him over Bauer, but it might be a case of which one we can get someone to pay money for. No point having 3 right backs, and even though none of them are particularly great, it'd be a waste of money spending money in this area.
LB
'What left back situation?' Josh Tymon is now our only senior left back. Chances are he'll be needed as cover, unless we can sign two new ones, which is unlikely seeing as we haven't paid money for one since about 2003. Fuck FFP, we need to spend some money in this area to get in a New left Back.
CB
Oh god, where to start? I don't particularly rate Danny Batth, but fair play he's been great these last few games, and might really thrive in the sort of no-frills approach that MON likes to use. Nathan Collins is likely to get more game time alongside him, and Harry Souttar, having proved he can cut it at League One level, should provide the back-up. Although Ryan Shawcross has another year left on his contract, we can't rely on him being available, so are likely to need another front line CB. If we can persuade Bruno Martins Indi to stay, I think this would solve a problem, even though he's not particularly popular. Kevin Wimmer is one we have to get out of the door (if he'll fit) but we may end up having to keep him around if BMI is sold. Surely he'd be alright in the Championship? Liam Lindsay though, isn't alright in the Championship- he's rubbish. Maybe a cut price move back to Barnsley would solve a problem? One thing's for certain though, we are currently overstocked in this area and need to get our current collection down to 4 or 5 centre backs before we even think of signing anyone new.
RM
Tom Ince is someone I'd be happy never to see play for us again, even though there's undoubtedly some talent there. Maybe Derby would have him back for a few million? IF we can get rid of Ince, a new right winger would be nice. Especially as Thibaud Verlinden might be out for a while longer and is completely unproven at this level.
LM
After some tricky spells in his Stoke career, James McClean has established himself as a fans' favourite. He needs some competition on that side of the pitch though, which means a new left winger should be on the shopping list.
CM
If you thought we were overstocked at centre-half, wait until you see centre-midfield... Sam Clucas has probably been our player of the season and is probably the first name on the team sheet at present. All being well, i hope that Joe Allen is still here to play alongside him, and his injury may mean potential suitors are wary of making a move. Jordan Cousins, despite the derision that accompanied his signing, has actually turned out alright as a cheap and cheerful option, while Jordan Thompson is another budget signing the manager made based on him being a good egg behind the scenes and a body to fill the bench. The problem we have is that the latter two aren't really good enough to be starters, but until we can get the vastly superior but disinterested Peter Etebo and Badou N'Diaye off the wage bill, we might be a bit stuck. Although I wouldn't write Lasse Sorenson off completely, I think he needs a loan somewhere, which might leave us needing to bring Ryan Woods back into the fold for another shot, after an impressive stint with Millwall.
AM
Undoubtedly, Nick Powell is one of our crown jewels and we need to build around him. I'm not sure Tashan Oakley Booth is ready for first team football yet, but can't see us having enough room for manoeuvre on the wage-front to do anything other than hope he develops.
S
Tyrese Campbell will step up to be the main man here you'd think, and partnering him with Sam Vokes, if we ever do go with two up top, gives us a combination of strength and pace. Lee Gregory lacks the killer instinct in-front of goal but is a willing runner, while Benik Afobe might just get a final chance to impress after rediscovering some of his mojo at Bristol City. Obviously Mame Diouf will be released and I don't even know whether Julien NGoy is still here.
This gives us a senior squad of 26, with 4 new signings included, and while it isn't good enough to get us promoted, I think it'd be a step in the right direction. There are certainly players I'd rather get rid of in here than keep, but the turnover required simply isn't going to happen in one window. It's a balance between getting players off the wage bill and still having enough bodies to be competitive, which is why i think we're looking at a season of transition rather than a promotion challenge next year.
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Post by FullerMagic on Jul 18, 2020 19:41:41 GMT
Bloody hell, Trousers.
This is a long read and a half. I'll have to make myself a tea before I read it.
I already like the use of green and red though, but disappointing lack of amber.
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Post by Mint Berry Barks on Jul 18, 2020 19:44:55 GMT
Randomly, I was watching some Stoke highlights on Youtube from our pre-season friendly against some wank team who I can't remember.
Afobe played in that game and I had completely forgot he played for us. Well worth another go under MON as he's a good striker at this level and provides something a abit different compared to our other lads up top.
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Post by Trouserdog on Jul 18, 2020 19:44:59 GMT
Bloody hell, Trousers. This is a long read and a half. I'll have to make myself a tea before I read it. I already like the use of green and red though, but disappointing lack of amber. Yes, the colours were a nice touch i thought- I haven't used them before and was having fun.  |
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Post by neddy on Jul 18, 2020 19:51:04 GMT
I think the first thing to look at is what he want his go to formation to be and am guessing 433? No doubt he will change dependent on opposition but if this is his first choice then we need .... imho
Left back
Centre half
Defensive midfielder
Right wing
Centre forward who can play as a 1?
Can we pick up those many quality players?
Wow if achieved and cut most of the slack that would be a window?
