Obviously Stoke fans want our improvement to continue. But with progress in many walks of life there are hiccups , even without a handy bottle of something. The path of true growth is rarely a continuously smooth one. Who said that . . . her at 43 no less. What I am saying to Stokies is don't lose heart if we lose some of our stars and even a manager during close season , followed by disappointing new recruits , followed by a faltering start to the new season. We must face the reality that there are very attractive options out there which will be tempting to some of our better players. And bigger clubs than us will be looking for a manager. There has to be the possibility that we will lose the services of such personnel as Begovic - Assaidi - Nzonzi - Sparky. But as Potts would say "KTF" and us fans will be with them every step along the way.
Steady on KKB, that's a bit of a downer so soon after the season has finished As you say, 'who knows' - it's a funny old game innit. I said elsewhere today that I think that 9th is an excellent result for us, perhaps 8th or pushing it 7th is probably as high as we can sensibly hope to achieve, that with a couple of good cup runs will keep this old boy pretty happy!
What will be will be, but having witnessed such an upturn in enjoyment it is something I will be content with regardless of who we may lose to greater competition - after all that is the result of our sucess.
My biggest concern was that Mark Hughes would see Stoke as just a means to repair his reputation. I believe I was wrong though. He is speaking about being at Stoke in the longer term so I don't see him leaving; not uet anyway. Re the others; I agree we could lose some big names but I wouldn't blame them. Shawcross in particular could find his head turned by an offer from a team to which Hodgson can find his way (seriously, does he even know where we are?)
Hughes was talking about keeping the squad together after the game and I think he feels that he has to more with us before his reputation is restored.
I think he does too, don't see him leaving. I think it must be frustrating for Shawcross though knowing that playing where he does means he will probably not get a fair crack at playing internationally. I hope he stays, and Begovic.
Hi Zoz...long time no hear, hope all OK? Agree with Hughes needing to stay for the rest of his contract. IF he keeps us in the top 10, his reputation will not just be repaired, but enhanced. If we can keep Assiadi and Odemwingel I will be happy. Where will Huth fit in to our new look AND effective defence?
Arnie is the other one who I think could be turning the heads of bigger clubs. As he's got used to the premier league he has started to look imposing. There are a few top teams lacking that presence in the midfield. All good with me ta duck. Busy busy but I keep an eye on what occurs on here.
I hope the likes of Arnie, N'Zonzi, Bego, ShawX, are still with us next season. The way we have performed over the closing weeks of this season bodes well for next especially if we keep hold of them.
What will we do with Butland? We need to keep him, but he won't want to stay if we just loan him out all of the time
