nash is with the squad

[banburypotter]

News
29/02/2008 - Nash joins City for training

by Martin Spinks

Carlo Nash joined his new Stoke City team-mates for training today ahead of his proposed loan move from Wigan.

Stoke's hierarchy was today finalising the details of a three-month deal in time for the 34-year-old goalkeeper to be named in Sunday's squad for the televised clash at QPR.

"I think we've done the deal now," said manager Tony Pulis. "I'm pleased to have him on board because he's not just cover, I see him as someone to put Steve (Simonsen) under pressure.

"We were disappointed when Sunderland recalled Marton Fulop because he will be a very good keeper, but Carlo ain't bad.

"Fingers crossed, he will get straight in with the lads and they will make him feel part of it straight away.

"I spoke to Steve Bruce at Wigan about a week back and mentioned Fulop, but he said if anything went wrong he would help me out and he's been true to his word."

Pulis appeared to point an accusing finger at his own club earlier this week after Nash's move had initially broken down just hours before he was due to sit on the bench at Preston on Tuesday.

Chief executive Tony Scholes has been away on holiday this week and unavailable for comment.

Nash joined Wigan from Preston last summer to add another club to a CV already accommodating the likes of Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace during a varied career.

Steve Simonsen's chances of staving off any threat to his number one berth has been enhanced by the latest Actim Index figures which, for the first time this season, rank him inside the top 20 of all Championship players.

Simonsen is now third among the division's goalkeepers, while Stoke's table-topping form is reflected by Liam Lawrence remaining in first place among his Championship peers, Ryan Shawcross in fourth, Ricardo Fuller in seventh and Leon Cort in eighth.

Pulis, who was yesterday named Championship manager-of-the-month for February, is optimistic that both Cort (badly bruised ankle) and Lawrence (dead leg) will be available for Sunday's televised trip to QPR.

And he added: "I'm hoping the players who were in the team that missed out on the play-offs at QPR last season will be particularly fired up for this one."

"I know that was one of the blackest days in my time in football. I'd love to go there and get three points to wipe away the memory of that final game of the season."

Pulis, whose manager-of-the-month recognition was his second as Stoke boss following a similar accolade last April, has promised not to receive the award on the pitch for fear of putting the customary mockers on his team.

[knowles]

[FullerMagic]

"I'm pleased to have him on board because he's not just cover, I see him as someone to put Steve (Simonsen) under pressure.


I wonder if he'll make a point by chucking him straight in. I wouldn't be surprised. I imagine Nash will have had certain assurances about his chances of getting games.

It looks like he'll manage 2 days training with the team before Sunday, unlike Fulop last weekend.

[chuffed]

Is it me or is Tony rhetoric a bit clearer and open these days ? perhaps with more fans starting to accept him a bit more maybe hes beginning to lighten up also.

[vestanpance]

Chief executive Tony Scholes has been away on holiday this week and unavailable for comment.

Thats' the second holiday he has had this season. I'm not being funny or anything, but he should be there really shouldn't he, particularly when his bloody manager is trying to do deals.

[realstokebloke]

Good.

Would it be churlish to say "about time too"?

But all's well that ends well & all that.

Just need the two others now?

Freddie & ...

[banburypotter]

jason

[banburypotter]

freddie and the dreamers ;D