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Post by bolders on Jul 18, 2020 19:52:17 GMT
Sorry Woods can go for me, his play is to negative and if the rumours are true he was the one giving the team sheet out days before the game
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 19:54:04 GMT
If it was me this is what I’d be starting with:
New GK
New RB Collins New CB New LB
New DM Clucas
New RW Powell Verlinden
Campbell
Think MON will sadly give Allen the nod in defence and McClean on the wing.
I also think he’ll sign Chester.
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Post by Trouserdog on Jul 18, 2020 19:55:08 GMT
Sorry Woods can go for me, his play is to negative and if the rumours are true he was the one giving the team sheet out days before the game Yeah, he's one of the players who i ideally want gone too. Just worried about us being left with some very poor options there beyond Allen and Clucas. Guess it depends if we can get a buyer and sign someone else good enough for a smallish fee. |
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Post by scfcno1fan on Jul 18, 2020 19:56:21 GMT
If it was me this is what I’d be starting with: New GK New RB Collins New CB New LB New DM Clucas New RW Powell Verlinden Campbell Think MON will sadly give Allen the nod in defence and McClean on the wing. I also think he’ll sign Chester. Agree with most of that but I think Davies has done enough to start next season as No1? |
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Post by Trouserdog on Jul 18, 2020 19:58:00 GMT
If it was me this is what I’d be starting with: New GK New RB Collins New CB New LB New DM Clucas New RW Powell Verlinden Campbell Think MON will sadly give Allen the nod in defence and McClean on the wing. I also think he’ll sign Chester. Agree with most of that but I think Davies has done enough to start next season as No1? No, bayern said he was shit once, so that's him done forever now I'm afraid. |
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Post by Gods on Jul 18, 2020 19:58:05 GMT
Last season of parachute payments isn't it and payable at the lower 25% rate. Debts of £141.3m in the year up to 31 May 2019, haven't seen this years figure but no doubt higher. Impossible to see how we could sell high cost assets like Butland, Badou, Wimmer or Etebo when we couldn't do so in a normal economic climate last summer. Football Fair Play (FFP) bubbling quietly under. Oh, and no match day revenue since March and no date as to when there will be. Otherwise we are all set! Scholesy will have to earn his corn. On the plus sight MON is a quick learner and now 'gets' the Championship and anyone who can shrug off a jot of covid 19 without breaking stride like he did is alright with me.  |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jul 18, 2020 19:58:34 GMT
Bloody hell, Trousers. This is a long read and a half. I'll have to make myself a tea before I read it. I already like the use of green and red though, but disappointing lack of amber. Defo need amber. And maybe a nice sky blue |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jul 18, 2020 19:59:38 GMT
Sorry Woods can go for me, his play is to negative and if the rumours are true he was the one giving the team sheet out days before the game Fuck him off he’s wank |
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Post by neddy on Jul 18, 2020 20:00:02 GMT
Last season of parachute payments isn't it and payable at the lower 25% rate. Debts of £141.3m in the year up to 31 May 2019, haven't seen this years figure but no doubt higher. Impossible to see how we could sell high cost assets like Butland, Badou, Wimmer or Etebo when we couldn't do so in a normal economic climate last summer. Oh, and no match day revenue since March and no date as to when there will be. On the plus sight MON is a quick learner and now 'gets' the Championship and anyone who can shrug off a jot of covid 19 without breaking stride like he did is alright with me The club need to know now what the rules will be for next year.....hopefully this will be released at the end of the season as if not I simply don’t know how they can plan! |
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Post by wakefieldstokie on Jul 18, 2020 20:01:46 GMT
If we could sell Vokes, perfect. Get a left back, left winger and CM/ holding and a pacy striker then excellent. Not easy I know but I’d be happy with that.
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Post by chuckrocky on Jul 18, 2020 20:02:08 GMT
The first priority has to be defence. A new left back is an absolute must with a new centre half and defensive midfielder also very important.
If we’ve got anything left to spend after that then a new winger (or even two if we mange to shift Ince) should be next on the agenda.
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Post by owdestokie2 on Jul 18, 2020 20:03:17 GMT
The transfer window opens on 27 July.
We have;
1. a number of loan players returning to the club i.e. Wimmer, Ndaiye, Etobo, Afobe, Woods, Souttar.
2. players who will be freed i.e.Diouf, Federici etc.
3. players that the club will want to move on, if there are any takers.
