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Post by ted1965 on Dec 11, 2023 9:51:28 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter.
I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash.
Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories.
Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye.
The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line.
John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change.
I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right.
When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion.
We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League.
I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much.
The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base.
So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May.
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Post by Laughing Gravy on Dec 11, 2023 10:25:34 GMT
Just to pick up on a small part of your tome.
It's the smiles I miss. The excitement.
On Saturday I was bored shitless.
Even when they scored I couldn't be bothered to swear or react too much. I knew it was coming. I was numb and have been for weeks. The 'football' has been crushingly boring the entertainment value zero.
There was a 5 minute period (probably less than that in reality) in the second half where we went at them and looked like we gave a shit and my hopes were lifted and the crowd got 'up for it'. But that ember was soon doused by more turgid tip tap between centre halves, professional footballers who pass the ball out of play without a colleague in sight and a goalkeeper taking 5 minutes over a goal kick in order to waste time at 0-0 at home to one of the worst sides I've seen in a long time (not blaming young Simkin by the way as he was clearly acting on instructions).
I don't expect 90 minutes blood and thunder excitement every week but whoever we employ to replace Neil I do expect a bit of effort, a bit of excitement a bit of entertainment and occasionally to leave the ground with a smile on my face. It's not too much to ask is it?
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Post by mcw on Dec 11, 2023 10:31:04 GMT
Sums it up really. We've been starved of hope, entertainment and expectation for so long that we are numb to it all. When we went 5 unbeaten the only thought in my head (which has been the same for the last 5/6 seasons) is good we've got some points on the board as I fully expected a crash back down to earth and so we did. Turgid, entertainment free fare week after week and this is supposed to be something we look forwards to going to watch. I haven't felt excitement about going to a game for at least 5 seasons...
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Post by pieofpeter on Dec 11, 2023 10:44:02 GMT
Great post and a fair one.
Usally I don't miss games but had to miss Saturday usally I feeling guilty if I'm not there. But the smiles and some entertainment isall I want an all.
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Post by neddy on Dec 11, 2023 10:49:50 GMT
Just to pick up on a small part of your tome. It's the smiles I miss. The excitement. On Saturday I was bored shitless. Even when they scored I couldn't be bothered to swear or react too much. I knew it was coming. I was numb and have been for weeks. The 'football' has been crushingly boring the entertainment value zero. There was a 5 minute period (probably less than that in reality) in the second half where we went at them and looked like we gave a shit and my hopes were lifted and the crowd got 'up for it'. But that ember was soon doused by more turgid tip tap between centre halves, professional footballers who pass the ball out of play and a goalkeeper taking 5 minutes over a goal kick in order to waste time at 0-0 at home to one of the worst sides I've seen in a long time (not blaming young Simkin by the way as he was clearly acting on instructions). I don't expect 90 minutes blood and thunder excitement every week but whoever we employ to replace Neil I do expect a bit of effort, a bit of excitement a bit of entertainment and occasionally to leave the ground with a smile on my face. It's not too much to ask is it? Agreed but as ever as soon as we got that momentum game management kicked in and they went down like flys. |
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Post by wonderwall on Dec 11, 2023 10:58:02 GMT
Fair post ted and sums it up.
Following Stoke has become a chore.
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Post by Bod on Dec 11, 2023 10:58:45 GMT
I have always followed us with a large degree of gallows humour as being an essential ingredient. I have accepted when we were shit and found the ability to laugh at it, but still be invested. Lately though, apathy has begun to creep in and that’s something I didn’t think would ever happen. My ‘shits given’ meter is heading towards zero. I am a captive audience though as I’ll never stop going, but it would be a bonus to enjoy it a little more at times. I don’t want/expect/deserve footballing excellence, however, a modicum of enjoyment would be a start.
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Post by xeezus on Dec 11, 2023 11:03:48 GMT
Couldn’t agree more. Football is about having something to enjoy and something to be hopeful about. Right now we have none of that.
Unlike some previous sackings I do believe this squad has enough about it to do something, despite flaws being there. Good luck to the new man and onwards and upwards.
