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Post by Trouserdog on Mar 22, 2009 21:40:13 GMT
I don't mean in terms of league position obviously, more for the unquantifiable feel-good element of being a Stoke fan.
Of course, a lot will depend on whether we stay up, but IF we do I'd say that 2008/09 will then be the yardstick that all other seasons are judged against.
Previously, as a Stoke fan for twenty-three, mainly miserable, years, the 1992/93 still gives the warmest glow when looking back over the past...even though it was the third tier of football, it was the first time in years, well probably for me the first time ever, that you justknew Stoke had turned a corner and things were on the up.
Macari's charisma, Stein's goals, Nello dressed as a giant chicken on the subs bench, audacious loan moves for Bruce Grobelaar, titanic derby tussles against Vale and West Brom in the league and cup, invading the pitch after the Plymouth game, the celebrations at Bolton...it was a fantastic time to support Stoke, and I don't think there's been a season since where every game that I went to, I actually EXPECTED Stoke to win...not hoped...expected. We were miles better than the rest of the division, and it was a joy to watch.
Even the 2007/08 promotion season couldn't match up to 92/93, despite it being the first top-flight promotion campaign in nearly thirty years. Because it was so close, there was too much tension around the place to really enjoy it, despite the massive outpouring of joy/relief at the final whistle against Leicester.
The 2001/02 promotion season under Gudjon also falls well short of 92/93, as apart from the heroic manner of our play-off victory over Cardiff, the season was littered with poor displays and frustrating results.
No, for me and many others who were lucky enough to experience it, 92/93 was the daddy of all Stoke seasons...but, could well be surpassed by this year, IF we stay up. If it does all go pear-shaped in the last few weeks then it'll all be too heartbreaking to remember fondly, despite the number of magic moments that we've had so far (Sidder's winner against Villa, beating Arsenal 2-1, the 80th minute roar of encouragement against Man City...a few more yet to be written hopefully)
So, what do you reckon...can 92/93 be topped, or there other great seasons that people remember? (Be interesting tosee how older fans would compare this season to the seventies when we were up there challenging and actually winning the odd trophy)
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Post by stokemark on Mar 22, 2009 21:43:11 GMT
As a home fan its been fucking brilliant ! The twats that said we'd do a Derby are eating their words.
Now away from home.......................
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Mar 22, 2009 21:46:03 GMT
I'm probably biased but nothing, for me, will ever beat those golden years of the early 70s. The league cup, 5th in the league, two FA Cup Semis,(both of which we deserved to win) and two seasons in Europe - including getting knocked out by Ajax on the away goals rule.
But this season has come closer to the enjoyment of those days than I ever dared to hope.
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Post by MUZZPERTH on Mar 22, 2009 21:46:06 GMT
best for me anyway no matter what happens.
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Post by crimesy on Mar 22, 2009 21:52:15 GMT
In terms of defying the odds and causing huge upsets then this year has been brilliant. Even if we do go down, this season has put us on the map. Who will forget those tremendous Rory Delap throws, that amzing Stoke City crowd, the noisest ground in England, Fort Brittannia, putting one over on Villa, Spurs, The 10 men (11 men?) win over Citeh, getting two clean sheets against 'Pool, the tremendous come backs against Villa and 'Castle.. and of course.. beating Arsenal 2-1 and laughing as Wenger cried like a little girl.
