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Post by Milkie on Feb 20, 2024 10:28:53 GMT
Giving up SCFC, that’s how they have made me feel, we are now into 7 1/2 years of decline, in that 7 1/2 years I can think of maybe half a dozen matches that have made me genuinely believe we are onto something, only for that optimism to be smashed to pieces - again. Like most I have called for managers heads, called for the CEO’s head, more managers heads, and now the DOFs head, but it just feels we are going in ever decreasing circles as the gravity crocodile drags us down the plug hole. I wonder what a genuine sporting excellence consultant would make of all of our processes, procedures, policies, staff, resource level, facilities etc - a David Braillsford type, I suspect we know, which makes it all the more galling, watching a billionaire bang his head into the same wall time and time again.
It really does make you question your sanity of rocking up on a Saturday knowing you are going to be made bloody miserable, if it was a normal relationship you would have bowed out long since!
Well clearly like many others I am reaching that point that I can’t just keep putting myself through it, I will use my season ticket, if a glimmer of hope arises, I will not be re-newing it, instead will take a little break, maybe watch Tamworth or Litchfield so I can get my footie fix without ruining every Saturday, I will obviously keep an eye on what’s going on, you can’t help it after 50 years, but I need to soften the impact until they deserve that we return in numbers.
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Post by mickeythemaestro on Feb 20, 2024 10:31:38 GMT
Giving up SCFC, that’s how they have made me feel, we are now into 7 1/2 years of decline, in that 7 1/2 years I can think of maybe half a dozen matches that have made be genuinely believe we are onto something, only for that optimism to be smashed to pieces - again. Like most I have called for managers heads, called for the CEO’s head, more managers heads, and now the DOFs head, but it just feels we are going in ever decreasing circles as the gravity crocodile drags us down the plug hole. I wonder what a genuine sporting excellence consultant would make of all of our processes, procedures, policies, staff, resource level, facilities etc - a David Braillsford type, I suspect we know, which makes it all the more galling, watching a billionaire bang his head into the same wall time and time again. It really does make you question your sanity of rocking up on a Saturday knowing you are going to be made bloody miserable, if it was a normal relationship you would have bowed out long since! Well clearly like many others I am reaching that point that I can’t just keep putting myself through it, I will use my season ticket, if a glimmer of hope arises, I will not be re-newing it, instead will take a little break, maybe watch Tamworth or Litchfield so I can get my footie fix without ruining every Saturday, I will obviously keep an eye on what’s going on, you can’t help it after 50 years, but I need to soften the impact until they deserve that we return in numbers. You aint the first person I've heard say this. And its worrying. I feel very similar. Things need to change quickly...... |
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Post by stoke1989 on Feb 20, 2024 10:43:32 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do.
Barrow away, love it!
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Post by anchorman on Feb 20, 2024 10:49:31 GMT
Giving up SCFC, that’s how they have made me feel, we are now into 7 1/2 years of decline, in that 7 1/2 years I can think of maybe half a dozen matches that have made be genuinely believe we are onto something, only for that optimism to be smashed to pieces - again. Like most I have called for managers heads, called for the CEO’s head, more managers heads, and now the DOFs head, but it just feels we are going in ever decreasing circles as the gravity crocodile drags us down the plug hole. I wonder what a genuine sporting excellence consultant would make of all of our processes, procedures, policies, staff, resource level, facilities etc - a David Braillsford type, I suspect we know, which makes it all the more galling, watching a billionaire bang his head into the same wall time and time again. It really does make you question your sanity of rocking up on a Saturday knowing you are going to be made bloody miserable, if it was a normal relationship you would have bowed out long since! Well clearly like many others I am reaching that point that I can’t just keep putting myself through it, I will use my season ticket, if a glimmer of hope arises, I will not be re-newing it, instead will take a little break, maybe watch Tamworth or Litchfield so I can get my footie fix without ruining every Saturday, I will obviously keep an eye on what’s going on, you can’t help it after 50 years, but I need to soften the impact until they deserve that we return in numbers. I couldn’t agree more. You’ve literally written down how I feel about Stoke City right now. As a Stoke fanatic for over 50 years I honestly feel like I’m done. I seen us through the good times, the not so good times, promotions, cup finals, relegation scraps, Valencia, one of 1000 Stokies to commemorate relegation to the third tier with a relegation party at Brighton….etc etc etc…..But I feel exhausted witnessing this never ending shit show off gross incompetence. Players & managers come & go and the common denominator in all of this is John Coates. If he was an employee he would have been sacked for negligence & gross misconduct in any other job. For me as a season ticket holder and having to endure a 260 mile round trip for home games, I feel done with it. |
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Post by Pricey on Feb 20, 2024 10:50:42 GMT
The relationship analogy is more apposite than you may think.