Komm jetzt
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Post by stokiejoe on Dec 11, 2023 11:11:36 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter. I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash. Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories. Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye. The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line. John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change. I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right. When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion. We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League. I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much. The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base. So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May. Great post, like you I have been a long term supporter, 64 years for me, I saw the great times, 3rd March 1972 included. Its the lack of effort that gets to me. Watched the Arsenal v Chelsea women's match and what a huge contrast, including how to take a penalty. The put the Stoke v Wednesday game to shame. OK I would love promotion but I just want to enjoy watching my team |
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Post by Linx on Dec 11, 2023 11:17:13 GMT
Every Stoke home game costs me about £60 in fuel and sustenance and takes up my whole Saturday. Having supported the club for 55 years, I expect the odd weekend to be ruined by feeling depressed and bored by ‘a bad day at the office’ after paying my fortnightly homage to this act of faith. But for the last few seasons, it’s become a constant injection of misery. I’m seriously considering not renewing for next season, largely because I find it harder and harder to get motivated to go to games.
Beyond my personal dilemma, I just get even more fed up when you look at the wider picture. Villa, Fulham, Bournemouth, Sheffield United and others have all regained their Premier League status within three years of being relegated. Most of them, I suspect, have not had the financial backing that we have had, but they got their strategy right, while we seem to flounder around, looking for the next dour bloke with a very average record to be our next messiah. The board have a very myopic view of what it takes to manage a successful club. They struck lucky with TP, the right man at the right time, but they can’t keep expecting to repeat the trick. I’m prepared to be underwhelmed by the next appointment.
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Post by str8outtahampton on Dec 11, 2023 11:17:31 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter. I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash. Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories. Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye. The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line. John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change. I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right. When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion. We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League. I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much. The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base. So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May. 53 years - tsssk. Glory-hunting Johnny Come Lately. I don't consider anyone to be a true supporter that didn't endure the trauma of our defeat by Walsall in the 3rd round of the FA cup in 1966. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2023 11:24:35 GMT
Going back to when the world was in black and white, I can't remember the exact quote but before the game bill Nicholson would tell the players...now go out and shine , go out and entertain our fans and go out and win .
And when they lost he would say ...“IT IS BETTER TO FAIL AIMING HIGH THAN TO SUCCEED AIMING LOW. AT SPURS WE SET OUR SIGHTS VERY HIGH, SO THAT EVEN FAILURE WILL HAVE IN IT AN ECHO OF GLORY.”
These quotes are ancient but now the game has reached the stage , where nobody has more money than man city and Newcastle united. And no stone is being left unturned, to fix the game in their favour ...why not just go out and play? .
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Post by Clayton Wood on Dec 11, 2023 11:38:09 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter. I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash. Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories. Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye. The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line. John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change. I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right. When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion. We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League. I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much. The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base. So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May. It last snowed in the Sahara in Jan 22, prior to that 1979, 2017 & 2018. I'd like longer odds thanks. |
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Post by Laughing Gravy on Dec 11, 2023 11:44:24 GMT
Just to pick up on a small part of your tome. It's the smiles I miss. The excitement. On Saturday I was bored shitless. Even when they scored I couldn't be bothered to swear or react too much. I knew it was coming. I was numb and have been for weeks. The 'football' has been crushingly boring the entertainment value zero. There was a 5 minute period (probably less than that in reality) in the second half where we went at them and looked like we gave a shit and my hopes were lifted and the crowd got 'up for it'. But that ember was soon doused by more turgid tip tap between centre halves, professional footballers who pass the ball out of play and a goalkeeper taking 5 minutes over a goal kick in order to waste time at 0-0 at home to one of the worst sides I've seen in a long time (not blaming young Simkin by the way as he was clearly acting on instructions). I don't expect 90 minutes blood and thunder excitement every week but whoever we employ to replace Neil I do expect a bit of effort, a bit of excitement a bit of entertainment and occasionally to leave the ground with a smile on my face. It's not too much to ask is it? Agreed but as ever as soon as we got that momentum game management kicked in and they went down like flys. That may have been the case mate I can't remember. But we didn't try very hard to rekindle that ember of effort and excitement. 'To you, to me, to you, to me'. 'Is it 78 minutes'? 'Can I make a sub yet'? 'Is it 85 minutes'? Can I shut up shop yet no matter what the score'? We deserve better than football by rote. |
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Post by nott1 on Dec 11, 2023 12:08:38 GMT
Same feelings for me. The only real joys have been the 70's team and the League Cup win at Wembley and the Prem. promotion and not forgetting Stokealona, so that looks like it before I'm a goner. It could be a very long time to any real joy for most I'm afraid but you never know in this game! We did see Sir Stan lighten our lives of course.