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Post by stokiemama14 on Mar 22, 2009 21:53:53 GMT
[In terms of defying the odds and causing huge upsets then this year has been brilliant. Even if we do go down, this season has put us on the map. Who will forget those tremendous Rory Delap throws, that amzing Stoke City crowd, the noisest ground in England, Fort Brittannia, putting one over on Villa, Spurs, The 10 men (11 men?) win over Citeh, getting two clean sheets against 'Pool, the tremendous come backs against Villa and 'Castle.. and of course.. beating Arsenal 2-1 and laughing as Wenger cried like a little girl] went you put it like that so far we have had a darn good season keep it up city c'mon we know u can do it  goarnnn stoke!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Post by pretzel on Mar 22, 2009 21:54:56 GMT
I'm probably biased but nothing, for me, will ever beat those golden years of the early 70s. The league cup, 5th in the league, two FA Cup Semis,(both of which we deserved to win) and two seasons in Europe - including getting knocked out by Ajax on the away goals rule. I was going to say that too Mr Fornside but I was of that age who'd never really experienced anything less at the time than top flight football |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2009 22:04:55 GMT
I'm probably biased but nothing, for me, will ever beat those golden years of the early 70s. The league cup, 5th in the league, two FA Cup Semis,(both of which we deserved to win) and two seasons in Europe - including getting knocked out by Ajax on the away goals rule. I was going to say that too Mr Fornside but I was of that age who'd never really experienced anything less at the time than top flight football I am with you both here. We'd had a couple of years with epic FA Cup semi final battles with West Ham and Arsenal (I think) not to mention the League Cup in 72. As I understand it, Waddo used the cash it generated in 73-74 to buy Hudson, Hurst, Robertson and Salmons. We already had the greats of Banks, Greenhoff, Conroy and others and for that year we sat on top of the league for most of the season. We faded at the end. Clough's Derby took it with us coming fifth and qualifying for Europe. This season is great, but when you're about twelve years old and that is happening to your football team, it does not get any better. |
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Post by slangking on Mar 22, 2009 22:05:52 GMT
I don't think even in the glory days in the 70's that we were averaging 27,000.
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Post by crimesy on Mar 22, 2009 22:09:45 GMT
Im sure we were SK.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2009 22:10:00 GMT
yep trouserdog - he's done it with shit signings too (wink wink)
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Post by fradleyhomes on Mar 22, 2009 22:10:36 GMT
This season has shaped the future of the club, all of the new young fans who will have got hooked by the atmosphere and match day experience.
The media coverage of the club and the city, the financial benefit to the club and the city.
The chance to see top players at the brittannia.
I for one have loved every second and would like to say a BIG THANK YOU TO TONY PULIS AND PETER COATES!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2009 22:12:10 GMT
I don't think even in the glory days in the 70's that we were averaging 27,000. Before all-seater stadia the Vic could hold about 45,000. I think we averaged about 30-35K back then and people used to talk about our record attendance of 54k (I think) against Arsenal in the 1950s. |
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Post by FullerMagic on Mar 22, 2009 22:12:13 GMT
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Post by onlyonesirstan on Mar 22, 2009 22:13:28 GMT
Talking about the FA Cup Semi Finals gents, I always remember walking out of Hillsborough crying as a young Stokie, realising we were so close. If I have to cry now at the end of this season, that we are still in the premiership, then I don't care who sees me as an old man crying. Whoever says men should never cry, are talking shite.
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Post by Jamo on the wing on Mar 22, 2009 22:14:16 GMT
In my supporting lifetime it will be the best if we stay up to be honest. The whole thing has come together and while the club has had halicon days (mostly before I was born) I think that surviving in this league against all the odds (mainly financial) would be a fantastic achievement and one we can all proudly say we have played a part in. I'd made the decision that I'd be going to every game this season and it looks like (despite our away form  ) it will be a season to look back on with real pride. Eight games and counting, we can do it. Nah fuck it, we WILL do it! |
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Post by march4 on Mar 22, 2009 22:17:19 GMT
At the moment this has been a cracking season, although it isn't over yet!
The early 70's were very special and yet I didn't truly appreciate them at the time.
Now I am older I am really appreciating every second of this season. I hope you younger supporters realise just how special and rare this season is. They only come along every 30 years or so.
