Interesting article in the Sun at the weekend regarding the most running done by a team in the prem this season. The top five were listed of which Norwich were top, but what suprised me the most that Stoke were no where to be seen? Without turning this into rant about TP, I was really suprised that since our gaffer prides himself in the work ethic of the team (smashin lads that work ard) and we are the lowest in the prem for possession and completed passess, that we would not figure near the top of this list? I also notice in the stats from the Wigan game that out furthest runner was Crouch (who is not exactly built for it) in the 6 mile region, yet Wigan's top 3 were all in the 8's?????????????????????? Anyone else suprised by this?
Smither's Not that surprised because HOW often do we see our player's let the opposition have the ball and we defend too deep? Hoof it more often than not so it comes straight back at our defence. if you think about it I saw another stat. We are the lowest attempts on goal, HALF of which we're not "on target" anyway So, this surly means we are spending much more time defending which doesn't surprise me. Given your'e stats above. It's easy to say "we work ard" when player's like Ryan, Wilko, Wilson, Huth etc just seem to HOOF it out of defence more often than not. Maybe it's because anyone can just stand there and kick it upfield? Which, if I heard correctly. Ryan, Wilson and Wilko were doing for most of the afternoon yesterday?. There is working ard with the ball (Swansea) and running around chasing shadows. IF they had a stat for the latter we(Stoke) would be right up there imo. So I suppose what T.P. has always told us about " Ard work" is one load of ballcocks. Sounds about right don't you think. We can't pass/keep the ball. Hardly EVER does a Stoke player shoot from distance (Crouch last week the exception) I've tried to remember the last time a Stoke player scored from outside the box Smither's.. I honestly can not remember a single one this season anyhow. Our midfield player's rarely run at defenders. Hence, giving the ball straight back to the opposition. I look at players at home anyway like Etherington.. most weeks he's usually very quiet first half hardly seems to cross the half way line only to improve massively in the 2nd half. It's as though he is told by T.P. to stay tight, don't venture too far forward or is it just me? It happens far too often for it to be a coincidence.. same to some extent with Pennant re his comment's on twitter.. I had to play as a wing back, I've never had to do that before and how can I cross when there is no one up front to cross too! We do more often than not do well to crowd out teams by defending in numbers but see above.. that's fine if like Swansea, Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal you actually pass your way out of trouble. In fact MOST teams play from the back but not Stoke. We don't because er, we can't and Pulis's idea of hard work must be defending for 85 of the 90mins every away game. SORRY for the long reply
Long range goals, Etherington and Walters last season, er Whelan against Villa in first season back and er that's it I think. Hang on, of COURSE - Jimmy Greenhoff against Birmingham in '74
Mark Stein v Man Utd F A Cup at the Old Vic a night game and I think? we won 2-0 the year.. i can't remember.. fizzed it past the keeper from long range. Nicky Are you sure mate re Whelan? I thought that was the season before last.. Ryan scored first then Whelan.. might be wrong though. My memory isn't the best these days.
Not sure either Potts, we drew 2-2 at Villa Park and his was the final equaliser (I think!!) Of COURSE Mark Stein - twice in the same match agin UTD
Right!! Henry James Almond versus Mr E W Mays XV - 17 October 1868. Potts tells me that is was a screamer from his own penalty area, don't believe him though!!!!
I know what your saying Potts, but what I can't understand is that if we dont have the ball (which is about 65% of the time) we surely have to run more to win it back? I know its primitive logic but it makes sence to me!
SIS Bill Asprey - as a full-back I don't think he scored too many goals but I seem to remember him scoring a blinder from out on the right attacking the Town End. It may have been against Derby in a 3-3 draw in the early 60s. Unfortunately, perhaps like a few other of our veteran supporters and posters, my memories of way back when are beginning to fade so I may be completely wrong!
Smither's I think I have kinda contradicted myself tbh.. Great post though certainly makes you see things in a different light. S I S Longest pass in football history was.. Leek to Cheadle first names I don't know. Both used to play for the Vale.. that's a FACT! I think one's first name was Albert the other Tommy I remember my dad once telling me because he kept the match Programmes from every game he ever went too. Will check the names on Wiked site just as Nicky did..
I remember Mickey Thomas scoring a screamer against Liverpool in the early 80s - might have been goal of the season. I was one of the ball boys that day, which makes me a few years younger than some of you more 'mature' posters. I must add that I use that term only in relation to your age...
Yes indeedy Potts, apparently Almond's was th FIRST recorded Stoke City goal, not been that many since eh!! Got the info from our. Official Site <wink>
Yes thats the goal PP I nominated it for goal of the day to the Daily Mirror and won £2 which was enough then to buy my parents sister and fiancee ( now Mrs SiS ) small presents Asprey and Allen were two good FB's as were Mountford and ( Chopper ) McCue when I became a Stokie in 1956 Happy days Dobing also scored some great goals with little backlift SiS
