Coates: "real possibility of something happening"

[FullerMagic]

31/01/2008 - Coates retains transfer optimism

CHAIRMAN Peter Coates is hopeful Stoke City will land a new recruit before today’s midnight transfer deadline.

It would be a timely boost for the Potters, who have also been buoyed by the return of Mama Sidibe from African Cup of Nations duty with Mali in time for Saturday’s clash with Cardiff.

Manager Tony Pulis revealed after Tuesday night’s defeat against Charlton at The Valley that efforts were still underway to introduce new blood into his squad and that he had made inquiries for four of five players.

And Coates gave the clearest indication yet that a deal was on the horizon when he said: “I think we will possibly see some activity, but bear in mind we can take players on loan afterwards., so we are not restricted to bringing in players later

“There is a real possibility something will happen before the deadline.”

Meanwhile, Sidibe’s return has been hailed by stand-in skipper John Eustace.

Eustace is convinced that Mali’s loss will be Stoke’s gain as they look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at The Valley.

Sidibe has yet to score in 22 appearance for Stoke this term, and has netted just 16 times in 115 appearances since signing from Gillingham in June 2005.

But Eustace said: “It is a big boost to have him back because he is a really important player to our team and the way we set up. We have definitely missed him in the last couple of games.

“I know he hasn’t scored goals this season, but he brings a lot more than that to the team anyway.

“He links up play very well and also brings us his defensive attributes all over the field.

Stoke will also be keeping a close eye on a rumoured £850,000 deal that could see Scunthorpe striker Martin Paterson, who left the Britannia in the summer, move to Norwich City today – a deal which could net Stoke £170,000 due to a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

[jezzascfc]

Sounds a bit more hopeful than the usual cautious utterances of the manager - if the money man reckons we will get someone in, at least it appears he has sanctioned the spending, so it will just come down to agreeing a fee and the player's terms.

It does seem to suggest "a" (ie singular) signing though.

[Onneravineet]

He never ever fails! hands up Fullermagic you're fecking quick with the news! have some Ex'd

[Parksy]

we are not restricted to bringing in players later

This is what worries me, we have to wait at least another week after deadline to get players in then?

[FullerMagic]

I think it's the 21st Feb if we want them to be eligible for a potential play-off final

[Parksy]

hebangsthedrums said:

I think it's the 21st Feb if we want them to be eligible for a potential play-off final

You're probably right but I can't be arsed counting forward 93 days

[JoeinOz]

Hmmmm. Something happening is too open to interpretation.

A tramp shitting in a paper cup is something happening.

[garyhackett]

Glen Whelan

[regattastokie]

Thanks, Fullernews

Ex'd again.

[thepremierbanksy]

with the preston postponement if we sign someone on the 21st then they will only miss the next 3 games. Obviously that is not ideal and we could almost have blown it by then.

[markscfc72]

depends if preston is re-arranged for the 19th or not

[JoeinOz]

Surely, the 19th is a cert for PNE.

[thepremierbanksy]

good point. Also ipswich is on the 23rd so there is every chance we could still be faffing about until after then.

[RipRoaringPotter]

Couldn't we sign them on a one-month loan and then extend later on?

When is the deadline for loan signings? End of March?

[lordb]

I think I'm right in saying any 1 month loans made today can be extended right through to the end of the season (inc play offs) but any loans made after Feb 07 are 93 days max full stop.