We are approaching that time of year where we start to view and discuss our season, highlighting the positives and negatives, and making constructive suggestions about our future wish list. I think it’s fair to say that Hughes was top of nobody’s wish list, and he came with a chequered past of success and failure. Could he take us to the next level, and as a club were we capable of doing so both on and off the pitch? To say Tony Pulis divided opinion would be an understatement, but it would be wrong to suggest that even his most venomous of detractors could not acknowledge that he hadn’t achieved something special at the little Staffordshire club, built literately on the pits of the city. Many expected a magnanimous departure from his management roll and for him to transfer into a higher position within the club, fully supported by the Stoke faithful and the father figure of Peter Coates. However, the fairy tale did not end in the manner expected and as we “parted company” for “footballing reasons”, the rumours swirled at board dissatisfaction on the return on investment and Tony Pulis’s unrepentant expectation that he should retain full control of all football matters as opposed to the new type roll of working with a Director of football. His parting shot was to reiterate his record with insinuation that he had achieved what “this club” could not have done without him. Tony Pulis had overseen an era of transformation and he exited stage left having spent 90 million ((NET) http://www.transferleague.co.uk/premiership-transfers/stoke-city-transfers.html). It was later revealed in the accounts that the wage bill had ballooned to over 60 million and the club had made a loss of over 30 million – frightening considering this was at the reigns of the frugal one who viewed Stoke City as the Battersea Dogs Home. So the start of the new era commenced and Hughes entered stage right. The fans were unhappy (both up and down the country) and the press expressed concern on whether he could follow in the footsteps of the messiah? He has been questioned on his ability to manage money, players and tactics and he has even been questioned as to whether he has enough (or any) passion for the job – having been continually compared to the boisterous and vocal Pulis – although some would say it doesn’t look so appropriate in a three piece suit and without as baseball cap! There is only one manager who could pull that off, and The Special One, Hughes is not! Hughes slowly set about his task, rotating his squad and playing players who even the most avid of Stoke City supporters forgot existed. He had to deal with financial constraints imposed and spent less than 5 million whilst reducing the squad by a net 7 players – substantial in percentage terms. Whilst all of this may be opinion and conjecture we will all be drawn to the black and white facts of results regardless of how pleasing we may be on the eye – this after all is a matter of opinion. Interestingly we passed our own little bench mark of completed passes (8764) with 7 games still remaining and possession stats are higher than they have ever been. One could argue that Mark Hughes is in “danger of falling foul of the Trade Description act” – an interesting press comment – but one that reflects how far we have come. League Position: Average 12.6: Best 11[SUP]th[/SUP] (2009-2010) League Wins: Average 11.2: Best 13 (2010 -2011) League Losses: Average 15.4: Best 13 (2009-2010) Goals For: Average 37.6: Best 46 (2010-2011) Goal Difference: Average (-) 12.2: Best (-) 2 (2010-2011) Home Points: Average 30.6: Best 35 (2008-2009) Away Points: Average 14.4: Best 20 (2009-2010) Total Points: Average 45: Best 47 (2009-2010) It interesting to note that there isn’t a single “Best” stat from the last two seasons Tony Pulis was in charge and this adds weight to how the returning prodigal son eventually ran out of supporters within the club – even if the media were still banging his drum – without any shred of evidence to support their reasons. It is without doubt that this transition was always going to be difficult, whoever took over. However one thing is for sure, we will not be relegated as many pundits and fans said we would and this was always the bench mark Tony Pulis set himself for the season. One could argue that given Hughes’s spend he has proportionality achieved more than the man who is likely to go down in history as one of Stoke’s greatest managers. I would like to think there is more to come this season and whilst we have already passed a lot of the “worst stats” per season that were set under Tony Pulis, I have a feeling that we could be challenging some of the best. Now that is a “return on investment”.
I'm very happy with how our season is going, and if we fail to pick up another point there are many positives to draw on. Wins over United, Chelsea and the "usual win" over Arsenal add weight to our ability and intent to compete at the top, coupled with our willingness to pass, retain possession and get forward. For all the positives there are a multitude of can do betters. Liverpool was another fantastic game but it highlighted some of our frailties. We are heavily reliant on Begovic, Huth and Shawx, and we look awfully exposed when we are either missing one of them or they under perform. We need to add depth in this area or develop what we have and quickly. We must retain competition in midfield and the combination of Ireland (who is expected to sign), Adam, Nzonzi, Whelan, Palcious and Wilson is a solid base that again needs to be developed. I expect a couple to move on with the addition of a Hughes wanted midfielder, hopefully with pace. The width and pace is starting to come, but with the departure of Pennant and the impending departure of Ethrington, we need extra cover in this area. The willingness for players to get wide and forward has helped the midfield players to put their foot on the ball and retain possession. This has to be kept and built on, we are no longer lumping balls into the box – we are stretching and passing round the oppositions back 4. I would like to see a Lennon, Young, Johnson type player to maybe come in on loan. Hughes has been patient in this area and preferred to build from the middle and move forward. I think Crouch will stay but, with the departure of KJ, Walters still way below the level needed and Odemwingie both ageing and not contracted for next season (I think) we need to invest in this area. If we don’t see a marque signing in this area for the team to build around, the financial weaknesses of our club will be highlighted. I have gone for 8/10. I’m not sure really what more was expected from Hughes given what he has had to work with. The Pulis supporters always pointed to survival, and that is what we have ultimately achieved. I hope to finish strong and a top 10 would be phenomenal but by no means a necessity. The football is better, the fans are likely to return in the season ticket sales and the press have noticed the difference.
