What do you think? Given (not Shay) that I have only seen us on MOTD and some streams. 6 out of 10 (Up to 1st Jan - 9)
I'm happy enough with how things panned out as I don't think we have the squad for Europe yet and if it wasn't for injuries we could have ended up in it. 8 out of 10.
Ok - here goes. I always felt that this was a consolidation season, and said so from the start. Our transfer business was limited and questionable, but it appeared there was a reason, an end goal that would/could be played out in future seasons. Positives: Excellent forward play - at times Very fluid in the attack Top Half finish again Some great individual performances Negatives: Too many injuries Caught between styles at times No recognised striker (Again) Hughes not knowing his best eleven Too many goals conceded & not clinical enough in front of goal Too reliant on journey men I feel that this off season (transfer wise) will indicate the expectation of the board and could be MH's last season, successful or not.
Blimey Smithers, are you suggesting Hughes could walk or be pushed after next season. I would hope he would stay on longer as he seems happy enough at Stoke. However, football is a results business I suppose so who knows. Progress, in the form of a cup win or a top 6 finish, would be seen as a success for Stoke.
I think he's more likely to walk if he doesn't get the funds to build the squad needed for the future
If Sparky does achieve notable success next season or the one after, he will be head hunted for a BIG club, and that would mean bye bye bet365 stadium. And if that happened who would replace him, perhaps a Tony Pulis mark II ? Whoever comes chances are it would not be a Ranieri, so I think maybe continuing modest success is the safest option, and keeping Sparky even with his apparent limitations.
Gentlemen, An engrossing topic for the close season, for what its worth, he has had his chance...no defence, injuries etc.but he blows £18 million on a mdfielder, albeit a defensive one...but!! Who next....let's discuss
