For reference: 2008-2009 12th Place (45 Points) - 9 Points Clear. 2009-2010 11th Place (47 Points) - 17 Points Clear. 2010-2011 13th Place (46 Points) - 7 Points Clear. 2011-2012 14th Place (45 points) - 9 Points Clear. Certainly highligts to me that based on our spend for the first 2 season we were excellent, played to our strengths, played with tempo and a great atmosphere. I think the stats speak for themsleves for the last 2 seasons based on what we have spent and the way we have played, I think we will finish 12th (ish) this year on 43 points and probably 6 points clear. In black and white it is not getting any better and I think if you take into account all the stats (like GF, and GD etcc) coupled with what we have spent you can certainly argue that pound fro pound it is worse. The style and and quality of our play is open to debate based on every individuals perception.
Ignoring the number of points gained in the last 4 years and just looking at the finishing positions still leaves several possible forecasts for the current season based on a variety of statistical equations availble. I shall use the tried and tested method of tarrot cards dipped in wet tea leaves , which unequivocally tells me that we shall finish 14th like last season.
Who knows, but after 100 millions spent we havent moved forwad thast for sure, regardless of who we have bought. Nick, love the new email sig - I take it he knows he's play LB?
Sandor, That GAME OF THRONES is a bit flash for Stoke, unless it's got Armitage Shanks written inside of it!!!
3 from 12 and I am already 2 points down on my predictions - which is not great as I only went for 9 points out of the possible 24!
After todays (non) performance I am back on track to my original estimate of 4 points from the 8 games in consideration. But I now think that 4 points is being optomistic. It is beginning to look like no more points and a final total of 33 , even though most of our remaining games are against teams below us in the league. Which is a worry because it means all of our relegation rivals have a chance to take 3 points from us.
Pulis has got to sit up and take notice now, once we have Huth back things will improve, he's got to get the points to save his bacon.
I doubt Clulis has the ability to give the team what it needs to get more points other than from a 0-0. And if he deliberately plays for a 0-0 we will lose.
So the next game is away tp Newcastle! We have the joint 2nd worse away record after Reading and have scored the least amount of goals away in the whole league. Our only win this year was Reading at home (the team with the worst away record) and whilst I felt we did enough to justify the points it was hardly convincing! Huth will be out for another 2 games and pointless trip to Newcastle followed by anything other than a home win to the Baggies really will set the terraces moaning!
Smithers, Think there will be some moaning going on mate, if he's bringing away tactics to home games i can only see one outcome!!
5 down and 3 to go with net return of 3 points. My 7-10 point is no looking harder and harder. We always beat the baggies - I ****in hope so!
Going further with this theme to the end of the season , 9 matches remaining , I can't see us getting more than 4 points from these , more likely only 2. Not too pessimistic for you lads ( and lasses if there are any reading ) , am I ?
Sorry guys I did'nt vote on this poll originally so.. 9 games go to I was going to say " We always beat the Baggies" but after the last two games the Shammers and Newcastle I wonder? THIS is now a SIX pointer for Stoke City FC. Win it I think? that may be enough to stay up just about. Lose and it's gonna be sqeaky bum time for the fans. Quite honestly when I listened to Clueliss last night.. I honesty don't think he gives a **** and that (he thinks) we're well safe... erm LOOK at that TABLE Clueliss. P.S. How the hell did we sit in 8th place for so long? And we looked well set for a top half finish. I'll go for no more that 4pts from those nine games.
