I hope to post more later tonight. Have got upto the Man City game! Lost broadband for 24 hours so pissed off about that!
February The following week saw Sunderland come to town. The forecast I saw in the morning here in the South, suggested that the snow would hit Stoke from about 6pm. By the time I arrived at 1pm it had started. By the time the game started, it was getting heavier and frankly, purely on the grounds of safety, the game should have been abandoned. The referee having sent off Huth for a tackle which the Sunderland player made the most of, the referee felt he had to play the game to its conclusion. Sunderland adapted much better to the conditions and Maclean showed sheer determination to run through the Stoke defence to score the solitary goal of the game with his left foot. To be honest, I felt Stoke were extremely poor and the referee made a very harsh decision in the sending off of Huth, as he made no allowance of the conditions and did not take account that Huth tried to stop himself going through with the tackle. Call me biased but that is how I saw it! A 0-1 defeat was very disappointing! Anyway managed to get home that night in 5.5 hours but the longest journey I heard of was thirteen hours by Stoke supporters trying to get back to Southend. They got stuck on the M25 for several hours apparently. The game really should have been postponed! Three EPL defeats on the trot and next up was Fulham away. Huth was now serving a 3 match ban, his appeal failing, so Upson got his chance. This was a game I do not think we should have lost. A debut for their Russian who effectively scored both goals which both had the element of luck. The first was put down to an own goal by Sorenson when the ball rebounded off the crossbar or post and hit him on the back and second goal fell kindly to him by way of deflection, and the Russian smacked the ball past Soro! Shawcross got one back and Stoke took over, trying hard to get a point. Again an another disappointing end to the game and now 4 defeats on the trot and Valencia next! At least the Europa league gave us some respite from the EPL. So on what I recall as a barmy night in the Potteries, Valencia arrived with no more than 50 supporters. I was told that the players, management team and all supporters travelled on the same plane! That was in my view appalling. However, Valencia showed their class and shortly before half time Delap having worked hard to avert potential danger, blindly hoofed the ball forward only to give the ball straight back to Valencia and there followed a terrific strike from fully 25 yards which left the ground dumbstruck. Stoke created some pressure and Crouchie had a terrific volley which he hit so well but unfortunately it went straight at the keeper. I also recall that Crouchie stretched the keeper with a header. It was back to the FA Cup and a visit to Crawley on a bright Sunday afternoon. Another interesting manager who did the team talk for TP by stating that Stoke were full of ‘championship standard players.’ The snow had come and gone in most parts of the country but I was amazed to see the snow shovelled back beyond the sidelines. With 18 minutes gone we had our second sending off in 8 days. Rory was too slow going for a ball which he should have winning it 70-30. It ended up 50-50 and Rory slid in. Crawley guy went down like a sack of potatoes and cue the manager to come running on the pitch demanding a red card. The 4th official used his mic to tell the ref to send Rory off. This seemed strange given the ref had originally signalled a throw in! Anyway back to the game and Stoke won a very dubious penalty when Ryan managed to go down as if brought down! I thought it was extraordinary we got a penalty. The referee obviously thought he ought to even things up a bit! Walters converted the penalty in front of the Stoke contingent. In the second half Crouchie made it two nil and thereafter Stoke sat back and allowed Crawley the territory. An elbow off the line by Collins denied Crawley a consolation goal in injury time. So into the 5th round hat! Back to the Europa League. So 7 of of us set off along with some 4000 others and a very sunny Spain for the Valencia return. Here I would like to thank Passtheoatcakes for letting me have his match ticket in the Stoke end. The few days were a memorable experience. I will not bore you but we flew out of Gatwick on the Wednesday evening to Alicante, stayed there overnight before driving up to Valencia on the Thursday morning. We booked into a B&B in Valencia, had lunch and then explored the old town to some extent. We found cathedral square which was full of bars, cafes and a huge number of Stoke supporters, who were singing and generally enjoying themselves. It was during the afternoon that we heard that TP had more or less left his team at home. There was a feeling that we, the supporters had been short changed. Not that it made any difference to the support. The supporters will support any of those playing pulling on the red and white strip of Stoke City! Outside the ground there was a huge group of Stoke supporters singing and when the Stoke coach arrived, I think that the team selected, knew they would be getting some tremendous support. Now to the game and Stoke really should have been in front by half time. Kenwyne Jones missed one header when he should have done better. He had another which was well saved, and a rasping shot well saved. And in another attack just as Arismendi was going through on goal, he was brought down. We all thought penalty or at least free kick just outside of the box. No said the ref! The rest is history, Valencia go up the other end and promptly score! 