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Post by partickpotter on Sept 12, 2021 20:06:20 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned?  |
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Post by blackpoolred on Sept 12, 2021 20:52:50 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes  Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 12, 2021 21:02:37 GMT
Play offs have to be the minimum this season?
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Post by lordb on Sept 12, 2021 21:06:10 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit We have a decent size squad Well stocked in most areas of the pitch We have a younger squad than most Everyone needs that striker, tough to get We don't know how Sima is going to be |
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Post by lordherefordsknob on Sept 12, 2021 21:09:13 GMT
We’ll piss it.
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Post by mickeythemaestro on Sept 12, 2021 21:13:03 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit FFS, I was just starting to get excited and then yoos bring me right back down to earth |
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Post by kerouac on Sept 12, 2021 21:26:48 GMT
I think the litmus test is going to be is how we are with Tyrese and Sima in the team,these are the two that could make things really happen.
I thought we were poor yesterday but ‘Udders were nowt special,and Fulham,who I thought would absolutely piss this league ,were beaten by Blackbloodypool.Keep picking up results like Saturday and maintain the positivity that seems to be building week by week and who knows.
If we can find the right formula in midfield and the defence remains relatively solid,then the play offs are a totally realistic target.....as for automatic,who knows,it’s a weird league.
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Post by scfc75 on Sept 12, 2021 21:30:48 GMT
Wait for our first defeat to an average side… possibly on Wednesday… we’ll be back to the other extreme of ‘everything is shit and we’re in danger of relegation’
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Post by walrus on Sept 12, 2021 22:10:10 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit I think you’ve gone past “pessimistic” and into “unduly negative” territory. I agree that yesterday could have gone the other way but winning ugly is a good knack to have and for the second time this season we rallied and scored within a couple of minutes after conceding which is encouraging. The most important thing about new signings is not how old they are it’s whether they improve the squad, and this summer they have. I can’t agree that we need someone to come in at the centre of defence. Souttar has been an absolute rock since he broke into the team. You say we need more pace and quality out wide but with the renaissance of Tymon and addition of Doughty we have much more of that than we did last season. There have only been seven 20 goal strikers in the last two seasons in the Championship. Many teams have been promoted without one. I don’t think we’re going to run away with the league or anything like that, but I see a team that in pretty much every department is better than it was a year ago, and that’s backed up by the results as we’ve made our best start in 20 years. This has the makings of a good season and we should allow ourselves to enjoy it. |
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Post by pottersrule on Sept 12, 2021 22:31:26 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit Are you a glass half empty character or is it just with Stoke? Hope it's the latter for anyone who has to spend time in your company.😒 |
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Post by independent on Sept 13, 2021 2:08:04 GMT
Just to bring everyone with short memories back to reality and point out how lucky we've been.
Talking to an Ipswich fan yesterday and he is totally depressed. He doesn't have any belief that Paul Cook will be there at Christmas.This,after he signed a whole new team and coaches etc. , all on borrowed money. So far they have not won a game this season and were beaten 5-2 by newly promoted Bolton yesterday. Is this the same Paul Cook that people were suggesting we should replace MON with last season.
