Stoke City, my abridged reflections

[tel2u]

A well known saying in football, and in life, if I'm truthful, is, 'What goes around comes around'

I've been supporting the Potters for well over 40 years and there have been times of perfect elation but far too often, times of sheer and utter despair!

When Gunnar and his cohorts arrived into town, most of us were swept away with a dream, a dream of finally emerging from the doldrums and once again regaining the true pride and passion in and for OUR Club, probably, most of all, the ones that can still remember the Waddo era, relished the thought, that finally, our younger supporters would get a chance to be part of a very special era in our supporting lives, and the future of Stoke City.

Well, it hasn't all 'gone according to plan' by any means, but we've had many occaisions over the last few decades where the signing of one manager and one player has made an instrumental difference to both the team and the supporters, firstly and undoubtably, we had the greatest influence on Stoke City, and that was the second signing of Sir Stan.

Then we then signed Hudson and Greenhoff, and so began another 'mini era' we then had to wait a very long time for players to make a similar positive mark on the team and over the years the younger supporters have witnessed the Macari Magic with 'The Stein era' the 'Sheron phemonia' then the 'Thorne uprising' , are we now entering the Pulis and Taggart era? where both men are looking to be instrumental in reviving a Club that has underachieved for far too long!

Are we really seeing a resurgence in our fortunes or will we flatter to decieve? I don't really know!, but it is really a refreshing change to reflect on the heroics of last season,and bask in the comfort of our latest run of form and reflect on the fact that despite all their faults Gunnar and his countrymen along with TP are showing signs of giving us the stability and confidence we've lacked in the past!

It hasn't been a 'bed of roses' for any of us but at the moment it sure smells sweeter than the shite we've had in the past!

[croydonstokie]

I think you are spot on Tel2u,we should sit back and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts and wallow in the sweet scent of optimism. The frustrating thing I am finding at the moment though is that in this league of mediocrity,with another couple of shrewd quality signings and the play offs could be a serious aim and then who knows.We might never see the league as open as this again with no stand out teams,why shouldnt we put ourselves in the melting pot for a change?.

[Rex]

Tel, I wouldnt go so far as to say the Pulis and Taggart era as Taggart is only a loan signing and could go at anytime, but two people we could focus on are Eustace and Akinbiyi, Eustace is the worker and brings others into play as well as scoring goals, while Ade Excites the crowd whenever he gets on the ball with his pure speed. Also he's coming into a rich vein of scoring goals, and if he can keep it going then who knows.

If Taggart does sign permanent then your original post would then really have been a valid point. but as a loanee, we cant really class him as one of us yet. Especially when he has said he still thinks he can do a job at premiership level. Sorry to be negative about GT, but he hasnt shown us any committment as of yet by telling Leicester he would like to be here permanent. Obviously if he does then I'd be happy with it.

Rex

[moorlander]

TELU2,I go with you on this,you are spot on. Since the beginning of the season I have felt good about the team. Yes even through the very bad spell,have always felt we had the makings of a good team,just a matter of time before Pulis learnt what to do with them.

[marinog]

We are making progress towards the goal of reaching the Prem, but there is a long way before we are ready for the big time. We would need more than one or two quality signings. Our back four are still too weak to compete with the likes of Henry, RVN or Owen. Surely getting promotion would be wonderful but IMHO at the moment top half of div 1 is were we belong. Perhaps in two years time we would be strong enough to get promoted. Until then lets just enjoy it.

[padders01]

Kice, What are you saying!!??

Where not ready to defend against some Div One strikers never mind Premiership ones

Im with Rex about GT. He has made no signs that he wants to stay on and listeing to his interview on Radio Stoke last week about the cup game, it doesnt sound like he is committed to Stoke at all (at the moment anyway!)

That is the problem with going on a run like we are, fans expectation go through the roof. If you look at the fixture list during this last 7 games, they are all pretty dire teams (bar West Ham)

If we are knocking on the play-off door come end of March then we can talk about Premiership football, but not until then.

If people continue to talk about it then they will only get disappointed then the Pulis haters come out again and that really fcuks me off

It doesnt help when the Radio Stoke presenter says "How far can we go" and all this. Yes, it is good to be optimistic but unot UNREALSITIC, or, if you are going to be unrealsitic then dont get too upset when things dont work out how you want them too.

[tel2u]

Rex

I realise that Taggart is only a loan signing, hopefully we will sign him, but the point I was making was that one individual can and does influence the team for the better and over the years certain players have had ability to transform the fortunes of the team simply by being there.

Imho, Taggart falls into that category, and the confidence levels of the other players has noticably increased to point that I think that they are seriously beginning to believe in themselves.

I did say it was an abridged version, so the message was always going to recieve other suggestions of names that people feel have made an impact on the team, but imho, Taggart is this seasons Crossley!..........and Crossley was only a loan signing!