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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 9:36:44 GMT
OK, this is not a moan or anything, just a little look at our current fragile squad. We will obviously be strengthening in the near future but as things stand this is our team- Simmo Griffin Cort Shawcross Dicko Lawrence Whelan Delap Cresswell Sidibe Fuller Bench: St-Louis Hamilton, Wilko, Pugh, Diao, Parkin, Buxton, D.Phillips This leaves the following as 'squad members'- Pericard, de Laet, Shotton, Rooney, Wedderburn, Grocott, Thorley, J.Phillips Realisitcally we need to make quite a few new signings. Keeper is obviously high on the list and it looks like Fulop and Nash will join. You have to expect therefore that Danzelle will go out on loan to a non-league side (perhaps Stafford?) In defence I reckon we could do with two new full backs. However, Griffin will remain our first choice on the right. Dicko isn't quite up to PL standard just yet but is a more than adequate back up. As for centre backs, I would like to see a new partner for Ryan (Riggott would have been superb and Gardner could well fit the bill). So that is at least two new defenders. Can you ever see the likes of Shotton breaking through? Perhaps another stint on loan at Alty would do him good or perhaps a League Two side. I would recommend keeping hold of Buxton who would slot into the role of reserve captain and be a back up at desperate times. However if we were to sign Zakuani (on top of the other two defenders) then it might be time for Bucko to make a trip north to see his mate at Blackpool. The right wing is the one area where we are definitely sorted! The two central midfielders will do a decent job too. With the impending purchase of Austin and hopefully a fitter Diao, four quality central midfielders is not a bad haul. Left wing MUST be looked at though. We have known for a year that Cresswell is not a winger. He knows, we know it, TP knows it. A speedy, tricky player would fit in nicely but he must have the right work ethic of tracking back (something which will be done a lot!). Perhaps we could splash the cash on someone like Stephen Hunt from Reading? Youngsters like Grocott, Thorley, Wedderburn and Jimmy Phillips should all be looking at getting first team action on loan somewhere. Upfront, we all wait for the news on Fuller’s scan. Providing it is not too serious, then we have two front line strikers in our squad. Parkin, Pericard and Rooney are not up to it and on the assumption we get new faces, the first two should certainly be offloaded (if anyone will take them). I can see Mama playing a big part next season- he is essential to the way Pulis likes to play. However, there are two more strikers needed. We are being linked to the likes of Harewood all the time and he would be a great signing. However, it looks like he will be staying at Villa. I think McCulloch would be a good back up signing coupled with a new ‘big face’ to start upfront. It is a strange period of time at the moment with so many links and very little signings by anyone in the country. It is not the time to panic, Stoke City won’t be rushed into panic buys, we know what we are doing and are waiting for the right player at the right price. Sorry for the Ted-esque post, I just felt like a long one!!  |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 24, 2008 9:51:06 GMT
Do You think Wedderburn will make it at Stoke? I really do. He is a good player and suits Tone down to the ground. I think we'll see more of him (if Tone stays) in the next couple of years.
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Post by Bick on Jun 24, 2008 10:00:08 GMT
There is a couple of players who have come through. Jimmy Phillips from what I have seen and heard is a hot prospect. Watched the Stoke / Man U reserves match on MUTV at a mates house (Dirty MU supporter ) and the commentators were loving Jimmy. Calling him one of the biggest up and comers in england today!  . But in the game he showed good pace skill and attitude. He made the right back look pathetic and he got clobbered with a nasty tackle and just got up, no rolling round, what i like to see. |
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Post by cheadlepotter on Jun 24, 2008 10:02:26 GMT
Some good points made there but...
"Griffin will remain our first choice on the right."
If so, back to the Championship next season then!
Also, i might be wrong but i think it's still 5 substitutes for English matches no matter what league? It's only 7 in Europe isn't it? And maybe the Community Shield or whatever it is.
My thoughts...Shawcross, Lawrence, Whelan, Fuller and maybe Cort are the only players there worthy of a starting 11 place, and even then they need some serious quality around them.