1-0 and 2-0 on aggregate. To a great extent that goal did knock the stuffing out of Stoke and to be honest for the greater part of the second half Stoke were hanging on. I was pleased it only finished 1-0. Delap did well at Right back, Palacios, Arismendi worked tirelessly in midfield. I thought that although Jones did not score, he did well. Fuller did not have either the confidence or speed to test the full back. So the end of a great European tour. It was superb to see so much support in the ground and how we cheered them on! May we enjoy another in my life time! The seven of us stayed in Valencia the Thursday night and left in the morning to stop by in Benidorm for 6 hours to enjoy the sights and some R&R on the beach! Anyway we all got back to Gatwick and the five who came from Stoke, Crewe and the Lake District got home safe! Some picture links if anybody is interested : http://comunidad.superdeporte.es/ga...a/aficion-Stoke-invade-Valencia/38921/49.html. Back to the football. It was crucial that we took some points from the two home games against Swansea on Sunday 25th February and Norwich 3rd March. Swansea in the first half had the vast majority of possession but in the final third produced nothing. However, in the first half Upson cooly scored from a corner and obviously at half time TP had a word with his troops to pressurise the ball and not give Swansea time to pass the ball around. In the second half Stoke did not allow the likes of Williams at the back to pass at will. For Stoke the second half was much better and Crouchie scored the second. Only when it was 2-0 did Rodgers change anything and encourage his team to go forward with purpose. It was really too little too late by Swansea. So TP was justified in keeping a good number of first teamers at home! It was a vital win for Stoke and hopefully would give confidence.
March 2012 So if you thought February was long winded, I think March will be longer! Another home game against Norwich and it was again essential that we got something from the game. Norwich were just coming off the back off a great effort against Man Utd at home when they were only beaten by a late goal by Giggs. I think even SAF said Utd were fortunate. So I think there was little chance of Norwich being underestimated. Stoke had the majority of possession and territory and whilst not creating many chances, were knocking on the door to open the scoring. We had to wait until the 72nd minute before Matty Ethrington had the chance to smash the ball home from an acute angle. It was fitting that this was the 40th anniversary weekend of winning the League Cup when the left foot of George Eastham scored the winner. So 6 points won from these two games. I think these two games were absolutely critical to Stoke staying up this season. There was real delight at this win and certainly give Stoke some breathing space with games against Chelsea (A), Spurs (A), and Man City coming up and an 5th Round FA cup tie at Anfield. 36 points and I was much happier and more confident that we would have another season in the EPL! So back to the capital and a visit to Stamford Bridge. What can I say. Ricardo was given another start but unfortunately a moment of utter stupidity by stamping on Ivanic resulted in the inevitable sending off. I also think it meant that Stoke would only be defending for the whole game and offered even less as a unit going forward. It took Chelsea some 70 minutes before breaking Stoke down and Drogba scoring the only goal. It is a credit to the 10 players that Stoke remained in the game. I thought that the way Chelsea were playing, this was a chance for us to get something. They had just lost AVB and were I thought, there for the taking. Sadly any chance went with RF being sent off. Would he play again for Stoke was the question? So Sunday 18th March, 6000 Stoke supporters went to Anfield and a special rate of £20. This was Stoke saying a) come and help us get a result at Anfield and b) acknowledging the fact that a lot of Stokies had spent a lot of money following the team this season. IMHO a very good PR exercise. I do not think that the scousers thought much of it. Liverpool opened the scoring when Suarez found some space outside the area and comfortably beat Sorenson to his left. This setback sparked