The Stoke City Topic Thread: Relegation? Staying up? Manager? Empty seats

[beasty77]

I don't know the ins and outs why Sunderland are so bad now but for a club of Sunderlands size to be on the verge on playing 3rd division football next season is unthinkable. A club that's won more league titles than Man City will be playing Accrington Stanley next season. Im sure they'll be back in the Premier League in a few years time.

[Santa]

The whole club is in a complete mess. Darren Gibson was arrested yesterday lunchtime for drink driving having ploughed into three parked cars. He’s only recently come back from a 20 month driving ban for the same offence. There has been a drinking culture at the club for ages which none of their many managers seems to have reversed. They have an owner with no interest in the club and 20,000 fans who’ve given up on them - and frankly, who can blame them?

Playing for Sunderland is enough to drive anyone to drink.

 

I got the train down yesterday with my mate who was going to Stoke, he was reasonably philosphical about relegation this year, he sees it as a good opportunity to rebuild the squad, have a few more interesting away days, and get back a bit of excitement. The thing that Sunderland did year on year, throwing money desperately in order to finish fourth from bottom, has damaged them massively in the long term. Stoke shouldn't suffer the same problems as Sunderland, as they haven't got the same level of debt, and are geographically well placed to attract good Championship level players.

[Guest]

To an outsider, it looks like you're missing the grit of the likes of Whelan and Walters - blokes who'd never give less than 100% despite their limited ability. There are rumours that the dressing room is split between the big earners like Sharqiri and Co and the "ordinary" lads who are on much less money .... is that true?

 

The poor form started last season when to be fair Walters and Whelan were still part of the squad. This season the squad has been so unbalanced it’s frightening.

 

Shaqiri has been the only shining light this season, the players don’t appear to have given up the fight we’re just pretty toothless up front with the players at our disposal.

 

Just a catalogue of bad mistakes and recruitment over the last 12 months I think, stay up or not (can’t see it) time to clear out the dead wood.

 

I can’t see us doing anything like a Sunderland as the club remains pretty stable however if there’s a fire sale I would imagine we’d need at least a season to consolidate.

 

I’ve said this before unlike some I’m fairly philosophical about relegation, the Premier League can be boring as hell when you’re on of the also rans

[Fosse69]

I don't know the ins and outs why Sunderland are so bad now but for a club of Sunderlands size to be on the verge on playing 3rd division football next season is unthinkable. A club that's won more league titles than Man City will be playing Accrington Stanley next season. Im sure they'll be back in the Premier League in a few years time.

But only once in the last 100 years, Man C will win 5 by the end of the season since Sunderland last did 80 odd years ago, not many around who saw that.

[Jacko51]

But only once in the last 100 years, Man C will win 5 by the end of the season since Sunderland last did 80 odd years ago, not many around who saw that.

 

Sunderland were the last team to win the title wearing stripes!

[SourceOfTheTrent]

Sunderland were the last team to win the title wearing stripes!

1935-36. Amazing fact that.

 

As far as the Lardies are concerned I think they've had it following their defeat to Everton. Given their remaining fixtures it'll be a big surprise if they manage to survive.

[philpvfc]

I think Stoke need 12 points to stay up, they have 4 games that they stand a chance of winning it very unlikely. It’s looking like them and West Brow are doomed leaving 1 more to go down which IMO will be one of Huddersfield, West Ham or Southampton, it was a massive win for Palace on Saturday and they look to have hit form at the right time.

[For Us All]

I think Stoke need 12 points to stay up, they have 4 games that they stand a chance of winning it very unlikely. It’s looking like them and West Brow are doomed leaving 1 more to go down which IMO will be one of Huddersfield, West Ham or Southampton, it was a massive win for Palace on Saturday and they look to have hit form at the right time.

 

Zaha makes a big difference when he plays for Palace.

[Howjy04]

Zaha makes a big difference when he plays for Palace.

 

We said the same Tony.Nevermind Pep etc Roy Hodgson is my manager of the year.

[RailwayRowdy]

Stokes next games are away at Arsenal and at home to Spurs, which should return 0 points. Then a massive game for both clubs at West Ham. It could be realistically all over for Stoke with defeat in the East End.

[SourceOfTheTrent]

We said the same Tony.Nevermind Pep etc Roy Hodgson is my manager of the year.

 

John Coleman by a bus ride, unless you're talking Premier League only.

[Howjy04]

John Coleman by a bus ride, unless you're talking Premier League only.

 

Was just referring to Prem mate.

[Regal Beagle]

We said the same Tony.Nevermind Pep etc Roy Hodgson is my manager of the year.

 

Hughes for me. Done a wonderful job on Stoke and I wish him all the best at Southampton.

[Howjy04]

Hughes for me. Done a wonderful job on Stoke and I wish him all the best at Southampton.

 

How could I forget?

[yoblet]

Coates ain't daft 10 years of getting £100 million a season off sky full house every week (when they bother turn up )spend £30 million a season on dross players..do the maths that's what ya call a business man,