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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 10:02:35 GMT
Bayern, of the youngsters Nat certainly has the best chance of 'making it'. The gaffer rates him highly but with next season being such a big one (first in the Prem et al) I think he would be best off plying his trade out on loan. He is still only 16 (I think) so not sure what sort of level would be best for him- perhaps a 'stylish' Conference side (if there is such a thing) like Oxford?!
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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 10:04:14 GMT
Some good points made there but... "Griffin will remain our first choice on the right." If so, back to the Championship next season then! Also, i might be wrong but i think it's still 5 substitutes for English matches no matter what league? It's only 7 in Europe isn't it? And maybe the Community Shield or whatever it is. My thoughts...Shawcross, Lawrence, Whelan, Fuller and maybe Cort are the only players there worthy of a starting 11 place, and even then they need some serious quality around them. It is seven subs in the top flight next season. The Griffin thing is only my opinion NOT preference. I just think with him signing a four year contract and taking the armband, Pulis has signed him for the Premier League  |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 24, 2008 10:10:08 GMT
Some good points made there but... "Griffin will remain our first choice on the right." If so, back to the Championship next season then! Also, i might be wrong but i think it's still 5 substitutes for English matches no matter what league? It's only 7 in Europe isn't it? And maybe the Community Shield or whatever it is. My thoughts...Shawcross, Lawrence, Whelan, Fuller and maybe Cort are the only players there worthy of a starting 11 place, and even then they need some serious quality around them. It is seven subs in the top flight next season. The Griffin thing is only my opinion NOT preference. I just think with him signing a four year contract and taking the armband, Pulis has signed him for the Premier League I think that too about Griffin! Wedderburn is a good prospect and I think and him Jimmy Phillips would do a league 2 team some good. And Phillips with his qualities could be good for a place on the bench? I know he won't but pace and skill is all of what You need in the Prem. He's a tough bugger too-ask the Vale lad who he nearly killed! |
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Post by FullerMagic on Jun 24, 2008 10:15:40 GMT
Starting keeper Sub keeper? RB LB CB LM CM Rudolph Austin 2 strikers In a perfect world, we could do with 8-9 new faces in the squad, couldn't we? Only Lawrence, Fuller and Shawcross stand out as players definitely capable of contributing well. And you'd think people like Dicko, Cort, Cresswell, Sidibe etc were definitely not good enough to start. Griffin too - despite him having a whopping 3.5 yr contract on 10,000+  It'll be fascinating to see what he plans to do in central midfield Assuming Austin will initially be back-up, it'll be tough for the likes of Delap, Whelan and Diao to step up to the mark. |
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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 10:23:38 GMT
Agreed FM, the central midfield intrigues me. I think with a pre-season behind him Diao could well come on from last season's dismal performances Whelan has talent and he will be eager to prove it at the highest level (especially now he in the Eire fold) As for Delap, his long throws should mean that he is a certain starter. I know it is ugly but they are a huge asset to a side who are, let's face it, likely to struggle next season. Added to his throws, he is a tremendous engine which will be crucial when tracking the likes of Stevie G at Anfield  It remains to be seen what part Rudi will initially play- presumably back up like you say. Bayern- I would love Jimmy to be given some bench time. Both Phillips' have the capability to do something out of the ordinary which could ensure us picking up some additional points here and there |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 24, 2008 10:27:38 GMT
I think Tone might have Delap pencilled in for right back duties with Griff left back. Just a feeling I have.
I agree Knowles both offer something different to the team that we don't have. And for that reason they should be considered as some form of impact players already.