They seem to be in a similar position now to the one we were in 2 years ago. A succession of managers who spent money badly and achieved nothing. Unfortunately they don't have the financial backing that we have and appear to be gambling with the club's future. I just hope that Paul Cook comes good for them.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 4:58:42 GMT
Just to bring everyone with short memories back to reality and point out how lucky we've been. Talking to an Ipswich fan yesterday and he is totally depressed. He doesn't have any belief that Paul Cook will be there at Christmas.This,after he signed a whole new team and coaches etc. , all on borrowed money. So far they have not won a game this season and were beaten 5-2 by newly promoted Bolton yesterday. Is this the same Paul Cook that people were suggesting we should replace MON with last season. They seem to be in a similar position now to the one we were in 2 years ago. A succession of managers who spent money badly and achieved nothing. Unfortunately they don't have the financial backing that we have and appear to be gambling with the club's future. I just hope that Paul Cook comes good for them. Just had a look at the league 1 table. That’s grim reading indeed. Also can’t help but feel even more relieved (if possible) that we escaped relegation. That league is way more stacked with big / relatively big clubs than I remember from when we were last there. |
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Post by potterburt on Sept 13, 2021 6:17:19 GMT
Just to bring everyone with short memories back to reality and point out how lucky we've been. Talking to an Ipswich fan yesterday and he is totally depressed. He doesn't have any belief that Paul Cook will be there at Christmas.This,after he signed a whole new team and coaches etc. , all on borrowed money. So far they have not won a game this season and were beaten 5-2 by newly promoted Bolton yesterday. Is this the same Paul Cook that people were suggesting we should replace MON with last season. They seem to be in a similar position now to the one we were in 2 years ago. A succession of managers who spent money badly and achieved nothing. Unfortunately they don't have the financial backing that we have and appear to be gambling with the club's future. I just hope that Paul Cook comes good for them. Eh? Wha…? 🤔 🤷🏻♂️ 🤦🏻♂️ Why is the situation at Ipswich being explained to try and “bring Stoke fans back to reality?”? Totally different situation and completely irrelevant. You’re on about gambling with money…. We haven’t spent anything and just shifted off 16 odd players who were likely on an average wage of 25k per week/400k all together - which is saving us £20million in a season. We also got £12.5m for Collins and the whole time MoN has been at the club over 6 transfer windows he has spent £6m! Stopped us from being relegated and completely turned our team around. What the feck has Paul Cook got to do with Stoke fans enjoying a good spell and supporting their club?? Bat shit bonkers! |
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Post by theonlooker on Sept 13, 2021 7:19:11 GMT
Back to the OP, I would temper your expectations to be honest. The team isn't balanced and I would expect us to plateau out between now and Christmas.
If we can stay in and around the top 6 until January, where hopefully we can balance out the midfield then we would have done exceptionally well.
If we can address the midfield in January somehow AND we are in and around the Top 6 then I fancy a really strong 2nd half of the season, with Sima and Campbell settling into the first team group.
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Post by Staffsoatcake on Sept 13, 2021 7:23:24 GMT
It's the hope that's kills you.
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Post by JoeinOz on Sept 13, 2021 7:30:51 GMT
Play offs have to be the minimum this season? Unrealistic. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 13, 2021 7:44:26 GMT
Play offs have to be the minimum this season? Unrealistic. Why? We have two of the best attackers in the league to come back into the picture. An unknown quantity in Sima but who has big hopes about him. One of the best centre halves in the league. And two very capable ones alongside him who all ideally want to be PL players. The only issue is a DM. There is absolutely nothing to stop this lot reaching the play offs. |
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Post by Rick Grimes on Sept 13, 2021 7:48:02 GMT
Why? We have two of the best attackers in the league to come back into the picture. An unknown quantity in Sima but who has big hopes about him. One of the best centre halves in the league. And two very capable ones alongside him who all ideally want to be PL players. The only issue is a DM. There is absolutely nothing to stop this lot reaching the play offs. We’re clearly one of the better sides in the division. |
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Post by JoeinOz on Sept 13, 2021 7:49:39 GMT