I think once you’re committed and time progresses extricating yourself from either a relationship or a football club becomes more and more difficult. It’s something you may have doubts about and even raise them from time to time but actually making that change is a big step, especially when you’re used to ups and downs already.
Most of us didn’t even make much of a choice to follow football or Stoke; it was passed on to us or just there when we were growing up.
Just don’t feel bad about taking a break, for however long it might be. Stoke will still be there in all their “glory” if or when you return, plodding on towards nothingness or maybe even with a ray of hope on the horizon. I’m sure a lot of people felt similar in 1989 and 1999 but look where we were in 2009. There’s undoubtedly more troughs than peaks with Stoke, sadly.
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rambob
Youth Player
Intense athletic training for the professional non-athlete
Posts: 467
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Post by rambob on Feb 20, 2024 11:04:38 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do. Sounds like you live a joyful life |
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Post by anchorman on Feb 20, 2024 11:06:05 GMT
The relationship analogy is spot on. I recall Nick Hancock once saying that being a Stoke supporter is like being married without the right of divorce. …..I guess it’s like being in an abusive relationship following Stoke…
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Post by moon on Feb 20, 2024 11:06:24 GMT
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mr
Youth Player
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Post by mr on Feb 20, 2024 11:08:43 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do. Crewe away, love it. |
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Post by marrer on Feb 20, 2024 11:10:03 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do. Go fishing... |
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Post by Eggybread on Feb 20, 2024 11:14:47 GMT
Isnt our support for life? Id also imagine that all of other under achieving football clubs (at least 75%) and their fans are in the same shit as us.But not giving up.
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Post by chigstoke on Feb 20, 2024 11:16:52 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do.  |
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Post by 19notbeaten72 on Feb 20, 2024 11:17:03 GMT
Feel exactly the same won't renew being going since late sixties.
The common thing about are demise is Jon Coates & until he hands the club over to someone who knows how to run a football club I will stay away & find something better to do with my time.
I will still keep an eye on results but thats about it for me sad very sad almost heartbreaking.
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Post by stokief on Feb 20, 2024 11:17:46 GMT
It's a strange feeling isn't it. All of those years of supporting and now it beginning to feel like depressing chore to carry on watching the continuing demise of our football Club. We're not exactly glory hunters are we?!  For those who wish to criticise those of us who feel this way,remember, we'll always be Stoke City fans it's just for some people it's probably bad for their mental health to carry on watching this happen. Me personally, I don't live anywhere near and haven't been to a match for quite some time but that made me no less of an ardent supporter. I've given up listening to the Commentary..I use that term loosely  We just are in a perpetual state of freefall with nobody seemingly able to understand what's needed to halt it in any way. It's like a truck with no driver hurtling towards the edge of a cliff. How can the powers that be who must see the Club on a daily basis inside and out apparently have NO CLUE what to do? It's one uninspiring Management choice one after the other. I said at the time that I was genuinely shocked when we started our relegation season with Hughes STILL at the helm. The writing was on the wall from the previous season. When we were relegated our stock was still quite high. We should have aimed to bring in a manager with gravitas. I'm guessing all hope of that has now completely gone I'm glad to have witnessed our Promotion against all odds and our adventures in The Prem. and Europe however, there seems no escape from the inevitable this time and for those who think ANOTHER reset (dropping into league one) will wake us up and shake it up and start our change of fortunes, think again. I have no crystal ball but I see us dropping down the leagues and into oblivion like a stone. I don't know what's wrong at the Club, I don't know how to fix it but somebody had either speak to any travellers who know of a curse, or hand over the reins to somebody competant and able to prevent this..whoever that might me! |
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Post by Milkie on Feb 20, 2024 11:20:01 GMT
Isnt our support for life? Id also imagine that all of other under achieving football clubs (at least 75%) and their fans are in the same shit as us.But not giving up. It’s not about not supporting, I will always be a Stoke fan, it’s about withdrawing from the daily activity that is making me miserable for a period of time, to top up my reserves. I will be back, however, as you get older, and life inevitably gets in the way, you begin to rationalise your ardent support in a different manner. |
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Post by alsagerstoke on Feb 20, 2024 11:24:42 GMT
It’s just not enjoyable anymore and hasn’t been for quite a few years, i can take losing and getting relegated but what I can’t take is the sheer lack of respect by the same kind of players we keep bringing to the club.