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Post by TheWiseMaster on Mar 22, 2009 22:23:19 GMT
Always difficult looking back - you are in many ways a different person making the judgement than your earlier persona However what we can say is that this season is very different than any other that I can remember What is different is that virtually every game we are expected to lose - when we were promoted in earlier times we never expected to be beaten every week On top of that of course we have in fact not been beaten regularly at home and have one of the leagues best records The feelgood factor at home is something special - the roar against Man City is difficult to compare with anything in recent memory There must have been similar times when we beat ManU in a semi in front of 49,000 - likewise when we stopped Leeds's record breaking run The difference this season is that it is all so unexpected and new to so many Brilliant season which will be successful - staying up! Difficult to follow next season but the memory will live on  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2009 22:25:11 GMT
At the moment this has been a cracking season, although it isn't over yet! The early 70's were very special and yet I didn't truly appreciate them at the time. Now I am older I am really appreciating every second of this season. I hope you younger supporters realise just how special and rare this season is. They only come along every 30 years or so. I would second that. I am actually old enough to know why your username is march4 - I was there on that day - but on reflection I need to move on from my previous post. This thread is rightly seeking to focus on the here and now. Past glories are for those with nothing to look forward to (Nottingham Forest always harp on about their past don't they). This season is great. Of course it's the best ever, because it is happening now not 35 years ago. |
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Post by onlyonesirstan on Mar 22, 2009 22:26:07 GMT
TheWiseMaster. Spot on mate.
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Post by swampySCFC on Mar 22, 2009 23:01:25 GMT
For me you have to look at the 72 season as the bestas we were a top flight club, won a major trophy and played in an FA cup semi.
Then 74 when we had a chance of winning the 1st Division but failed in the last few games principally due to injuries.
Make no mistakes that season we were one of the best sides in the country. We demolished Brum 3-0 at their place around January and were starting to be noticed as Champion candidates. We signed players like Hudson, Shilton and played great footy.
Football has changed of course and what we have achieved this year is fantastic. It is also true to say that in no time has the support been as good as it is now. I just hope it continues.
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Post by march4 on Mar 23, 2009 0:42:50 GMT
The point I was trying to make was that from when my Dad first took me to stand in the Butler Street paddock on a wooden box he made in the early 60's, I knew nothing but success.
Sir Stan & promotion, consolidation, glamorous friendlies, cup runs, Wembley, challenging for the title and so on. I didn't really appreciate what good times they were and I confess to taking our stature for granted.
Now after 23 years of desperation, I am determined to enjoy every second of our time in the Prem as I was beginning to doubt I would ever see us play there. To be at the first game at Bolton with my own son was a very emotional experience (as were the games at the end of last season).
This is the best season, because it is the here and now, but also because I finally appreciate our position.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2009 7:01:56 GMT
In some ways staying up this season will be more impressive than the 1970s.In those days teams like Stoke , Derby. QPR and Ipswich could put teams together which could challenge for the top prizes.The globalisation of football creating an elite of super rich English Teams has changed the game beyond recognition.
We are competing in the richest strongest league in the world, hundres of millions watch us live, and you can pick the game up anywhere in the world.Waddo could never have dreamed of it...oh and by the way two more years of development and we could be back in Europe.....Lakeland after 30 years we can dream again
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Post by Linx on Mar 23, 2009 7:18:53 GMT
I was there in the early 70s but I actually think that this is a better season because of the all-round package. Back then, we were always a small team run on a shoestring budget that punched above our weight, due largely to clever management by Waddo. But the Stoke of 2008-09 is better financed, better-run and better-geared to the future. You always felt, back in 1970-73, that blowing it in the semi's was a massive chance missed, never to be repeated - and we were right. But this year feels like the beginning of something - not the end.
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Post by Baggs on Mar 23, 2009 7:25:37 GMT
1992/3 was my first season (8-9 years old), and it set the benchmark for me. I even got to be mascot on my 9th birthday at the Hawthorns (won 2-1, I didn't care about the result after having a kickabout with Vinnie Overson). It was some kind of perverse gloryhunting, dicking on every side we played (until we lost 1-0 to Hartlepool - what the fk?!?)
Needless to say years of frustration followed, and there were times at the Leicester game the tension was so unbearable that I wished we were 11th and out of it, rather than having a chance to win the league. Needless to say those feelings quickly passed.
What I do know about this season is that the support has been absolutely immense, and I think the impact on our players and the opposition has been noticeable. While it has been difficult explaining to my new boss why I'm hoarse on a Monday morning, I actually want this season to go on forever.