Why? We have two of the best attackers in the league to come back into the picture. An unknown quantity in Sima but who has big hopes about him. One of the best centre halves in the league. And two very capable ones alongside him who all ideally want to be PL players. The only issue is a DM. There is absolutely nothing to stop this lot reaching the play offs. My mind goes to last season's season of two halves We've had a really encouraging start. But before we assess finishing spots let's see what transpires in the coming weeks. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 13, 2021 7:52:12 GMT
Why? We have two of the best attackers in the league to come back into the picture. An unknown quantity in Sima but who has big hopes about him. One of the best centre halves in the league. And two very capable ones alongside him who all ideally want to be PL players. The only issue is a DM. There is absolutely nothing to stop this lot reaching the play offs. My mind goes to last season's season of two halves We've had a really encouraging start. But before we assess finishing spots let's see what transpires in the coming weeks. Yes which was down to a lack of belief from the manager. He ha the players now and if we can scrape wins like that on Saturday with two average-poor strikers up front then again there’s no real reason we can’t carry it on. |
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Post by stokie1947 on Sept 13, 2021 7:59:36 GMT
without a doubt got to be play off's
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Post by FullerMagic on Sept 13, 2021 8:04:46 GMT
I'd be surprised if we weren't in the hunt for the play-offs right 'til the end. Looking at the promotion odds, I think you can only really make a case for about 10 contenders who'll fancy themselves. Obviously the 3 relegated sides (you've probably still got to include Sheff U) and Bouremouth. After that, not sure there are any you could definitively say have got a bigger chance than us - and I'd put us in the pack with Cardiff, Boro and QPR. With Birmingham and Coventry looking like potential dark horses - along with maybe Millwall, who'll grind it out with Rowettball. Don't think Blackburn have got the striker they need I think there are lots of okay teams, but not much real quality this year, and not many awful teams either We're as good as pretty much anyone beyond the couple of stand-out teams. There's nothing to be intimidated by this year given what we've got at our disposal www.oddschecker.com/football/english/championship/england-championship/promotionFulham 8/13 W.B.A 4/7 Bmuth 5/2 Stoke 3 Q.P.R 7/2 Cardiff 5 SheffU 11/2 Blackb 8 Mboro 9 Cov 9 Birm 10 Mwall 10 Barns 10 Luton 14 Hudds 18 Brist C 20 Swans 25 Prest 25 Hull 33 Derby 33 Forest 40 Bpool 50 Pboro 50 |
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Post by theonlooker on Sept 13, 2021 8:11:47 GMT
I'd be surprised if we weren't in the hunt for the play-offs right 'til the end. Looking at the promotion odds, I think you can only really make a case for about 10 contenders who'll fancy themselves. Obviously the 3 relegated sides (you've probably still got to include Sheff U) and Bouremouth. After that, not sure there are any you could definitively say have got a bigger chance than us - and I'd put us in the pack with Cardiff, Boro and QPR. With Birmingham and Coventry looking like potential dark horses - along with maybe Millwall, who'll grind it out with Rowettball. Don't think Blackburn have got the striker they need I think there are lots of okay teams, but not much real quality this year, and not many awful teams either We're as good as pretty much anyone beyond the couple of stand-out teams. There's nothing to be intimidated by this year given what we've got at our disposal www.oddschecker.com/football/english/championship/england-championship/promotionFulham 8/13 W.B.A 4/7 Bmuth 5/2 Stoke 3 Q.P.R 7/2 Cardiff 5 SheffU 11/2 Blackb 8 Mboro 9 Cov 9 Birm 10 Mwall 10 Barns 10 Luton 14 Hudds 18 Brist C 20 Swans 25 Prest 25 Hull 33 Derby 33 Forest 40 Bpool 50 Pboro 50 I would also question the longevity of Fulham under Silva and WBA under Ismael. Think Bournemouth will win the league and think Sheffield United will come through as Jokanovic is tried and tested at this level, and is a notoriously slow starter. Coventry dark horses for the play offs. |
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Post by cousindupree on Sept 13, 2021 8:33:00 GMT
I have to say at this early stage I am struggling to name 6 teams that are better than us....
Fulham...deffo
West Brom... Yes
Sheff U ... not sure they are at the same level as above
B'mouth.... yes
After that...QPR, Birmingham, Cardiff, M'Boro, Millwall. Are 2 of those better than us with better players and have a better depth of squad that is needed for a successful long season? Not convinced
Last season after 18 games we were just outside the playoffs with quality teams such as Norwich, Watford, Brentford and Sheff U. Then we faded badly
There is no question we have a better first xi this season and certainly more strength in depth with players who can influence a game coming off the bench.
Long term injuries to key players might derail us or more unlikely two of the contenders improve significantly.