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Post by stokiejoe on Dec 11, 2023 12:44:32 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter. I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash. Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories. Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye. The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line. John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change. I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right. When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion. We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League. I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much. The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base. So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May. 53 years - tsssk. Glory-hunting Johnny Come Lately. I don't consider anyone to be a true supporter that didn't endure the trauma of our defeat by Walsall in the 3rd round of the FA cup in 1966. 1966, still wet behind the ears, I was 1958 |
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Post by march4 on Dec 11, 2023 13:12:46 GMT
There have not been many highlights in my time either Ted. As you say, Waddo, Lou and TP. I would add Durban for the promotion season and accept Hughes’ 9th placed finishes.
When TP led us out in the cup final, I shed a tear or two for all those fans who had gone before us dreaming of that day but never seeing it.
Like you, I want another glorious era not the prospect of another 23 years in the wilderness.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2023 13:21:08 GMT
I just want to see a bit of exciting football and a few goals and I don't even care which division it's in.
I hated Pulis ball despite it's success. The first few seasons under Hughes were like a breath of fresh air.
Some of my best memories supporting Stoke were in the division below under Macari.
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Post by baconburger on Dec 11, 2023 14:53:37 GMT
Just to pick up on a small part of your tome. It's the smiles I miss. The excitement. On Saturday I was bored shitless. Even when they scored I couldn't be bothered to swear or react too much. I knew it was coming. I was numb and have been for weeks. The 'football' has been crushingly boring the entertainment value zero. There was a 5 minute period (probably less than that in reality) in the second half where we went at them and looked like we gave a shit and my hopes were lifted and the crowd got 'up for it'. But that ember was soon doused by more turgid tip tap between centre halves, professional footballers who pass the ball out of play and a goalkeeper taking 5 minutes over a goal kick in order to waste time at 0-0 at home to one of the worst sides I've seen in a long time (not blaming young Simkin by the way as he was clearly acting on instructions). I don't expect 90 minutes blood and thunder excitement every week but whoever we employ to replace Neil I do expect a bit of effort, a bit of excitement a bit of entertainment and occasionally to leave the ground with a smile on my face. It's not too much to ask is it? Agreed but as ever as soon as we got that momentum game management kicked in and they went down like flys. Game management anybody mentioning it without being 3 or 4 goals to the good should be shot on the spot. Call it what it is cheating spectators out of what they’ve paid to watch. |
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nickhfc
Youth Player
Dave Kitson in ITV3 'Life'
Posts: 472
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Post by nickhfc on Dec 11, 2023 17:55:18 GMT
62 years for me - Stan’s first return match. Having been at 2 FA cup semifinals in 70s, I really thought we would do it in 2011 - injuries killed us.
Agree with everything from Ted, but what I’d like to know is why all the recent managers have failed so abjectly. What’s wrong with the club?
Answers on a postcard…
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Post by lawrieleslie on Dec 11, 2023 18:14:07 GMT
The club acted with good speed after Saturday which is best for all concerned it just wasn’t working for either the manager or the club now both can move on and begin a new chapter. I have been looking at the contenders or should I say the people supporters want or don’t want and it’s a real blind date contestants mish mash. Some have been suggesting TP should come out of the retirement home and lead us unto the promised land like Moses but thankfully this is about as likely as snow in the Sahara, at least I hope it is anyway. The past is the past, Tony Pulis was and should remain yesterday’s man and memories. Graham Potter would be an amazing choice but realistically he isn’t going to ruin what reputation he has by considering us but that shouldn’t stop the question being asked. Though imagine how his stock would rise if he actually got this club moving in the right direction again, my only problem with that bigger projects would come calling and he showed