They just don’t care and it shows, I am surprised the supporters have let it go this far without protest.
I spend time with my family now on a Saturday instead of going, I pick a couple of away games a season but even that doesn’t really interest me like it used to, I was a season ticket holder from 1985-2020.
The club has broken that bond it had with the supporters for me anyway, there seems to be people involved with the club that are literally just there for the money and don’t really know what they are doing…it appears there are managers and staff who have realised the Coates are very rich and quite easily give it out.
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Post by Eggybread on Feb 20, 2024 11:24:45 GMT
Isnt our support for life? Id also imagine that all of other under achieving football clubs (at least 75%) and their fans are in the same shit as us.But not giving up. It’s not about not supporting, I will always be a Stoke fan, it’s about withdrawing from the daily activity that is making me miserable for a period of time, to top up my reserves. I will be back, however, as you get older, and life inevitably gets in the way, you begin to rationalise your ardent support in a different manner. Ok fella just dont take the football too seriously as to mess up your weekend etc .It does mine  What with fantasy football Im a complete sucker for punishment. |
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Post by sticky on Feb 20, 2024 11:27:16 GMT
Very worrying, I share a season ticket with the wife and then we’ve got 2 for our boys (they’ve had em since they were 6 and are now 13 (so they really have seen some shit!.
Tbh I barely go home games anymore, I struck a deal with the wife where she takes them home games, and I pick out a dozen away games and take my old man and the boys and we love the train/banter/atmoshere/pub etc (even when it’s shit we still have a good day out)
I went Saturday and they both said they might not bother next year and just do away days…. Can’t say I blame them tbh. Suppose we keep the season tickets so we can get the away tickets but how long will they keep being in demand? It really is going to be a problem with the younger generation imo, all they’ve seen is dog shit
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Post by xchpotter on Feb 20, 2024 11:41:58 GMT
I like to think I'm apathetic now and pretend I've built up an invisible shield of "not bothered" but as each match gets closer the slightest glimour of excited anticipation starts to show leading to feelings of frustration, disbelief, rage and embarrassment come final whistle before I promise myself I need to detach. I manage this until the next morning and then start all over again until the next match.... and repeat.
I liken supporting Stoke right now as being stuck in an eternal exposure to the stages of grief. Every game prompts the same experience and feelings and then you move on only to be taken right back come match day.
It sure as hell is hard, but we all hold on for that nugget of hope and possible better times don't we?
I think everyone has to deal with it in their own way and no one should be criticised for being any more or less of a supporter based upon how they do react and feel.
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Post by noustie on Feb 20, 2024 11:43:02 GMT
It is shit just now but it's periods like these that make the fleeting successful times so sweet and why glory hunting spunk trumpets don't really understand supporting a football club.
Celtic have pretty much won everything for 10 years yet their fans are losing their absolute shit because they've dropped to second - just doesn't compute with me at all!
Maybe it's the romantic in me but I'd rather have a day like Hibs winning the cup once in 100 years than winning a cup every year or two as it must get boring.
