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Post by Countydog on Oct 21, 2013 10:40:01 GMT
Before I get shot down and accused of being a doom and gloom merchant let me explain my worries. After the first game against Liverpool I said that if we play that open we will be in for a struggle. I was shot down by those who told me how much better it was than the previous season etc and how it was so refreshing to see such good football and that it was only 1 game. The facts for me were that Liverpool won comfortably 1 - 0 and should have beaten us by more. It was only their wastefulness that kept us in it and ultimately we should have taken an undeserved point. I was immediately concerned.
Now after 8 games I am even more worried. I think talking about a striker crisis is almost a smokescreen over the more fundamental problems we have. Yes undoubtedly we need a forward but we also need to review our current tactics else we will find ourselves in serious trouble. As everybody knows under Tony Pulis we played a certain way, he put a squad together that was designed to play one way. Yes he tried and failed to bring in players of higher quality to perhaps slightly change our style, ultimately it didn't really change. In fact it probably got worse and for me it was the right time for him to go especially so given the divisions in our support. That said I would have tolerated him for another season just because I felt that for all our limitations and the lack of entertainment on offer he would keep us in the Prem. Tolerating a certain style to see the best players the country has to offer week in week out was a small price to pay. Having been watching Stoke since 1982 I was truly grateful for this given all the dross I had endured over the years. Quite simply like him or loathe him he was a safe pair of hands, 6 season in the Premier League is proof of that for me.
Now this is where I am going to have a pop at Mark Hughes. With a new Manager there will always be a change in style / ethos etc. Hughes has added one or two players to the squad but ultimately he has inherited Tony Pulis players. I do not think they are capable of drastically changing from one style to another, its too extreme for me, the changes need to be more subtle and gradual. We are now playing a passing style where we can keep the ball for long spells in areas of the pitch that will not harm the opposition. The minute we get anywhere near the final third we are clueless because A) Our forwards are not good enough and don't move quickly enough and b) we lack the quality to move the ball around quickly in the right areas. For me we therefore do need to mix it up, go back to basics and hit it long occasionally, we need to do the mucky stuff and stop the opposition from playing.
We stand off the opposition and let them play - against West Brom this was very evident. They (West Brom) are more accustomed to playing a passing style and for me have better players to do this . We should have therefore got about them, closed them down, snapped at ankles and stopped them. We didn't, we let them play and were ultimately very very lucky to get a point. This is Hughes fault - completely. He has to get back to basics and make us harder to beat else we are going to be in for a long hard season. He has to make the changes more subtle but keep certain aspects that make this current crop effective. Over time he can get his players in and only then we could perhaps play this way with better results.
Under Pulis we had players with lesser ability than the likes of Nzonzi, Adam and Arnie perhaps (although I'm not sure about him) for example we had players like Delap and Whitehead. However for what they lacked in ability they got us results through tenacity, working hard to close opponents down and having an excellent work ethic. Contrast that to the petulance of Nzonzi and the lack of fitness of Adam and you might see the point I am trying to make. Whatever happens this season it will not be Tony Pulis fault - we will never know what would have happened with him in charge. This is down to Mark Hughes and ultimately he will be judged by results - at the moment they are not really good enough.
Nevertheless I remain completely behind Mark Hughes and want him to succeed. The football is undoubtedly better to watch but for me its not effective at the moment and he needs to think seriously about that else we could well end up in deep trouble. These are worrying times absolutely, I fear for us.
Hope I haven't bored you all too much if you have been arsed to read my thoughts on a wet Monday morning, I have a day off work and I am a bit of a geek when it comes to Stoke. I also reckon I know what I am talking about.
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ADFM6
Jun 19, 2013 9:37:00 GMT
Post by Countydog on Jun 19, 2013 9:37:00 GMT
Last year on " a day for men 5 " 70 penguins went to spurs dressed as penguins. We are Leek based lads that do this fancy dress mosh up yearly since we got into the prem - traditionally the last away game before Christmas.
It's looking like Hull City Dec 14th for this annual event. Any suggestions for themes would be welcome?
I personally think - they are the tigers so we should go as lions. I am excited about this annual booze up.
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Post by Countydog on Jun 19, 2013 9:32:46 GMT
Obviously the fixtures are now out but we can only really treat these as a guide. When do the tv fixtures get released ?
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Gutted
May 21, 2013 15:51:03 GMT
Post by Countydog on May 21, 2013 15:51:03 GMT
I am genuinely gutted about today's news, it is clear to me that expectation has become unrealistic and that Mr Coates has bowed to supporter pressure in the end. You could say he has been hounded out. I hope I am wrong but " be careful what you wish for " and " better the devil you know " are comments that seem to fit at the moment.
I fear we will all regret this.
I suppose most on here have got what they wanted. I hope it is the right decision.