at Swansea he wouldn’t be slow in saying goodbye. The usual suspects have been mentioned as possible stop gaps till the summer but again we are not cast adrift so it’s not really a fire fighter we need it’s a visionary who can develop a structure and identity again. It would be nice if we could play some attacking entertaining football somewhere down the line. John Eustace seems to be a leading contender with the bookmakers but that’s probably more to do with his removal at Birmingham and where they were. I spoke to a Blues fan and he wasn’t so bothered about him being sacked more who he was replaced with. He said the football was pretty dull and not great to watch, think we have had enough of that to last us a lifetime, although with a different squad of player’s maybe that would change. I am concerned about the process being carried out by some people at the club but what other choice do we have. The people in charge will be making rge decisions let just hope they get this one right. When Mark Hughes was sacked and after Lambert we suffered the drop we were promised meaningful change and what we got was a new manager and a lot of we have learned some lessons. Since then we have not even made a serious challenge for the play offs let alone promotion. We had all the financial advantages and we threw them away season by season until we were handcuffed by FFP, whether you think it’s a fair system or not it is a reality we had to deal with. We constantly chased names on the back of club shirts rather than players who fitted a pattern of play that would have challenged for promotion. We finally got Dwight Gayle, when he was finished rather than when he would have been the goal poacher needed to push us back into the Premier League. I have been supporting Stoke some 53 years not as long as some and longer than many and in that time I think I have seen most things, beaten by several non-league clubs in the F A Cup, long slogs up and down the third division, winning a league cup, the only thing we have to show from the 2nd oldest club in the country, one FA cup final loss and a couple of lower league trophies. A collection of managers, who promised much and most delivered nothing more than hot air. A few exceptions like Waddo, Lou, TP and for a few years Mark Hughes who played some wonderful football. the rest of our managers were a collection of yesterday’s men and never were going to amount to much. The one constant despite all the heartache and occasional smiles I still think this club is the best in the world because it’s the club I love and support and so want to see a few more smiles before I am too old to enjoy them. I don’t expect to win lots of trophies although if the football Gods see fit to allow it no complaints from me or anyone else in the fan base. So here we are having another season almost finished before Christmas and searching for yet another Messiah who might bring the almost glory days back. What a sad reflection of ambition we have become that we will be grateful if the new manager has us comfortably in 16th place come May. 53 years - tsssk. Glory-hunting Johnny Come Lately. I don't consider anyone to be a true supporter that didn't endure the trauma of our defeat by Walsall in the 3rd round of the FA cup in 1966. I do remember that. Bobby Irvine howler (Waddo never picked him again) and the goal that never was when a hole in the side netting allowed their 2nd goal I think it was. Made no difference as we lost 2-0. The league season was our best since promotion finishing in top 10. Phew I’m a true Stoke Fan  |
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Post by arniehudson on Dec 11, 2023 18:30:15 GMT
1963 Stoke 4 Burnley 4 sat on my dad’s shoulders in the paddock for the whole match.
When the current squad was being assembled AN wittered on about being able to change systems both during the match and from game to game. Problem is he was so obsessed with changing things to cancel out the opposition he not only didn’t know his best team but he was unable to give the team an identity or way to play.
It’s plain the squad isn’t built to grind out results and and certainly can’t depend on its defence. Equally the money we’ll have to fork out to get rid of AN and his staff will impact on the transfer funds available in January.
So in the spirit of the OP let’s go for a manager who wants his team to play on the front foot, let’s have a swashbuckling style that gets fans out of their seats (in excitement not leaving in despair) and above all delivers excitement. The squad is built to play that way so may as well go for it. Of course results matter but we’re at such a low ebb at the moment that losing 7 goal thrillers would be enjoyed a lot more than a turgid 0-0.
That should be one of the main selection criteria for the new manager. If we appoint another taciturn, joyless grouch we’ll go down anyway so regard this as a free shot- give us a balls out attacking manager, it can’t be any worse than the crap we’ve had to endure and who knows, it may work.