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Post by glouscesterstokie on Jun 24, 2008 10:29:15 GMT
nice article knowles but im sorry griffin is no way near premiership standard and we need 2 full backs A.S.A.P dicko is not prem standard but alot better than griffin IMO
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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 10:32:26 GMT
nice article knowles but im sorry griffin is no way near premiership standard and we need 2 full backs A.S.A.P dicko is not prem standard but alot better than griffin IMO Totally agree about Griff- he is the one person that does worry me ahead of the new season |
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Post by glouscesterstokie on Jun 24, 2008 10:38:02 GMT
i used to always rate him, but since his return from derby just hasent been the same player and has become a liability
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Post by stokecityfc08 on Jun 24, 2008 10:59:45 GMT
Starting keeper Sub keeper? RB LB CB LM CM Rudolph Austin 2 strikers In a perfect world, we could do with 8-9 new faces in the squad, couldn't we? Only Lawrence, Fuller and Shawcross stand out as players definitely capable of contributing well. And you'd think people like Dicko, Cort, Cresswell, Sidibe etc were definitely not good enough to start. Griffin too - despite him having a whopping 3.5 yr contract on 10,000+ It'll be fascinating to see what he plans to do in central midfield Assuming Austin will initially be back-up, it'll be tough for the likes of Delap, Whelan and Diao to step up to the mark. Couldn't agree more, Karma to you. ;D |
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Post by barndoorbanjo on Jun 24, 2008 11:08:19 GMT
Another player who isn't on the list but won't get a look in is young Ant Pulis.
He'll have to be sold or farmed out on loan.
I know St.Louis-Hamilton, Grocott, Phillips & Thorley have signed pro contracts but is young Wedderburn on a pro contract or still on youth forms? Just wondering ???
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 24, 2008 11:10:37 GMT
Another player who isn't on the list but won't get a look in is young Ant Pulis. He'll have to be sold or farmed out on loan. I know St.Louis-Hamilton, Grocott, Phillips & Thorley have signed pro contracts but is young Wedderburn on a pro contract or still on youth forms? Just wondering ??? Don't be daft man! Ant will cut it in the Prem! Did You see him play against Castle? ;D Wedderburn is still too young to be offered a pro contract I think. |
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Post by knowles on Jun 24, 2008 11:10:41 GMT
Barndoor- how could I forget young Ant?!!
As for Wedderburn, it is my understanding he has signed a conditional pro contract so when he turns 18 it is already in place. Officially he is a youth but essentially will turn pro on his 18th birthday...if that makes sense? ???
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Post by Godo on Jun 24, 2008 12:14:58 GMT
There has been little transfer activity to date in the Prem as yet with the exception of Fulham and W Brazil. Fulham because they were closest to relegation and Brazil because they know their squad is not up to standard. The other clubs have now proven themselves as being able to survive in the Prem and they are looking to add extra quality to their squad. But whilst other teams are looking to add the cherry on top of the cake we haven't even got the flour to start making the cake. I'm grateful to the players who got us promoted but most of them are no where need the standard we'll need to be competitive.
Lawrence, Whelan, Shawcross and Fuller may be good enough but most of the others are not.
We are way behind so far as playing and coaching staff are concerned - and every time I look at our current squad I start to worry that we might end up being embarassed. I haven't renewed my season ticket simply to have the opportunity to jizz myself at all of the stars in other Prem teams I only care about STOKE being competitive. I don't mind us trying to play ugly, being direct and relying on set plays so long as we are effective. But if anyone thinks that our current squad is capable of being effective in the Prem then they are very deluded.
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Post by robin1302 on Jun 24, 2008 13:22:44 GMT
i used to always rate him, but since his return from derby just hasent been the same player and has become a liability The one thing is, and I do agree with everyone I don't think he's good enough, was that during his 1st loan spell he played left-back and was great. Whereas when he's played right-back he's looked terrible! |
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Post by FullerMagic on Jun 24, 2008 13:28:28 GMT
But whilst other teams are looking to add the cherry on top of the cake we haven't even got the flour to start making the cake. That's what's worrying me a bit. We do need a constant stream of high-quality additions over the next 6 weeks. But I suppose, historically, there's only ever a trickle of signings until end of June/start of July. If you look at when the likes of Sheff Utd/Sunderland started adding, it was only really when July ticked 'round. |
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. But in the game he showed good pace skill and attitude. He made the right back look pathetic and he got clobbered with a nasty tackle and just got up, no rolling round, what i like to see.
