But like Nicky Ihave concerns about Sparkie It may have just been paper talk linking us with the QPR boys but have they gone elsewhere because they do not want to play for Hughes He is very steely faced and I can imagine him being as vindictive as Pulis He was a very good player but had a nasty streak that went beyond being competitive at times For me he lacks charisma and Iworry about an unhappy dressing room again if we struggle Plus like Pulis he appears to be prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window for signings whereas other managers target their buys and go after them It may be of course that he is being or has been told to be cautious after the QPR debacle Lets hope he provesme and Nicky wrong KTF and UTP SiS
S I S I think I am both excited and slightly concerned at the same time, if that makes any sense!! I watched the last friendly in the U.S. thanks to Ric's link. It looked to me like M.H. has other ideas for the season regarding, style of play, a different midfield formation etc? Both the new full backs looking to get forward with intent and both can play/pass it. I said end of season we could really do with a (Mark Stein type forward) so like you I hope the Sparky does some dealing before the Liverpool game. IMO he's been told the is a budget and unless the (right player/s) are available he won't panic buy! He said as much on S.S. News earlier today S.I.S. sound familiar? I suppose it's a Pulis type remark. That in itself got me wondering if or when Mark Hughes WILL get another forward in? That said S.I.S. If as suggested Palacios/N,Zonzi and Adam get their chance and game time on a consistent basis + 2 new fullbacks who can also play midfield things are not too bad and surly the football will, at least be more adventurous and exciting to watch!! I did here a rumour, yes only a rumour that the guy from America Jose forget his 2nd name is here trying to sort out a deal? And sources say quote. " He is saving money on a new car he was thinking of buying locally" That may be nothing S.I.S. but te Sentinel said. A member of the Stoke board had stayed behind in the U.S. trying to (tie up lose ends) re a contract, signing on fee and so on. Whatever happens mate.... KEEP the FAITH. I think Hughes is a far, far better coach/motivator than Pulis ever was or would have been. Let's give Hughes a chance eh? Not my personal choice but reports from the dressing room/player's Jerome and Co are looking far better than they were last May. Pott's
I think with the nervous anticipation that all football fans will have, I am both worried and optimistic. My gut feel is that there was never going to be great money to spend this window which is why Hughes was appointed (IMO), a manager who could do better with the expensive squad TP had cobbled together over his tenure. I said on appointment that I wouldn't be overally concerned if we made no major headline signings as long as we utilised the squad correctly - the use of Pennant, Palcious, Adam, Wilson...in their natural and more effective positions has to be like new signings in themselves? With the addition of FB's we have the core balance and strength to progress, although I have my doubts on the effectiveness and fitness of both Kightly and Ethrington. In relation to strikers, without moving on Crouch, Jones and even maybe Walters, there is very little room for optimism in this area and before criticising both Hughes and Stoke we are probably more restricted than we know because of the lack of interest or value in these players - thank you Tone! So in summary, whilst I would crave for The likes of Defoe, Ince, Sinclair etc... to sign yesterday, I am also tolerant in the thought that we maybe, just as welloff in working with what we have, assessing and adding in the next window.
Potts and Smithers Two very balanced and sound posts If I am honest I realise we have a very solid defence and potentially a very good midfield It will just be very frustrating if those two factors plus a more adventurous style are let down by our perennial failure to score Other than the odd really bad game which most seem to have at some stage Ican not see us being easy to beat but just wonder if we can win enough not to struggle Still anything has to be better than another season with Pulis and I hope you all enjoy it because you relly deserve it for your fantastic support SiS PS Any rumours about what Pulis is doing and if he got a civil service/bankers type bonus despite his failings
I think everyone is still slightly nervous, the friendlies have looked promising, but that's not really much to go by. As has been mentioned we've got a good defence, and a potentially good midfield. If they play up to that potential, we should easily be creating more chances for Walters and co, (I still think Walters is a useful player, but probably not a starter) but we do need another forward. Last I heard (at least 2 weeks ago) we weren't willing to pay £8m for M.B. Diouf, from what I've seen of him, he's well worth that, and given we've now got 2 promising looking LBs and a RM for 3 million, I don't see why we can pay 8 for a striker.
S.I.S. Re Pulis... he is I believe the pundit/Co commentator for the Liverpool game!! Let's just hope he is no where near our dressing room.
Pulis the pundit...jeezuz. He will have an on screen heart attack if any of our FB's cross the halfway line.
I think Jones, Crouch, Jerome (if he doesn't get a ban) and Walters are more than capable of scoring plenty of goals if they are given decent service from midfield. Perhaps not 25 goals a season, but I reckon if they're rotated, each could get between 8 and 12, which hopefully with goals from midfield and set pieces should be enough to see us safe, especially if our defence stays solid. I'm optimistic at least! Can't wait till Liverpool.
Peadar I think we ALL said last season, the problem was "We didn't create enough chances, MHs new system/ideas approach might just change that. I don't think Jerome will get a ban. It's not that serious offence from what I've read in the Sentinel. Just stupid when they all know the rules. The FA will just fine him I HOPE.
Nick at least I won't hear Clueiss unless he's in the stand with a microphone. In which case I would gladly T**T him.
im not nervous at all to be honest, I know getting rid of pulis was the right decision and the things that hughes has done so far have been brilliant, crouch still has 15 goals a season in him, jerome and walters can score too but i also believe that a lot more goals will come from midfield, our defence is brilliant as is our keeper. Our friendlies have gone really well and we have played some brilliant football and scored some brilliant goals. with pennant and shae supplying our forwards im feeling really optomistic, so for me there is no need to worry or be nervous, if we bring more players in then brilliant, if not i think we will be fine anyway. up the potters
Like Ricc, I think we will get more goals from midfield this term and that the forwards will get more and better service and support. I think we will be all right and though a new manager and playing style is new to us it will also be new to everyone we play against and we may nick a few results because of that.