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Post by stiggerstackle on Feb 20, 2024 11:43:16 GMT
Very worrying, I share a season ticket with the wife and then we’ve got 2 for our boys (they’ve had em since they were 6 and are now 13 (so they really have seen some shit!. Tbh I barely go home games anymore, I struck a deal with the wife where she takes them home games, and I pick out a dozen away games and take my old man and the boys and we love the train/banter/atmoshere/pub etc (even when it’s shit we still have a good day out) I went Saturday and they both said they might not bother next year and just do away days…. Can’t say I blame them tbh. Suppose we keep the season tickets so we can get the away tickets but how long will they keep being in demand? It really is going to be a problem with the younger generation imo, all they’ve seen is dog shit Similar issues. My boys are Stoke obsessed (9 & 10) but all the above analogies are bang on - we'll renew but I really don't want to. It's exhausting, infuriating and a real chore to attend a match. My reason for renewing is simply that if we don't, we'll easily find something more enjoyable / easier / cheaper to do with our time, and I'll never tempt them back in the future. The moment they discover golf or cricket, that will be Saturday afternoon's gone forever and I don't want to take the risk. I didn't get on with my Dad when I was a kid and growing up, but having Stoke as a common passion and going to matches together for 40-odd years has kept us together and given us something to actually talk about. He's nudging 80 now and we still go. I want my lads to be taking me to the match when I'm that age, and if we break the habit now I don't see it being easily resumed. |
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Post by pieofpeter on Feb 20, 2024 12:10:43 GMT
Very worrying, I share a season ticket with the wife and then we’ve got 2 for our boys (they’ve had em since they were 6 and are now 13 (so they really have seen some shit!. Tbh I barely go home games anymore, I struck a deal with the wife where she takes them home games, and I pick out a dozen away games and take my old man and the boys and we love the train/banter/atmoshere/pub etc (even when it’s shit we still have a good day out) I went Saturday and they both said they might not bother next year and just do away days…. Can’t say I blame them tbh. Suppose we keep the season tickets so we can get the away tickets but how long will they keep being in demand? It really is going to be a problem with the younger generation imo, all they’ve seen is dog shit Must admit I'm only going I think ATM is cause I've always gone home games with him and I'm 37 now. If he wasn't going I'd be done ATM in going and already considering not going mid week games next year. Hoping that may get me some enusasum for the Saturday home games! |
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Post by pieofpeter on Feb 20, 2024 12:11:36 GMT
What else are you gonna do on a Saturday? Sit in your fuckin' armchair wankin' off to Pop Idols? Then try and avoid your wife's gaze as you struggle to come to terms with your sexless marriage? Then go and spunk your wages on kebabs, fruit machines and brasses? Fuck that for a laugh! I know what I'd rather do. Watching rugby league live and video gaming! |
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Post by bunnyscfc on Feb 20, 2024 12:12:35 GMT
Can fully understand the OP and all the sentiments on here. And I'm not going to preach, as I hate it when supporters tell supporters how to support. Everyone does so differently.
I've done 50 years, 1250+ games and 72 grounds watching Stoke and bloody loved it. Some of our darkest days were also some of my most enjoyable - and that was because the game was often the bit that got in the way of a good time. I have never taken to the Britannia Stadium, and dad hated it. That's at the heart of it for me, as every game felt like an away da, but without the good bits. There is nowt worse than losing at home, as the day itself and the logistics for me were always crap.
Recent circumstances have seen me going more and more to my localish non-league tam, and i have now ended up working there. Why? Because I enjoy going there more, it's really that simple. And more importantly, my youngest lad does, too. Noone loves sport more than him, but going to Stoke became a chore - he was bored shitless. He'd train util 1pm at Clayton Wood, then we'd grab a McD's and go the game - he was shattered and the afternoon was simply a borefest, week after week. He'd get home at 5.45pm at best, totally knackered and totally bored. I felt like a bad parent tbh.
I also feel a total disconnect with my club. I have felt like a customer or client for a number of years. And it's nowt to do with losing or relegation - I've seen far worse. No, I just feel like I have little relationship with the football club and only important when they want something. Compare and contrast to non-league : every single time I go through the turnstiles at Leek, I feel like a mate and I feel like I'm part of a community. That's my job now - to grow that to more and more people. Of course, winning football helps - but it goes beyond that. To get a true connection you need to understand why people go to football, the local area and community, and make people feel wanted.