I will be so annoyed if we go down because we are genuinely better than at least half a dozen teams in this division, and at least as good as another 7 or 8. Then again, I know we will do it. In fact I never stopped believing (though I had serious doubts a few times). Next year is gonna be even better - more of the same in terms of relegation scrap (no doubt) and atmosphere (I hope). But hey, maybe Lawro will predict that we will win more than 1 game next year!
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Post by surreystokie on Mar 23, 2009 11:12:20 GMT
Lakeland, I too loved the seventies. So much success and so many memories. Journeying to Holland, for one, to stand outside the Ajax stadium, as the players' coach rolled in, surprised to see Cloughie sitting next to Waddo, who felt sory for him, having just had the sack. But it is so much more difficult now, with so unequal a playing field. For too long, success has been only a word, rather than the practical outcome of a miraculous couple of seasons. And never again to be taken for granted. Having attended every game to date, I've never experienced so many jangling nerves, utter nauseousness, thumping heads or too-devastated-to-weep disappointments, Chelsea's winner and Pompey's late goal featuring prominently in the agony stakes. But I can honestly say that I've still wished away every Friday, (occasional Saturday/mid-week) in anticipation of more. And if May 4th was a best yet experience, with joy unconfined, I've got butterflies (whisper it) just thinking that it may soon be overtaken. Meanwhile, I wonder if I'll die of boredom, at the week-end, with Wembley no substitute for the gloriously atmospheric Brit!  |
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Post by ted1965 on Mar 23, 2009 11:37:31 GMT
It surely is one of the best in terms of looking at the opposition and the totally unbalanced world that is the Premiership.
Though for me the early and mid 70’s will remain the glory years, for the football played and the kind of players we were able to attract. We competed with the very best in the land and never looked out of place. 2 cup semi finals, cheated out of a final appearance a league cup win, playing in Europe against the might of Ajax and taking them to the wire. Leading the league at Easter and finishing in the top 5 twice will take some equalling. I pray to God one day we may do so again but with the financial muscle of the top 4 and others it seems unlikely anytime soon.
Though all that said this season is going to be one of the best because football has changed so much since those wonderful days. The playing field is no longer even close to being level it’s more like running up the side of Mount Everest in comparison. We have defied the odds up to now and I don’t think that can be overlooked. When we came into the 70’s we were an established first division club, we had the best goalkeeper in the world between the posts, not one of the best but the best footballer on the planet in that position and he played for Stoke City, can you imagine the best player in his position agreeing to sign for us now. So I believe it certainly will be one of the very best seasons when the dust settles simply because the odds are so firmly stacked against promoted sides.
Our home form has been nothing short of miraculous 8 wins in a league where many thought we’d struggle to get 8 points in the summer it simply is a wonderful time to support this club and for those who weren’t fortunate like us older supporters to see those wonderful few years it surely is as close as they have come. I honestly hope if we stay up and move forward they will get a little of what we got and that the coming generation don’t have to wait so long for such a buzz if we do fall a little short. The other stunning thing, it has rejuvenated many supporters love for this club, now we can call them glory hunters, Johnny come lately but if the passion and sheer enthusiasm for the club has been instilled in the next generation and the number of top 4 club shirts has been reduced around the streets of this football area then for me the club can only thrive as a result.
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Post by cousindupree on Mar 23, 2009 11:45:40 GMT
For anyone who was watching in the early 70's they would concur it was the best...and boy did we play some special football with many players regarded as right at the top...and a trophy at wembley is hard to beat.
But as others have said I only knew success for Stoke in that era and hadn't yet experienced the bad times...so this season really is one to savour and almost makes for shite like the Holocaust season...flogging the likes of Pesch before a playoff game, pushing Sheron out of the door to pay for the stadium and Pulis Binary season.....worth suffering for another pop at the bigtime.
Mind you the Hype and media circus that surrounds every game have made this season easily the most stressful.
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Post by anfieldred(and white) on Mar 23, 2009 12:13:54 GMT
I was a lad when your teams used to come to Anfield in the 70's - top footballing side in those days.
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Post by burberrybassist on Mar 23, 2009 12:18:50 GMT
This year is deffo the best season I've ever experienced
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) it will be a season to look back on with real pride.
