There has been a lot of bickering and disagreement over who TP should or should not sign and in what position! Let us put that to one side and unite in a sensible and constructive discussion over who Carlton Cole will be used with in the Stoke City XI come the beginning of the new season. I am keen to understand (from all parties) how you think he will fit in our formation (new or old) and who will partner him upfront? Does he start and if so at the expense of who and how does TP intend to maximise his potential?
The signing of Carlton Cole for me just spells out that TP is sending us into another season of long throw ins feed the 2 wingers to bombard the opponents box with aerial threats and no stylish football play once more. As I said on another thread TP is like a robot and only knows one way to play. If he's big, black and available sign him up!
I would start the season with KJ and Walters up front as they did so well at the back end of last season. At the moment we've only got two fit strikers (assuming Cole hasn't joined yet) so we really need numbers in that area. Cole's good at what he does, but he's not especially different from what we've got; just another battering ram who, with a bit of luck, could make double figures in terms of goals scored. I imagine all 3 of Walters, KJ and Cole would be rotated in fairly equal measure, with hopefully Fuller coming back and A.N. Other striker (preferably with pace) joining before the end of the window
Not sure whom I would play Cole with to be honest. He runs the channels better than maybe Jones does, maybe we us Cole just behind the front two. Face it lads, we ain't got that good a midfield and with Pennant and Ringtone running the wings, staying fit fingers crossed. I honestly think Cole could be a good signing. I want that guy from Burnley Eagles? He can play anywhere out wide mid or as a nippy forward?
I agree that regardless of how all fans (positive & negative) view the paring of KJ & JW, they finished last season pretty storng and probably deserve to start the next. However, I am not sure that Cole would be happy being rotated given that he has played most games for West Ham? So does JW lose out or does he rotate with KJ? I'm not sure that KJ would be to impressed either, so does that lead to the potential unhappenies of the tempremental KJ? That would be my concern, we may gain in one player, but may potentially suffer with the performance of another!
Pulis thought T'will come to naught Thinking's not Tone's strongest suit Who will pair who, don't give a hoot If the chump does buy Cole Either KJ or JW wiil face the dole One will go fishing, probably for tench The other will just be warming the bench
Nick, I'm serious bud! I am generally concerned or confused has to how we are going to accommodate both KJ and CC in the starting line up without pissin 1 or the other off! And, whilst I dont rate Walters as an out and out prem striker, I do think it would be unfair if he lost out becasue of the temperments of eith KJ or CC! Does anyone think TP will change the formation to accommodate all 3, or do we expect walters to get sh1t on from a great hight? Serious guys, can anyone point me in the right direction on this one?
Smithers, sorry Pal, I was being serious, I said yesterday that all my future posts will be in rhyming couplets, anyway in my opinion it will not work, Cole, KJ, and to an extent Mama or all the same, Walters offers running power and outside of the box shooting power, he does not deserve to be rotated too frequently. Now if and it is a big if we went after someone completely different - small and pacey, sau Defoe or Sturridge that's a winner
Smithers, sorry Pal, I was being serious, I said yesterday that all my future posts will be in rhyming couplets, anyway in my opinion it will not work, Cole, KJ, and to an extent Mama or all the same, Walters offers running power and outside of the box shooting power, he does not deserve to be rotated too frequently. Now if and it is a big if we went after someone completely different - small and pacey, sau Defoe or Sturridge that's a winner
Those are my thoughts, but I was wondering whether some of the fans who are pro the siging of Cole think the system and team will work moving forward?
Walters should be a cert to start with a Rotation of KJ and CC.However Jon could drop into Midfield or Wide if we pick up any Injuries.With the amount of games to be played there will have to be Rotation providing we can stay in all competitions.If its just the Prem then KJ and Walters will start as first choice purely because of how well we finished last season.
Do you think CC will be happy to start on the bench most games? Do you think KJ will be happy to be subbed or rotated? Do you think dropping JW back into midfield or behind the front 2 will work? I think walters would be more affective running from deeper onto the defense, but I cant see how he can be accommodated in our midfiled with 2 out and out wingers?
Good points about erm SMALL and NIPPY said it ages ago. A Stein type player? Re Defoe why not Tony? which is why I'm generally hacked off right now because, IF we sign C.C. Tony won't go for another forward or will he! Eagles not good enough? Maybe not but he's better than a few Stoke player's I could name and he's quick too! As for Walters I would be gutted if he were too lose out too C.C. Ran his heart out, did really well and I think the **** could hit the fan if Cole does sign. Reported Six Million, Cole won't be happy as back up or rotation. In short, it doesn't seem that we're signing anyone re midfield, "so to be quite honest I really don't give a ****" That'a a quote from Morgan Freeman, * Shawshank Redemtion" Just too point out that at the end of the film, the guy in charge shot himself! Could be another Kitson situation, Beattie honestly not fussed about Carlton Cole.
Smither's Erm, No No and No I can't either, Walter's was fantastic last season, like I said. I Cole signs I think **** = Fan
Longshanks You live in Arsenal N5 but your'e a Spurs fan I heard Arsene was good in bed with another woman and Arry is good with money that doesn't belong too him. WUM away son
What would be wrong with a line-up like this:- Begovic Wilkinson Huth Shawcross Higgy ( when fit) Pennant Whelan Walters Etherington Jones Cole I believe Cole puts himself around a bit and could be a good foil for Jones. This team is assuming he doesn`t buy a full back or two!! Agreed (like everybody) we definately need more strength midfield. Just to counter `old nicky`s`continual `bombardment` of Tony Pulis,yes he`s spent a few quid on some crap players but he`s also made some excellent buys ; Begovic,Huth,Shawcross,Pennant,Walters and Etherington, and what`s more he hasn`t broke the bank to get them. He`s obviously a great motivator and gets the best out of what have been mainly mediocre players at their previous clubs.If 5 or 6 years ago ,`oldnicky`,wouldn`t you have accepted with both hands what we have achieved under Tony Pulis`s management? If not then I think you are in a minority of Stoke fans.
Joe 3 Hi it's me I'm old enough to have my say About the way Stoke City play Like in away games we park the bus No wonder folk kick up a fuss I don't and never have liked Tony Tho quite partial to some macoroni Yes I have appreciated the last 3 years Celebrating with mucho wine and beers But dear chap we must be moving on Or the deeds of yesteryear WILL be gone So of you out there who have more clout Tell Mr P to get his finger out If we had a supporters poll I for one would vote for Jol Now I'm getting fed up with I'm going outside for a nice cup of tea
Nicky ,If as you say,you have appreciated the past 3yrs why are you complaining all the time,you surely can`t be complaining about the future--it hasn`t happened yet!!!
Er Joe the reply is kind hard Can spin excuses by the yard But it's his negativity that I can't stand Dreadful hoofball ain't too grand All his talk of pushing on Just doesn't wash with me old son I honestly believe he hasn't a clue Completely naff through and through Always has been and always will be Please swap your cap for a nice smart trilby The we will ALL be by your side To the death like Bonnie and Clyde (C'mon that last couplet is pure class If you don't like it then kiss my xxxx)