Smithers, I think this is an excellent piece and will give it due consideration before responding. I will of course get back.
Smithers...that is an excellent summary of our ' Prem Years'. Totally objective As all on here know, whilst never Pulis's greatest fan, understatement of the year #1, he kept us in the prem...albeit at a huge cost. But NOT in comparison to the huger income from Sky. Where HAS all that money gone?? Hughes was not my choice, understatement of the year n #2. His hands were tied as tightly as the club chequebook. I was and am wrong, I have eaten my humble pie and it.tasted ptretty good!!! The football with a few exceptions has been exciting and effective and lonv may it continue. Sorry to be so long winded
9 out of 10 for me we could have won more games but hindered by the players he had at his disposal he has done very well indeed. good appraisal Smithers took a while to wade through but excellent.
ive given 9 out of 10 but could easily have given 10, its virtually a miracle the transformation he has done with the players at his disposal and the time in which he has done it, he has also done some fantastic business in the transfer window. Nicky, well said mate he wasnt my first choice either but boy has he proved a point. onwards and upwards P.s Whats happened to potts?
Ricc...not sure about Potts, I know that he has been poorly recently. I have hus email address and for Mrs.Potts, so will think about sending a mail Reason for not doing so...just in case something IS not so good. Dunno mate...what do you think, everbody elses opinion would be welcome. PM welcome Cheers Nick
I know he was a bit miffed a while back thought he was just taking a break, must admit it's not the same without him.
Nick, As you have his email a short enquiry from yourself would seem the best course, at least you would know.
I've gone for 9. All I was hoping for from this season was survival, and we've done a lot better than that. I suppose supporters of any club could say this, but where would we be if it wasn't for that patch of bad luck and poor refereeing? The majority of our squad is the same as under Pulis, but now play far better football, and we've made good signings for virtually nowt. Don't know how much Hughes had to do with the signings, but either way he's really turned us around, and I thought we were goners when he came! I really am surprised and impressed with how he's done. A couple of times I've been annoyed when we've taken a Pulis style "defend the lead" tactic, but I think that May have been down to him still settling in and getting to know the players and their abilities better, as recently we've really been going for it!
I had doubts about Hughes' ability when he first came. But after the last few matches I have changed my opinion of him. Perhaps I am easily swayed : well I am after a few drinks. But it is as if he has entered the old crumbling boarded-up house , thrown open the doors and windows and let in the light and fresh air. He has been a revelation! I hope he reads this and finds a way to send me a free ticket. A score of 8/10 from me.
I'm really pleased with how things are turning out. Even in the early part of the season there were flashes of promise but no consistency. We seem more consistent now. That's reflected in how we as fans are - we're loud again aren't we? I did not doubt Hughes capabilities as a manager but hoped that he wouldn't think we were too small for him in the long term. Only time will tell I guess but it looks like it's going to be a good ride whatever. On a personal level, I still enjoy a more animated manager but when the football is as entertaining as it was on Sundee, you don't need your manager to be a clown!
I have gone for 7/10. Looking at it objectively I hope, early season football bored me nearly as much as under TP. We started to develop a passing game that was sideways and backwards with zero cutting edge. In some respects anyone can play the ball along the back line and then give it a way as soon as you get in a dangerous area, which typified much of our play until more recently. I was worried that we would lose our PL status at that point. The last half dozen games have slowly won me round-positive football, more of a cutting edge with better width. We are however weak in a number of areas moving forward not least up front-Crouchy and Odemwinge are both 32 plus and we may get another season or so. Assaidi is on loan so will he stay. Can see Bego going and his money may be needed to rebuild. If Butland is the key replacement, he is talented, but needs some more experience as still very young. Had some excellent games for clubs on loan but some stinkers. Midfield has improved with broadly similar players so well done to Hughes getting those performances out of Whelan, Adam etc. Arnie is improving game on game and I have always liked Ireland. We need more strength in depth in my view throughout the squad moving into next year. Hughes has done well considering the squad he inherited but you know what my key concern is; loyalty. His history suggests a bigger and better offer and he will go-a few more games like this or half a season of progression may see those offers come back in. He made a mistake walking out of Fulham when that offer came and then his status dived thereafter. I would like to see us finish 10th this season with close to 50 points and then see if we can push into the top 8 next year but we need stability and some funding to build depth of squad. So Mr Hughes we have given you a good opportunity so see it through for a decent period before making snap judgements to go elsewhere if offered.
i think i worried that his calm and apparent detached demeanor was not motivating the players. Turns out I was wrong.