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Post by wakeypotter on Dec 11, 2023 21:45:30 GMT
Some old buggers on here 😜
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Post by lawrieleslie on Dec 11, 2023 21:46:21 GMT
1963 Stoke 4 Burnley 4 sat on my dad’s shoulders in the paddock for the whole match. When the current squad was being assembled AN wittered on about being able to change systems both during the match and from game to game. Problem is he was so obsessed with changing things to cancel out the opposition he not only didn’t know his best team but he was unable to give the team an identity or way to play. It’s plain the squad isn’t built to grind out results and and certainly can’t depend on its defence. Equally the money we’ll have to fork out to get rid of AN and his staff will impact on the transfer funds available in January. So in the spirit of the OP let’s go for a manager who wants his team to play on the front foot, let’s have a swashbuckling style that gets fans out of their seats (in excitement not leaving in despair) and above all delivers excitement. The squad is built to play that way so may as well go for it. Of course results matter but we’re at such a low ebb at the moment that losing 7 goal thrillers would be enjoyed a lot more than a turgid 0-0. That should be one of the main selection criteria for the new manager. If we appoint another taciturn, joyless grouch we’ll go down anyway so regard this as a free shot- give us a balls out attacking manager, it can’t be any worse than the crap we’ve had to endure and who knows, it may work. Arnie that was my first ever game. Stood in Boothen End with Dad. 3-0 up at half-time, Eddie Clamp sticking the nut on their winger John Connelly early in 2nd half and seeing red, they fought back to 4-4 with Tony Allen scoring an og. Strangely next home game vs Sheff Wednesday ended same score after we had led 3-1 at half-time. Think BIg John scored hatrick in both games. |
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Post by march4 on Dec 11, 2023 21:52:33 GMT
Some old buggers on here 😜 It’s not a thread for young whippersnappers |
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Post by wakeypotter on Dec 11, 2023 22:00:45 GMT
Some old buggers on here 😜 It’s not a thread for young whippersnappers Indeed I’m only 58 and been a supporter since 74 It’s great being a young en |
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Post by liathroid on Dec 11, 2023 22:40:21 GMT
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Post by mrcoke on Dec 11, 2023 23:15:33 GMT
In response to a great OP and many of the replies, here's a composition I've posted before but got deleted - I hope I've not offended or broken any rules.
I went to my first game at the Vic in the 1950s, sometime after seeing the old Queen's coronation.
Fresh manager means a fresh start so be happy everyone.
An Oldie's Ode
In the heart of Staffordshire, a tale unfolds,
Of triumph and passion, Stoke City upholds.
Since its formation, a legacy untold,
A football journey, in red and white, bold.
From the Victoria Ground to the bet365,
Stoke City’s spirit, forever alive.
Promotions celebrated, victories derive,
In the Potters’ quest, where dreams arrive.
The ‘72 League Cup, a historic embrace,
Stoke’s prowess echoed in every chase.
FA Cup conflicts, etching their place,
In the annals of football, with power and grace.
Through the decades, stalwarts appeared,
Heroes on the pitch, their tales revered.
Gordon Banks saves were cheered,
Matthews the wizard, opponents most feared.
What more could make the fans to sing
Than Marko Arnautovic on the wing
What more could give a better sight
Than Terry Conroy in full flight
From Steele to Stein their goals sublime,
Hudson ballet on muddy slime,
Soo and Skeels and all the rest,
Smith or Shawcross, which was best?
Whose skill could bring the greater joy,
The boy Bojan or McIlroy,
Or whose mastery was the better,
A Peter Crouch or Ritchie header
Franklin and Hurst, England's best,
Wore red and white on their chest,
While Sidibe and Fuller's harmonic motion,
Took the City to promotion.
Captain Greenhoff truly grand,
But had to leave to repair a stand,
Greatest lefty, now there's a query,
Harry Burrows or Shaqiri?
To Nello Baldwin, a fervent cheer,
The club’s premier fan, crystal clear.
Through highs and lows, always here,
In Stoke’s triumphs, shedding a tear.
From Waddo to Hughes, managers wise,
Guided by Pulis, reaching the skies.
European ventures, under stadium lights,
A journey marked by valiant fights.
It is with regret I must admit,
That in this rhyme, not all names fit,
If there's a name I have not penned,
Hope it's has not caused me to offend.
The Britannia roar, a deafening sound,
As Stoke City’s anthem echoes around.
We'll be with you, to Delilah's sound,
In the heart of ST4, where dreams abound.
So here’s to the City, the Potteries' pride,
In red and white, through time we stride.
We'll be with you, where memories reside,
Following our heritage, side by side.
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Post by Cyprusdelilah on Dec 12, 2023 0:21:26 GMT
I'm 60 in April, my first Stoke match was September 67, away to Chelsea. 2-2 on the day, Mum & Dad had gone too London to my Auntie.
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boult
Spectator
Posts: 46
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Post by boult on Dec 12, 2023 1:54:13 GMT
Great Post as usual, Ted.
As much as we need the right manager, we need the right players who get what the club is about.
How long has it been since we've given a player a nickname such as 'Super Johnny Walters'. 2.7m from Ipswich, but epitomized the club was about. And when Abdoulaye says it's half time... I still rate Richard Cresswell's promotion season as the performance of the season from a Stoke player.
I realise every example here is from the Pulis era. We don't need Tony, but we need someone who gets the club like Tony did.
These days everything is about progress and science, but sometimes clubs have to remember what they're about. That ultimately rests with the board to push down through the managers... and then the players.
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