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Post by knowles on Feb 20, 2008 9:18:10 GMT
Matteo in line for a career high Dominic Matteo played in a Champions League semi final for Leeds (Getty). Stoke City club captain Dominic Matteo says getting promotion with the Potters would be the highlight of his career. Matteo, 33, told BBC Radio Stoke: "To get into the Premier League with Stoke would certainly be the biggest achievement of my career. "I've never been part of a team that's been promoted before and it would be massive for a club like Stoke to earn a place in the Premiership." Matteo has been out of action since November following a foot operation. The former Scotland international has seen his side go top of the Championship in the time he has been on the sidelines and he says he is pleased with the way the team has been finding a way to win matches. "In the last few weeks we've not been at our best," he said. "But we've been able to win games and that is a sign of a good side. "A lot of that is down to the attitude of the players because that has been first class all season." The former Liverpool, Leeds United and Blackburn man also heaped praise on manager Tony Pulis. If I don't do things properly it could be the end of my playing career Dominic Matteo "The manager doesn't get the recognition he deserves," he said. "I see other managers winning awards like manager of the month and I think our gaffer has been unlucky not to win that on a couple of occasions." On his own injury, Matteo said he is slowly returning to full fitness. "It's been a tough few months," he admitted. "I don't think at the time I fully realised how serious the operation was. "I'm back running now and should hopefully be back in full training over the next week to 10 days. "It is important not to rush back. I've had two bones removed from my foot and if I don't do things properly it could be the end of my playing career." news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7253020.stm |
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Post by StokieSC on Feb 20, 2008 9:19:37 GMT
I'd honestly forgot about him ;D
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Post by banburypotter on Feb 20, 2008 9:21:51 GMT
take your time dom, ;D
Who the hell would you drop to put him back in the team?
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Post by jezzascfc on Feb 20, 2008 9:26:17 GMT
He could be the experienced head at the back we need in the run in - I still think he is best used as a left-sided centre half and, with Higgy and Clint gone, he is the only naturally left-footed centre half we have on the books.
I am not saying I'd drop either of Ryan or Leon, but he would be a useful option to cover injuries/suspensions or to come off the bench given his ability to cover two or three positions.
I for one, hope he gets match fit to be available for the last ten games or so.
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Post by potters11 on Feb 20, 2008 9:56:09 GMT
Jezza: Agreed, he could do a job in the centre of defence. He did play well there, earlier this season Vs Colchester. Thankfully, his job in the middle of the park, look to be over.
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Post by knowles on Feb 20, 2008 9:58:28 GMT
In the pre-season friendlies he looked good at centre back too (OK, can't read too much into it)
An able back up for Ryan/Leon. There are too many people ahead of him in the central midfield pecking order now but he could well overtake Zakuani as our third choice central defender (assuming he recovers in time)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2008 10:04:50 GMT
He’s good back up for our centre halves, that’s about it now and it’s a sign of how the squad has improved. He still played his role in the opening months of the season (even if I don’t rate him that highly).
Good interview.
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Post by Linx on Feb 20, 2008 10:09:37 GMT
When he does return to fitness would he revert to being captain? At the moment he's still officially the captain, according to the Programme, and Griffin is standing in. But what if he can't get back into the first team on a regular basis?  |
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Feb 20, 2008 10:19:25 GMT
He's the club captain and likely to remain so for as long as he is at the club. If he gets back into the side he'll take the team captain's job off Griff - if he doesn't get back into the side he won't, I presume.
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Post by Block 25 on Feb 20, 2008 10:42:27 GMT
why does this fat waster still do the captais collum in the program ?
surely griff should now do it ? seen as fatteo hasnt been fit for a long time and even when he is fit shouldnt get near our starting 11 maybe the bench at a push
fair play to him hes a decent career epcially at dirty leeds but hes just not good enough for our team anymore, too slow imho
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Post by ParaPsych on Feb 20, 2008 12:58:16 GMT
I'm sure he played a game or two at the back this season and was equally as woeful there as he was in midfield.
Maybe it was just his injury niggling him and he'll come back as Johnny McAwesome...
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Post by onesteventweed on Feb 20, 2008 15:44:31 GMT
good call jezza, i agree with you on the defensive cover argument .
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Post by fishty on Feb 20, 2008 16:58:51 GMT
Good cover, but I don't think he should still be club captain. He is unlikely to break into the first team, and not sure he'd command the respect the captain needs because of that. Give it to Griff FT.
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