the best period of play for Stoke. Crouchie scored with a header as he left marker standing. He made it look so easy. In the second half it looked as if TP had said, keep what we have and take them back to the Brit. That did not pay off as it invited Liverpool on, and within 15 minutes of the restart Downing put Liverpool back in front, and again I thought that it did not look likely we were going to recover the situation. Sadly that proved to be the case and with it brought the end to the various cup competitions for the season. So team were back home to the Potteries late on Sunday and next was a trip to Spurs on the following Wednesday night! So at Spurs we really did not expect anything. Spurs were pushing for Champions League qualification and although they had been distracted with all the talk of ‘Arry for England’ they were still a formidable team at White Hart Lane. Be that as it may, Stoke went out with Jerome getting another chance and believe it or not, scored again following a corner. Stoke fought and fought and it was only in the 93rd minute that a cross swung over from the left was converted by Van Der Wart. Very disappointing to be caught at the death but it was still a very important and valuable point. So 37 points and safety beckons. Three days later and on a Saturday, came the visit of Man City. Mancini and his men must have travelled down reasonably confident of getting their title hopes back on track. To date in the Premier League they had not come away with all 3 points in a game at the Brit. It was hoped that Stoke would maintain their run against the supposed top teams in the league. It was a tense first half and I believe that Stoke gave as good as they got. The tackles were flying in and Ballotelli was getting a bit ruffled. Deano clashed with De Silva who ended up with a bandage around a cut. Mancini reacted furiously demanding a card of some sorts but it was quite clear that it was a complete accidental collision and that was the view of the referee as well. The worst tackle of the game was committed by Gareth Barry on Glen Whelan in the penalty area. Whelan stayed down in the area and needed medical attention for some running repairs. The ref and linesman did not see the challenge as a penalty but on TV later you saw the extent of Barry’s studs on Whelan’s ankle! There are Stoke players such Deano, Wilko, and Whelan to mention just three, if the recipient of a bad tackle and are not genuinely hurt, they just get up and get on with it! Please note Mr Whinger and Mr Mancini! Edenko should have scored when he had a free header at the back post, but somehow it remained 0-0 at half time. In the second half in the 61st minute we had the ‘goal of the season’ for me and probably 27587 ( I made that number up!) others who were fortunate enough to be inside the ground! Begovic punts forward, Crouchie head onto Pennant who, in turn heads back to Crouchie who, with his back to goal, with a great first touch swivels and hits the ball on the volley from around 25 yards and the ball went flying passed Harte and into the top left hand corner of the goal. This volley for me was so similar to the Jimmy Greenhoff volley against Birmingham back in 1972/3 season? The crowd sensed they had witnessed a goal that would not be equalled in their life time. It was so special. I am sure everybody in the ground knew they would remember that goal forever. I am sure I will. The noise in the stadium immediately after the goal was quite amazing. I have never heard it so loud. The Poznan piss take was terrific. The Man City supporters also clapped the Deliah which was sung out with such fervour. QUITE QUITE MEMORABLE. Toure equalised from outside the box and the shot was heading straight for Begovic but had a wicked deflection off Ryan Shawcross saw it fly into the net. The equaliser seemed irrevelant to make it 1-1, Stoke to be clawed back and not winning. We were still living that Crouch goal! I got text messages on the way out of the ground and I had to phone home to my better half to say what I had seen. My wife was on the phone so just having to share what I had seen I called my brother in the Caribbean to tell him about the goal. God I am sure you can read how I felt! Oh what joy! To conclude March we were away at Wigan. Now following the performance against Man City it encouraged more travelling support to Wigan. What a let down that was. I got reports that we were absolutely dire, would never have scored in a month of Sundays. Again TP trotted out the excuse of lots of games and we had just played, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Man City. Please use your squad and motivate them Tony. It is sad to finish March in such a poor way for me there was such a highlight only the week before. So that is February & March chaps. Seven games to go and I hope by midweek to have posted that as well. Cheers for now and hope it is not too long winded I tried to post Feb & March but could not because of size.