It's cheaper, I can have a beer on a terrace, I have a laugh with mates, I see tons of time-served Stokies there, my lad loves it, the food is ace and cheaper, the cost is miles less, and I can be home for 5.05pm. That's massive - instead of 1-6pm (and being out of the house 8.30am-6pm), it's now 2.30-5.05pm. That's a big difference to a weekend. But most importantly, my lad loves it and I feel like it's how football used to be.
The players give it their all, the football is good quality, and at the end of a game where 22 lads have played for the badge on the front of the shirt, they all have a meal and beer in the bar with the fans - how can that NOT build a sense of community? It's totally rekindled my love of football - unfortunately, at the expense of SCFC. Yes, I still watch matches on telly etc, but I've been in the ground three times this season, as I now go away with Leek which is a brilliant afternoon.
Off the pitch, Simson King and An Emmerson are doing a fine job, but I feel zero connection with those who put the shirt on, nor those who manage and recruit them. I've had my fun - been selfish going all 0ver the country whilst wife and kids were at home. That has stopped now - when I go to football, I need those people to0 see that I've bloody enjoyed it. I'm fed up of Stoke making me angry, sad, bitter etc......I have vowed to spend my later years enjoying football more rather than letting football control my every mood, emotion and making us skint.
I'm not telling folk to stop going - far from it. SCFC needs you. But please don't think there aren't alternatives. The club's hierarchy needs to understand that and start leading accordingly. That doesn't mean free buses, it mans truly understanding the connection between fan and club.
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Post by premieraj on Feb 20, 2024 12:16:33 GMT
I feel exactly like the OP. Over 200 mile journey for home games and 6/7 years of utter dross! I am really considering giving it up after over 50 years.
Like some have said JC has tried and tried to get it right but as uttered failed. It seems to be making him ill? I have no idea what the answer is anymore it just a complete mess yet again.
We will be extremely lucky to avoid relegation which would be disastrous.
For me JC should sack RM immediately as he bears the responsibility. Do it now and give everyone a lift whilst trying to find a DOF replacement for the summer window. Give Shoey his full head for the next few games and if there are no signs of staying up sack him as he seems out of his depth.
Appoint Gally and Shawcross as before until the season end and pray they could keep us up.
I see no other way forward it’s just so sickening to see where we are.
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Post by theoptimist on Feb 20, 2024 12:19:15 GMT
Can fully understand the OP and all the sentiments on here. And I'm not going to preach, as I hate it when supporters tell supporters how to support. Everyone does so differently. I've done 50 years, 1250+ games and 72 grounds watching Stoke and bloody loved it. Some of our darkest days were also some of my most enjoyable - and that was because the game was often the bit that got in the way of a good time. I have never taken to the Britannia Stadium, and dad hated it. That's at the heart of it for me, as every game felt like an away da, but without the good bits. There is nowt worse than losing at home, as the day itself and the logistics for me were always crap. Recent circumstances have seen me going more and more to my localish non-league tam, and i have now ended up working there. Why? Because I enjoy going there more, it's really that simple. And more importantly, my youngest lad does, too. Noone loves sport more than him, but going to Stoke became a chore - he was bored shitless. He'd train util 1pm at Clayton Wood, then we'd grab a McD's and go the game - he was shattered and the afternoon was simply a borefest, week after week. He'd get home at 5.45pm at best, totally knackered and totally bored. I felt like a bad parent tbh. I also feel a total disconnect with my club. I have felt like a customer or client for a number of years. And it's nowt to do with losing or relegation - I've seen far worse. No, I just feel like I have little relationship with the football club and only important when they want something. Compare and contrast to non-league : every single time I go through the turnstiles at Leek, I feel like a mate and I feel like I'm part of a community. That's my job now - to grow that to more and more people. Of course, winning football helps - but it goes beyond that. To get a true connection you need to understand why people go to football, the local area and community, and make people feel wanted. It's cheaper, I can have a beer on a terrace, I have a laugh with mates, I see tons of time-served Stokies there, my lad loves it, the food is ace and cheaper, the cost is miles less, and I can be home for 5.05pm. That's