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Post by lancer on Sept 13, 2021 9:02:22 GMT
I have to say at this early stage I am struggling to name 6 teams that are better than us.... Fulham...deffo West Brom... Yes Sheff U ... not sure they are at the same level as above B'mouth.... yes After that...QPR, Birmingham, Cardiff, M'Boro, Millwall. Are 2 of those better than us with better players and have a better depth of squad that is needed for a successful long season? Not convinced Last season after 18 games we were just outside the playoffs with quality teams such as Norwich, Watford, Brentford and Sheff U. Then we faded badly There is no question we have a better first xi this season and certainly more strength in depth with players who can influence a game coming off the bench. Long term injuries to key players might derail us or more unlikely two of the contenders improve significantly. Pretty much my thoughts on SCFC. Can't really see any reason to be in doubt of us getting promoted this season. Too many people look for Stoke's shortcomings without realising that most of the opposition are having the same or worse problems. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 10:04:34 GMT
I feel I’m starting to move from hope to expectation. Am I right to be concerned? Yes Could have gone either way yesterday if we are honest. At last count we had shipped out 18 players in the window, not many teams can do that and survive. We were promised by John/Mon when we met them at the end of last season that it was imperative to bring players in at the correct age, MON referring to players either being over 30 or too young - we have not managed that - in fact, we have failed miserably. To be a top-half/play-off team, for me, we need a bit of worldy to come in at the centre of defence - bring the youngsters on, but age 26/27 not 30+ We need a bit of genuine quality/pace out wide, Arnie type character And we need a 20+ striker - we may get that with Campbell, but he was never a player who could last 90mins even when fit and it will take time for him to get up to speed - providing he does not do a Butland/Bojan. As ever being Stoke's most pessimistic supporter it is 13pts down, 37pts to go - that said there are 3 or 4 teams miles better than the rest and 3 or 4 teams who look like they may struggle at the bottom of the table and then not a great deal between the rest. We don't have a massive squad now, so we can't afford too many injuries to key players, but the players we do have are all capable of playing a part and I am confident we can maybe break into the top half this season, despite losing a lot of players and not really adding too much in the way of quality from the side that finished 14th last season - providing our 2 new central defenders stay fit Campbell was doing fine before he got injured r.e lasting the game. |
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Post by Ron on Sept 13, 2021 10:44:11 GMT
The squad is not as thin as some suggest- arguably only decent rb cover and a proper defensive midfielder away. I think we have the tools to get top 6 and with a fully fit squad we should be.
We won yesterday playing badly and with a poor display by our midfield - yet vrancic gets the 2 assists. We did that without Powell sima and campbell too- most sides in the division would wish they had all 3.
Think folk are right to be optimistic- I think we might get top 6 but will miss out- the 3 relegated teams will be tough to overcome. Sheffield United will start to click and I for one wish we had been in for Gibbs- white as I think he’ll be the difference for them- very very good player.
But I like the look of this team so far- particularly the defence.
No promotion and 2 of that defence will not be stoke players next season.
Get the midfield combo right and I’m optimistic.
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Post by PotteringThrough on Sept 13, 2021 10:44:49 GMT
I don’t think it’s too dissimilar to the season we went up when there were a lot of competitive teams but not 3 or 4 who you thought would definitely walk away with it, which means if you just keep being consistent and snaffling points you give yourself a chance.
I think Fulham will go up. West Brom have a good manager but a bit like Leeds when they brought in Bielsa they’re playing a fast paced pressing game, come February/March will they begin to tire a bit & drop off?
Other than that Bournemouth are more than capable of losing, Sheff Utd may kick on after the weekend and then the rest of us will be thinking we’ve got a chance here.
Need to stay in the mix, be in the play offs, by Christmas and then just kick on from there. More than good enough and we’ve got a decent mix of young and old in the squad with a bit of depth - couple more in January and we should be well placed to challenge.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Sept 13, 2021 11:18:52 GMT
Whereas teams like Fulham and West Brom fall into the good enough to go up and have a chance of staying up category I think we currently fall into the good enough to go up but will probably come straight back down category. I think we are still one summer short of the over haul of the squad - we've shifted almost all the dead wood but still need strengthening in some areas and for some players to develop nearer to their full potential. I'd compare us with where Leeds and Brentford were the season before they got promoted.
That doesn't mean I don't want us to get promoted - it's just that I don't think the core squad is strong enough to stay up even if we strengthen on the back of promotion. Its a concern I'd happily live with though.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Sept 13, 2021 11:30:07 GMT
Whereas teams like Fulham and West Brom fall into the good enough to go up and have a chance of staying up category I think we currently fall into the good enough to go up but will probably come straight back down category. I think we are still one summer short of the over haul of the squad - we've shifted almost all the dead wood but still need strengthening in some areas and for some players to develop nearer to their full potential. I'd compare us with where Leeds and Brentford were the season before they got promoted. That doesn't mean I don't want us to get promoted - it's just that I don't think the core squad is strong enough to stay up even if we strengthen on the back of promotion. Its a concern I'd happily live with though. That’s thinking way ahead though. And even then when we went up under TP not many of us thought many of that lot would cope in the PL. I completely agree with you btw but it’s an issue for future us |
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