Hi there, Stoke fan in Peace - there are some of us. CS I saw your thread on another board and thought that I would reply on your board directly. Firstly, love your pre-match soccer thread!! Secondly to you and all other Norwich fans: You have EARNED the right to be in the PL, nobody can take that away from you, Stoke WAS the most despised team in the league, probably still is, all Stoke fans are thugs, hoofball, rugby team, leg breakers etc etc. My track record on OUR board is anti Pulis, anti boring defensive tactics, of course I have been vilified, don't care as Danny Blanchflower once said, "it's not about the winning, it's about the glory" BUT, I have never wanted my team to be relegated or from choice play in what is the second Division, no real fan should EVER want that. The state of football in the UK is ALL about the have's and have nots, then again that's what the PL has always been about. At least Norwich have a respected manager and a pro media profile, attractive football etc. For a couple of seasons Stoke had neither, still anti Stoke feelings out there (see the Liverpool board). BUT - in the PL (as in life) you have to earn respect, nobody in the PL is going to give you ANYTHING, it's tough but to all of your Fans that "hate" the PL and yearn for the good old days in the Championship" you must be joking, Holt was THE champion diver, moire cloggers and kick and rush stuff in the lower divisions than you can shake a stick at. Enjoy yourselves guys and for the doubters - be careful what you wish for. All the best - oh and you will LOVE your visit to the Brit