massive - instead of 1-6pm (and being out of the house 8.30am-6pm), it's now 2.30-5.05pm. That's a big difference to a weekend. But most importantly, my lad loves it and I feel like it's how football used to be. The players give it their all, the football is good quality, and at the end of a game where 22 lads have played for the badge on the front of the shirt, they all have a meal and beer in the bar with the fans - how can that NOT build a sense of community? It's totally rekindled my love of football - unfortunately, at the expense of SCFC. Yes, I still watch matches on telly etc, but I've been in the ground three times this season, as I now go away with Leek which is a brilliant afternoon. Off the pitch, Simson King and An Emmerson are doing a fine job, but I feel zero connection with those who put the shirt on, nor those who manage and recruit them. I've had my fun - been selfish going all 0ver the country whilst wife and kids were at home. That has stopped now - when I go to football, I need those people to0 see that I've bloody enjoyed it. I'm fed up of Stoke making me angry, sad, bitter etc......I have vowed to spend my later years enjoying football more rather than letting football control my every mood, emotion and making us skint. I'm not telling folk to stop going - far from it. SCFC needs you. But please don't think there aren't alternatives. The club's hierarchy needs to understand that and start leading accordingly. That doesn't mean free buses, it mans truly understanding the connection between fan and club. Nailed it. I think you speak for many of us on here. |
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Post by clintonbaptiste on Feb 20, 2024 12:22:45 GMT
I hope someone within or close to the hierarchy of the club sees this thread and can see the apathy running through the fanbase which will be reflected with season ticket sales. Something has to change, even if we stay up, or we're just going round and round in circles, losing lifelong supporters as we do so.
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Post by Fred Merger on Feb 20, 2024 12:30:58 GMT
There's always the 6 Nations at Murray field
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ian57
Academy Starlet
Posts: 129
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Post by ian57 on Feb 20, 2024 12:31:08 GMT
I could never give up in all honesty,my wife has been registered as disabled for 3 years now and although I can’t attend as many game as I would like I arrange care for her and make the long round trip whenever I can. it’s in my blood and has been since I attended my first game in 1965 and I would miss it too much.As supporters we have had loads of shit to put up with over the years but we’ve also had some good times and at the end of the day I’m glad that I was born in stoke on Trent and that I support my local club. utmp.
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Post by stokief on Feb 20, 2024 12:32:02 GMT
I have to say, I was surprised again at another rushed,random Manager choice. I believe that Gally and Shawx would have had more chance of stabilising things and although I wouldn't have expected a miracle I don't think we'd be where we are now. It's all very odd. My matchday 'experience' of latter years has been to listen to the commentary via the Off. site and when I could stand it, watching, any televised games (from behind the sofa, through my hands) Even the former was totally ruined by that inept Radio 'Stoke' 'commentator'( I gave up listening altogether) so my disconnect was beginning to get even bigger. I will never understand why we would have those' 'false dawns'. Didn't matter which manager. You'd think a corner was being turned only to have that smacked back in your face a game or two later. Again, all very odd. Oh well.. |
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For those who wish to criticise those of us who feel this way,remember, we'll always be Stoke City fans it's just for some people it's probably bad for their mental health to carry on watching this happen. Me personally, I don't live anywhere near and haven't been to a match for quite some time but that made me no less of an ardent supporter. I've given up listening to the Commentary..I use that term loosely 
We just are in a perpetual state of freefall with nobody seemingly able to understand what's needed to halt it in any way. It's like a truck with no driver hurtling towards the edge of a cliff. How can the powers that be who must see the Club on a daily basis inside and out apparently have NO CLUE what to do? It's one uninspiring Management choice one after the other. I said at the time that I was genuinely shocked when we started our relegation season with Hughes STILL at the helm. The writing was on the wall from the previous season. When we were relegated our stock was still quite high. We should have aimed to bring in a manager with gravitas. I'm guessing all hope of that has now completely gone 