Cris This is getting better with each and every episode. Thanks a million, it takes a lot of time and TALENT to put things across in the way that you have. I personally could actually FEEL the atmosphere as you wrote each word. STILL not forgotten " That Special goal of course" we we're SO LUCKY, those of us who we're there to see it. Of course I didn't travel to Spain for the away fixtures, thanks for making it feel like we we're all there with you Cris. Brillinat read yet again
April. The first Saturday of April brought Wolves, who were on the brink of relegation to the Brit. Roger Johnson after his bust up with Hennessey the previous week, was dropped. Also a surprise for me was that Doyle was on the bench. A disappointment was the fact that Wolves returned a good number of tickets suggesting that their supporters had also given up on the season. Be that as it may Wolves started very brightly with Jarvis and Knightly causing problems for Stoke defence. There was also the chant from Wolves enquiring if they were in a library as the home support was so quiet! Wolves opened the scoring when Knightly managed to swing over a shot cum cross and the onrushing Wolves forward deceived Begovic and the ball went straight in. It seemed to me that the defeat the previous week had affected confidence and the lack of atmosphere in the ground also was playing a part. However, Stoke got much more into the game and threatened through Walters who sadly did not trouble Hennessey. Before half time Huth equalised following a free kick somewhat scrappy if I remember. In the second half Stoke had the majority of possession and looked likely to be the next scorers and they did so yet again through Crouch. Pennant, who else, swung a cross over and Crouch rose more or less unchallenged and plant the ball past Hennessey. So 2-1 and again I think I could sense relief that we had passed that goal of 40 points. Wolves pushed for an equaliser but for me some of their heads dropped. Jarvis I did think played well and I would like to see him at Stoke. So with the first target reached we could relax and try and play some exciting football? So next up was the short trip to Villa who were definitely not safe as yet. So we saw Kenwyne Jones playing as well as Wilson Palacios. What I did not follow was why was Walters still playing? Give Jerome more opportunity please and perhaps Upson could have played. Any way as we all know TP does it his way! Anyway Villa took the lead and Huth scored from a header from which he got good leverage from the defender. I have to say that was a foul for me. Things even themselves up over a season! I still wonder why Mama’s goal was disallowed at this ground some 2 years ago? So another point gained but it could have been more, as I felt that, Villa were really lacking any sort of confidence. So the penultimate away game took us Newcastle who were really vying for a Champions league spot and the highest finish for years. Again Jerome was on the bench and Walters was still being played! There was only one team in this game after Ben Arfa turned Wilson (who was at right back for some unknown reason) inside out and crossed for Cisse to head the Newcastle opener. Thereafter Wilko was subbed and Shotton went to right back and Wilson back to his adopted position of left back. For me as much as I could glean, it did not appear that we did not compete yet again and I think that the majority of those who go to every away game must have been pulling their hair out with some of the performances. Next was Arsenal at home. I thought it was good that they were coming here with Champions League qualification on their minds as they should be up for the game. Well Mr Whinger did not disappoint today. Within the first 5 minutes Whinger was off the bench after a Deano foul on Song. The Arsenal players led by Van Persie complained bitterly to the referee. They managed to get Deano a yellow card which was a concern so early in the game for a player like Deano. Once given a card, Song decided job done and got up magically and get on with the game. My view, Songmust have been tutored by Whinger. ‘ Van Persie’s having a strop’ cried the crowd and Whinger got some treatment as well. Some acceptable, some not! With the game in mind Van Persie had a chance when he headed sharply down after some good work out on the left. The header was very well saved by Begovic. Stoke took the lead as early as the 15th minute, when Matty Ethrington was found in space on the left and he found Crouchie to head convincing past the Polish Arsenal keeper. This