Head of Sport and Gaming at LADbible Group. Also a husband, dad and Stoke City season ticket holder.
Stockport
Joined August 2008
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When Stoke played 433 over the last several seasons, nobody was complaining we didn't have the players to play 352.
So what's the obsession with moaning that we only have the players for 352 now?
I don't even think it's true btw - Junho and Manhoef were our wide two pre-Sorba.
Side note, but as I've seen it being discussed on the Oatcake, surely, SURELY we need to reinvent the Marc Muniesa chant for Luca Bombino?!
La-la-la-luca Bombino
La-la-la-luca Bombino
He plays for City, with...
Just need to find the two names we like most to finish that!
I've kept my powder dry until it shut, and it's still too early to judge, but that was a very intriguing transfer window for Stoke.
We're clearly weaker on the wing and arguably weaker at CB too without Phillips, but we're much stronger at FB, even just in terms of numbers...
And as good as Sorba was last season, we were much too reliant on a player whose output had regressed to the mean.
It's still a worry losing him - we need more from Junho and Manhoef, as well as the new players - but on paper at least we look less one-dimensional.
You don't want to overreact to the first game. Not with more new signings obviously on the way and before others have found their feet.
But, based on today's performance, it's hard to say we've improved a thing or that we're in for anything other than a tough watch this season.
I like our new signings. I like our new kit. I like the new badge*.
Football's ace when you don't have to play any games.
*What I don't like is other football fans taking offence on our behalf without knowing it's based on an old badge and we bloody voted for it!
Midfield was unquestionably the priority fix for this summer so fair play to Jon Walters and co. for getting two in this early.
As ever, the real judgement will come when we see them play, but we've certainly added some height, athleticism and physicality. And we needed that.
I'm so pleased with this. I honestly believe he's the player with the highest ceiling in the whole squad.
Not picking on Gaz here, but I disagree with this rhetoric.
Earlier in the season, when we were doing well, fans were saying it's because Robins had taken charge of things.
Since they've gone wrong, fans are saying it's because Robins has no say in things.
I'm torn on Robins' comment about transfers.
He says "the culture needs to change", but surely he has a big role to play in that? And he wasn't making these comments when things were going well.
He's been throwing players under the bus & not taking much responsibility himself.
On the other hand, I couldn't agree more with this comment: "I would rather take some players of a lesser ability who would run through a brick wall for you but have the know-how and understanding of doing it."
There's an arrogance to our transfer policy that needs to stop.
I vote to retain the status quo at Stoke.
I have gripes with recruitment and tactics, but I think injuries have been the biggest factor. Albeit linked to recruitment.
But does anyone think our overseas policy is Walters'? Or one from above that would remain even with a change?
Luke Littler rated my darts technique 8/10. I'm just leaving that here...
sportbible.com/darts/luke-li…
I haven't tweeted much this season. But what a manager we've got on our hands. Every player is being managed perfectly.
In seasons gone by we'd be flogging Rigo and probably moaning he's not up to it by now! But he's come out and I guarantee he'll be stronger for it.