4. players who think they need to move on and will be seeking a new club (May be same as 3)
All of the above need sorting before (or in tandem) we can recruit
Its going to be interesting
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 20:07:22 GMT
If it was me this is what I’d be starting with: New GK New RB Collins New CB New LB New DM Clucas New RW Powell Verlinden Campbell Think MON will sadly give Allen the nod in defence and McClean on the wing. I also think he’ll sign Chester. Agree with most of that but I think Davies has done enough to start next season as No1? No we need better. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 20:07:59 GMT
Agree with most of that but I think Davies has done enough to start next season as No1? No, bayern said he was shit once, so that's him done forever now I'm afraid. Once? 2 seasons in the Champo, 139 conceded 😂 |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2020 20:08:24 GMT
Getting some confidence back into Afobe could be crucial. The lads gone through hell but if he can find his scoring touch early on we could well see the him flourish. Left back is a huge priority
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jul 18, 2020 20:10:07 GMT
Agree with most of that but I think Davies has done enough to start next season as No1? No we need better. Who you thinking? Alison? Ederson? He’s done nowt wrong and has actually been quite impressive with his positioning and communication. I honestly believe we would have lost to Bristol City and probably lost to Brentford if Butland was playing. Give the guy a chance ay🤷🏻♂️ |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 20:12:27 GMT
Who you thinking? Alison? Ederson? He’s done nowt wrong and has actually been quite impressive with his positioning and communication. I honestly believe we would have lost to Bristol City and probably lost to Brentford if Butland was playing. Give the guy a chance ay🤷🏻♂️ Why do people get silly? His communication was poor vs Brum and could have easily led to an og. With crosses against Brizzle he was awful. Today he was good. I don’t think he deserves one and I don’t think we progress where we need to with him in goal. |
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Post by lordb on Jul 18, 2020 20:20:01 GMT
Verlinden had to be given his chance when he's back.
Left or right side
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Post by Mint Berry Barks on Jul 18, 2020 20:26:36 GMT
Who you thinking? Alison? Ederson? He’s done nowt wrong and has actually been quite impressive with his positioning and communication. I honestly believe we would have lost to Bristol City and probably lost to Brentford if Butland was playing. Give the guy a chance ay🤷🏻♂️ Why do people get silly? His communication was poor vs Brum and could have easily led to an og. With crosses against Brizzle he was awful. Today he was good. I don’t think he deserves one and I don’t think we progress where we need to with him in goal. I'll stick up for the potential OG against Birmingham, that was all Chester's fault. You could hear the shout from the keeper clear as day. |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jul 18, 2020 20:27:42 GMT
Who you thinking? Alison? Ederson? He’s done nowt wrong and has actually been quite impressive with his positioning and communication. I honestly believe we would have lost to Bristol City and probably lost to Brentford if Butland was playing. Give the guy a chance ay🤷🏻♂️ Why do people get silly? His communication was poor vs Brum and could have easily led to an og. With crosses against Brizzle he was awful. Today he was good. I don’t think he deserves one and I don’t think we progress where we need to with him in goal. It isn’t silly I’m just trying to explain that goalkeepers who save everything, catch all crosses and distribute with pin point accuracy are as rare as rocking horse shit and certainly wouldn’t be attracted by a bottom half championship club. As far as I’m concerned Davies has contributed to far better defensive performances, hasn’t made any errors leading to goals or even chances and has brought more confidence to the defence. That is undeniable isn’t it? |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 20:34:21 GMT
Why do people get silly? His communication was poor vs Brum and could have easily led to an og. With crosses against Brizzle he was awful. Today he was good. I don’t think he deserves one and I don’t think we progress where we need to with him in goal. I'll stick up for the potential OG against Birmingham, that was all Chester's fault. You could hear the shout from the keeper clear as day. Really? I disagree. And before anyone says agenda or any of that shite, I would rather Davies played centre half than Chester😂 |
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Post by xchpotter on Jul 18, 2020 20:34:26 GMT
Judging by Oneil’s comments post match I’m not sure the turn around in players that we want and need will be that achievable due to FFP. I think we may be disappointed with our dealings due to the poor signings of previous managers.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2020 20:34:39 GMT
God,it feels so nice to know that we're safe. Busy month or two ahead though, in a somewhat unusual transfer landscape. Here's what I think we need to do squad-wise. GK Jack Butland has to go, to anyone daft enough to pay money for him, or even take the useless clown off our hands. We should try to start a bidding war by sticking him up for auction, perhaps on e-bay, and see if we can get more than about 25p for him. Hopefully,some daft Premier League club will bid for him based on his name and England caps. Have a little respect for someone who actually saved our skin on many, many occasions, even if not of late. He will probably go and rediscover his form with another club. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jul 18, 2020 20:35:40 GMT
Why do people get silly? His communication was poor vs Brum and could have easily led to an og. With crosses against Brizzle he was awful. Today he was good. I don’t think he deserves one and I don’t think we progress where we need to with him in goal. It isn’t silly I’m just trying to explain that goalkeepers who save everything, catch all crosses and distribute with pin point accuracy are as rare as rocking horse shit and certainly wouldn’t be attracted by a bottom half championship club. As far as I’m concerned Davies has contributed to far better defensive performances, hasn’t made any errors leading to goals or even chances and has brought more confidence to the defence. That is undeniable isn’t it? Most teams in this league have better goalies than us. He’s been ok yeah. I don’t think we’ve been better defensively particularly either bar today. |
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Post by stokeykez on Jul 18, 2020 20:38:03 GMT
Always thought if bauer is not so good in defensive duties as rb but is good at getting forward, can we not push him higher up the pitch on the right side
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