was the fourteenth goal of the season. I believe he only managed 9 goals for Spurs in mor than 70 appearances. So what he has achieved at Stoke is for me amazing really. Within 5 minutes Arsenal equalised. Shotton was struggling at right back with Rosciky and Gervinho leaving him clueless. The former swung over a cross from the left and found Van Persie in space to slot past Begovic. Thereafter Arsenal really bossed the half and I for one, was pleased to hear the half time whistle and the score still 1-1. In the second half Stoke pushed on and both teams were looking for the winner. Tempers were getting frayed and Whinger got particularly agitated at one particular decision, I think it was when Whelan touched Rosicky in the area and he swan dived. The response was a wonderful ‘ Let’s all do the Wenger’ from most parts of the ground. I thought the camera of the woman right behind Whinger which possibly set the crowd off. I will try to post a couple of links and it was really funny to hear Lineker on MOTD having a go at Whinger. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxDn_67OaWA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W36thFaOxVg&feature=related What also I want to comment on was Lawrenson mentioning the fact that Ramsey was booed as he left the field. For me, it was all sparked off by the Arsenal supporters who sang about Ryan Shawcross in the second half. There action really got the Stoke crowd to up the noise level. Also, before the game started the Arsenal contingent were abusing Shawcross. No mention of this and whilst I do not think we should lower ourselves to the same level of those Arsenal supporters we ought to support our players. Those morons will continue to berate Ryan. I think we should just support Ryan and the team and tell Whinger where to go if he gets out of his pram. Only my view and hope some of you agree. Anyway back to the game and the fact that both teams pressed and Van Persie had another header from which Begovic made another good save. As the game went into injury time Stoke had the best chances. Not sure how Walters managed to not even make the Polish keeper make a save ( note I can’t spell his name and as he plays for Arsenal I don’t care). Also Crouchie had a chance to win it when he also went very close. So all in all, I thought a fair result. Back shortly with the final games of May
May Just three games left to conclude an eventful season. The rearranged game was against high flying Everton, who had found some great form after the disappointing semi-final loss against Liverpool. They had scored 4 against Man Utd, Fulham and another in their 3 previous games so this was not going to be easy. Shotton was spared another roasting at right back and Wilko came in whilst Pennant had other things on his mind. Everton were knocking the ball about impressively and Stoke seemed to be playing as if the season was over. Only Ethrington seemed up for the game and he was getting all over the pitch. The only real threat in the first half was from the Delap throw and we did not offer too much danger. In the second half Stoke introduced Jerome and they certainly pushed on and the game was much more lively. For the first time I can remember TP actually put all three substitutes at the same time and there was an immediate impact. Within minutes of Jerome coming on, he scored a terrific solo goal which developed from the halfway line. Jerome got in between the two centre backs, got the run of the ball and shot past Howard. 1-1 and no more than Stoke deserved on their second half display. So another point won, but the chances of getting to 48 points and finishing in the top half had realistically vanished. QPR next who were desperate for a win to give them a chance of avoiding relegation. Stoke started the game with Kenwyne Jones, Cameron Jerome, and Ricardo Fuller and early in the game Jerome had a one on one situation with the keeper but lofted over the bar. Fuller also had chances to open the scoring but in the end, there was a sucker punch in injury time with Cisse scoring from close range at the back post. QPR thought they had done enough to stay up. All they wanted was for Stoke not to lose to Bolton. So came the last game of the season with the Premiership title and the final relegation place to be decided between Bolton and QPR. TP wanted Ricardo Fuller to play and sign off graciously, as it does not seem he will be offered a further contract. Owen Coyle obviously urged his players to go for it but Stoke generally controlled matters and opened the scoring with a dubious