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Post by Countydog on May 21, 2013 15:42:57 GMT
I genuinely think we will all regret today. For me the expectation has become unrealistic and it seems Coates has bowed to supporter pressure. Hounded out you could say.
A crying shame
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Post by Countydog on Mar 12, 2013 21:02:23 GMT
I agree and yes of course opinions are fine. They still do my head in though because some of the bile aimed his way is down right evil.
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Post by Countydog on Mar 12, 2013 20:58:02 GMT
You do my head in. The bloke deserves to be cut more slack and deserves more tolerance.
5 season supporters most of you I bet.
Try getting behind them on Saturday, it might actually help
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Post by Countydog on Jan 27, 2013 15:50:23 GMT
Is Stafford Stokie one of these dicks ?
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Post by Countydog on Jan 27, 2013 15:48:58 GMT
I am a moderate! And yes those who get personal and offer pathetic insults are dicks !!
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Post by Countydog on Jan 27, 2013 15:40:19 GMT
It's shocking. The amount of bickering , personal insults and general nastiness is incredible. I'm all for differing opinions after all that's what it's all about, however just because you might not agree with someone else there is simply no need to get personal/nasty etc. are we not supposed to support the same team ?
Before I get accused of being owner sensitive - I'm not , I actually think I'm quite thick skinned. The general feel and atmosphere I get from this board is a poor one.
It is an extremely unforgiving place.
I am also fed up of watching terrible games and teams that come to Stoke and play better football than us. Wigan will play far better than we do. Everyone does. We however have our own style and to a point it is effective. I'm still with Pulis but I'm finding it hard work.
So stop being dicks and stop having a go at one another.
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Post by Countydog on Jan 20, 2013 8:57:41 GMT
Yesterday me and my 5 year old boy headed for Swansea on the train from Stoke. At quarter to 1 my train got stuck in the Severn Tunnel due to the snow. www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Severn-Tunnel-delays-train-breaks/story-17903581-detail/story.htmlWe did not make the game and ended up getting a train back home. 2 x match tickets £56.50, £60 on train tickets and about £25 blown on food and drink provisions. We saw nothing and spent a day pissing about on the cross country train network. Bristol Parkway incidentally is a grim grim place. Do you think if I write to Stoke City and send my unused match tickets along with my used train tickets they might offer me a token gesture for my futile efforts ? Or shall I just write this one off as a bad day !
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Post by Countydog on Dec 23, 2012 8:23:10 GMT
What was happening at the end with those penguins ? They appeared to be getting a bit excited with those Tottenham supporters
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Post by Countydog on Dec 11, 2012 21:27:22 GMT
Spurs away will be our 5th year where a bus load from Leek have travelled to the away game before Christmas in fancy dress. Hardly innovative I know but it gets a load of mates together for a right good piss up involving Stoke. The evening will end up in Leek for those who are still standing.
This year it seems there will be a lot of penguins. No reason for this. 65 of us are defines at present , we have a 19 seater and a 53 seater bus from the Dyers Arms.
See you there
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Post by Countydog on Sept 23, 2012 9:18:24 GMT
When he was warming up near to the Stoke fans yesterday he was showered in some shocking verbal abuse, absolute bile. reference to his family etc....proper nasty.
Now maybe im going a bit soft as I get a bit older and down the years Ive dished out some shocking abuse but am I wrong to think this was a little out of order ? Yes we can all argue he gets paid whatever and yes he has brought things on himself with his dreadful conduct but I still cannot help but feel its not on.
And yes football is the only sport where this is considered acceptable .............. before you tell me to take up badminton.......ask yourself is it really on ?
I tend to think not. Surely the subs would be better warming up at the other end away from the away support . Terry could not resist to ignore the abuse and mockingly lifted 2 cups at us. He would have been better just to rise above it but to be honest that kind of abuse is out of order in my eyes.
There is a line. Stoke fans crossed it yesterday
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Post by Countydog on Sept 17, 2012 20:08:14 GMT
Cheers Ruts. I can clearly see a C on one ticket and an A on the other.
It appears I did not get fortunate.
However I will be the fortunate one when Michael Owen nets the winner on 84 minutes and I will be behind the goal celebrating .
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Post by Countydog on Sept 17, 2012 18:55:04 GMT
Yes of course I knew the price. I hate missing games and very rarely do however £47 is a complete rip however you want to look at it. Yes I have perhaps got " mug " written on my head
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Post by Countydog on Sept 17, 2012 18:38:14 GMT
Chelsea tickets are clearly a rip off. I have ordered 2 which have arrived in the post today - 1 junior £23.50 and one adult £47.
My tickets however both say £47 on them and no mention of a junior. Would this info be on the bar code ?
As anyone got a junior ticket and if so what does it say on it? My son can no longer go so im thinking of getting a refund here on one ticket.
