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Post by oatcakemate on Jan 10, 2008 10:07:36 GMT
Stoke right-back Andy Wilkinson admits he is disappointed about Andy Griffin's imminent arrival at the Britannia Stadium, but is looking forward to the challenge of keeping his place in Tony Pulis's team.
Although Griffin is generally regarded as a left-back, he is also comfortable on the right ... which could spell trouble for Wilkinson.
The Stone-born 23-year-old, who was praised for his performance against Premier League Newcastle United in Sunday's third-round FA Cup tie at the Britannia, said: "Andy is a top lad and will be a great addition to the squad, but obviously it is a bit of personal disappointment he is coming.
"That said, though, I'll also relish the challenge of having to fight for my place.
"It will be down to the manager, but if he comes in for a lot of money he is not likely to be left out of the team.
"However, I would say I have done enough to keep the shirt at this time."
City left-back Carl Dickinson, who also earned praise for his no-nonsense performance on Sunday, could find himself shoved even further down the pecking order if Griffin signs, having played second fiddle to converted defender Danny Pugh in recent weeks.
Stoke were yesterday still finalising the deal to sign Griffin from Derby County.
However, Stoke's director of football, John Rudge, was keen to praise Dickinson and emphasise the importance of having a strong squad.
He explained: "Carl did very well against Newcastle and is very much part of the squad we have got now.
"He is in the team at this moment and I'm sure Tony Pulis will look at how he performs. But it's not all about 11 players, it is about having a squad of players."
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Post by themightypotter on Jan 10, 2008 10:12:37 GMT
It would be criminal if either Wilkinson or Dickinson did not keep their place for the Ipswich match or the replay, they have more than earnt their places, however, a strong squad is essential, so Griffin will be a good signing.
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Post by OldStokie on Jan 10, 2008 10:22:16 GMT
This is where the art of man-management really comes to the fore. I don't think there's a single supporter who would drop either Wilko or Dicko based on their last game. Let's see what Pulis does if he gets Griff in.
OS.
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Post by Onneravineet on Jan 10, 2008 10:37:57 GMT
Wilko and Dicko are part of the future at Stoke and hopefully it is a big one!
Worryingly for me, not a negative dig here, but TP always favour experience over youth and he'll feel more comfortable with Griff in the back four. How he manages this is his job and that's in part what he's paid for.
We need depth, obviously, but I think we were settled at fullback. Although mustn't forget Wilko's injury record either.
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Post by stokiemac on Jan 10, 2008 10:39:27 GMT
wilko and dicko have done more than enough to keep a place griffin should wait his turn
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Post by realstokebloke on Jan 10, 2008 10:51:35 GMT
Pecking order? Bollox.
No way he should drop either of those two - otherwise (& rightly so) they will be at a loss to know what they have to do to keep their places.
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Post by Onneravineet on Jan 10, 2008 10:53:26 GMT
agree realstokebloke! It would be a proper kick in the teeth!
If Griff makes the squad on Sat, I know he's not signed etc, TP should tell whoever gets dropped they're in the squad Wednesday!
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Post by Stick It On Cort's Head on Jan 10, 2008 11:07:35 GMT
gotta love wilko and dicko
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Post by StokieSC on Jan 10, 2008 11:09:15 GMT
Stick Griff on the bench. Make him play for his position like Wilko and Dicko have.
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Post by mcf on Jan 10, 2008 11:17:07 GMT
I don't think Dicko will cut it, Wilko has a chance though. DaveJohnno always said that Wilko was the most likely one and proof that even Pulis Hating Wankstains get it right now and again.  |
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Post by cmonstoke1983 on Jan 10, 2008 11:53:09 GMT
Wilko and Dicko were the gruesome twosome on Sunday, they were both outstanding and should be in the team for the game against ipswich on saturday regardless of who we bring in.
They've earned their place and deserve another chance on Saturday.
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Post by Butters on Jan 10, 2008 14:00:37 GMT
Well keep Pugh in the middle with diao when fit.
Will be gutted if Wilko and Dicko just get pushed back for Griffin who imo will be better players to come.
ttt
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Post by 58Potter on Jan 10, 2008 14:12:01 GMT
I think that both of the young lads have earned another crack at the fullback slots for the Ipswich game, they were both immense on Sunday.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2008 14:19:25 GMT
This is where the art of man-management really comes to the fore. I don't think there's a single supporter who would drop either Wilko or Dicko based on their last game. Let's see what Pulis does if he gets Griff in. OS. He'll drop 'em both for Griffin and Pugh; you know it as well as I do, old fella  (though both might well play up in Geordie-Land) Similar bit of "news" from the Reserve game yesterday (from Official site): First time I've seen him given one of the big-nice-quotes ... A place on the bench Satdee and Wednesdee? Given no left wing cover (or awkward cover anyway) and still no news on Rory ... I wonder whether we'll see Ricci's little mate come off the bench (while Mama is away) ... shift Cresser up front (when FatLad has expired) and avoid having to bring on Bambi? ah |
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