decision when Walters was put in the clear. It seemed as if he had not controlled the ball as it bobbed up, Bogdan caught the ball and was promptly bumped by Walters as he turned round and headed the ball out of his hands! Amazing, but that is the way I saw it! That was the moment to infuriate Owen Coyle and stir his team. Bolton moved forward with growing confidence and first Mark Davis was credited a goal when Huth hit the ball hard at him and it deflected straight into the goal, giving Sorenson no chance This was the spur that Bolton needed and then Kevin Davies equalised with a bizarre goal. Far out on the right Davies swung in a cross to the near post that simply beat Sorenson, who was being given some practice prior to the Euros. News was coming through that Man City were winning so if the scores stood as they were Bolton would stay up and QPR would go down. However, all change in the second half as Stoke equalised and news came through that Joey Barton had been sent off! Crouch won the penalty that Walters converted. 2-2 and the Bolton heads went down. News was coming through that QPR first equalised and then went in front. In the end unbelievably Man City came back to win 3-2 with two goals in injury time and quite honestly if Bolton had kept going they might have had the chance of getting a third goal. It would also have given Stoke a chance of catching Bolton on the break. And so the season came to a close and Stoke finished 14th with 45 points. A very eventful season which had many highlights and some very, very, average performances were witnessed. Some of the tactics and decisions made by TP were hard to fathom. TP for me, remains stubborn. He still seems quite clearly to have his favourites to the exclusion of others. I just think how often Walters played and Jerome stayed on the bench. TP continues to think he can play Centre Backs as full backs. During the season Huth and Woodgate have played as full backs and in my view Huth does a reasonable as right back is lost at left back! Woodgate goes on Football Focus and mentions his dislike of playing at full back. I don’t think he played after that. We do not really know all of what Pennant got up to and why so often our most creative player was on the subs bench was, anybody’s guess. Salif Diao appeared and played far too often. What he brought to the team this seasom I do not know. That is enough moaning but I want to see the team move forward. Not sure how that pans out so far given that Woodgate gets another year, Sidibe gets another year. Give me strength. That is all from me and hope that you have enjoyed my recollections of the season. Most has been written without reference but, I have to admit I do not go to the majority of away games simply because of the way that Stoke set themselves up most of the time. Thanks for reading and cheers PS Thanks Potts and Jowler for your latest comments. Jowler are you a season ticket holder and park in Trent Vale car park in a 4by4?
Cris What can I say! Just a fantastic read from first to last kick of an eventful season, in more ways than one! I'm like you Cris, NOT at all sure what/if/anyone half decent will sign for Stoke this Summer but as you said. Some things need to change. Either way, on behalf of all the Stokie's here on 606 thanks a million for the time and effort taken to write that review. Slightly OFF TOPIC, sorry Cris but.... I have kept in touch with Nickyb by e-mail just today actually. I KNOW Nicky may not contribute any longer, that for me at least will be a loss to this board. But, Nicky did mention you personallly in his last mail today quote.. " I really admire you guys for buying season tickets and supporting the lads, especially fans like CRIS who must travel around 400 miles round trip to watch the team. WELL SAID Nicky I 2nd that. I'm only a few miles away so it's as Nicky say's easy for me innit! I'm sure that Nick will have a looksee at your season in words Cris. I hope like me all the other Stokie's enjoy and appreciate it as much as I do. Have a great Summer Cris.. Pott's
Thanks Potts & Jowler again. Hope that Old Nick is Ok. I am off to France for 3 weeks from Friday but will keep in touch with what Stoke are upto and how the fixtures pan out on 18th June. Note that the volume looking at the thread doubled over the past week so guessed others found my blog of interest so it all makes it worthwhile. Cheers
absolutely brilliant mate, some things I do forget with so much happening throughtout the season and these posts bought it all back for me. Thanks for all of the effort mate!!!.