This would make my match ticket only cost £23.50 and save me £23.50 making the cost a little easier to stomach.
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Post by Countydog on Jul 7, 2012 9:50:43 GMT
Chelsea away is a rip off I know. Was there any concessions for kids tickets ?
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Post by Countydog on May 24, 2012 8:24:34 GMT
Oh the date would help. 1 night June 11th - England v France match
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Post by Countydog on May 24, 2012 8:23:57 GMT
I have 2 tents booked that sleep 4 (2 per tent) booked at the Donetsk football fans camp. These cost 525 UAH which converts to £42 each. I will accept a knock down half price for these £80 for the lot. If your struggling for a bed these are ideal. I am hoping to change my travel plans later today. Let me know if you are interested
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Post by Countydog on May 4, 2012 16:44:52 GMT
Can this be done yet and can you do it on line ?
Does it cost you anything to do ?
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Post by Countydog on Mar 10, 2012 21:46:29 GMT
I think Chelsea away and various other expensive away grounds separate the richer Stoke fans on higher incomes than those who cannot afford.
yes quite an obvious statement.
Today was for the middle class. Those with a bit more coin, about 600 or so.
Complete rip off. I can just about afford a £50 ticket. It is however a complete and utter disgrace.
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Post by Countydog on Feb 24, 2012 15:57:56 GMT
Just walked in through my front door in glorious Leek. That was an amazing experience, it has been quite an adventure. We went out but we supporters went out in style.
Proud to be a Stoke fan
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Post by Countydog on Feb 16, 2012 23:41:49 GMT
He should accept that not everyone will have the same view as him and if they dont - debate it yes but no need to be a condescending arsehole
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Post by Countydog on Feb 16, 2012 23:38:49 GMT
John Acres has gone down in my estimation. The self righteous prick
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Post by Countydog on Feb 16, 2012 23:34:40 GMT
Im sorry but who does John Acres think he is ? Harry rings up - sounds like an elederly supporter , season ticket holder - probably been watching Stoke longer than most of us offers his opinion.
Harry is very negative granted - half the time Acres puts him into a corner and harry bless him probably cannot articulate as well as he probably would like. The vibe is though as a regular he is not happy with recent performances.
Yes Valencia are a quality side, street wise and better than us. However we have players who are one paced throughout the side and arguably better players on the subs bench. Im not having a go at TP here because im still behind him but recent displays entitle the paying supporter to be critical. But TP and his back room staff have brought these players in and ultimately the Manager is responsible for good times and bad.
For John Acres to patronise like he did on the radio was out of order and for me lacked class. Also the callers after were clearly taken in by the spin and decided to kiss his arse.
John if your reading this - just remember people are allowed to have a different view to you. If they want to come on and be critical fine thats up to them, but don't try and be a complete smart arse when you don't agree. You are supposed to be impartial are you not ? and encourage alterntaive opinion.
You came across as a right patronising, self righteous twat.
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Post by Countydog on Jan 10, 2012 22:17:00 GMT
He has served me when I wanted a refund for a match I could not attend after work called me in. Gutted I could nt go only to be treated like a twat by this miserable git.
Get rid
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Post by Countydog on Dec 27, 2011 20:04:41 GMT
Good post Seddonstandviewer. I agree people do go way too far with the criticism - and no he does not deserve that at all. My point is a degree of levelled criticism is ok - football is all about opinion and debate.
I just feel that some people are so defensive of him its ridiculous - maybe its because of the idiots that are also too far the other way in their scathing criticsm that these groups have evolved (if you get my drift).
........and no we should not be dicking everyone Villa at home included. Its just the manner of the last 2 offerings that merit criticsm for me. I maintain the performances were poor and negative and I believe Pulis responsible for this.
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Post by Countydog on Dec 27, 2011 19:47:51 GMT
Listening to the phone in after yesterday - if you dare phone up and have a go at Pulis or how the team played for that matter you always get someone else coming on having a go at you. Same as this message board really.
Pulis has done and is doing a fantastic job - 100 % fact. However this does not mean we should not be allowed to be critical when we feel the need arises. Against Man City and yesterday the two performances were binary. Absolute utter rubbish to watch, devoid of any attacking threat and down right negative.
Im sorry but that is true. Maybe I feel slightly less tolerant after paying £38 to watch the Man City game and then to be served up yesterday. I kind of tolerated the dross last Wednesday looking at the bigger picture of Villa and Wigan. However yesterday was awful making me feel even more cheated at Eastlands.
Again I maintain I would want no other man in charge of Stoke - however by the same token we are allowed to be critical if we want to be. The last 2 games merit such criticism so dont bore me with ...........We are 8th in the league and doing well in Europe.
The last 2 games have been pathetic, end of.
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Post by Countydog on Dec 12, 2011 20:30:52 GMT
From Leek via Stafford. A day for men
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