I don't know to be honest, Pulis may try and get by on what we have until the summer using Upson but that would leave us very thin at the back for injuries or suspensions. Don't think he would go for a youngster but i wouldn't want Lescott.
I cannot vouch for the truth in the following , but , the reporter was insistent , in that Downing and Bent were being approached by Stoke. IMO neither would add a great deal to our potency. The rumours that frighten me are the outgoings of Begovic and Shaw x. How do you persuade stars like those two to stay with little us when the world beckons. I miss how it was in the 50's and 60's , when there was little money in football , and every club had a reasonable chance of success. Yes I know , Sir Stan left us for Blackpool , that was the bright lights , but it's a lot worse now.
How true this is.. And IF we let RYAN go anywhere other than to Utd it would be a travisty, I believe they have first option should they choose to buy if and I stress (If he's available) Seening that Utd look good for the Champions spot once again, why would they sign Ryan. As for Begovic going to Chelsea can't see it myself but like you say Kickabow, ANYTHING is possible in todays game. Back on topic.. does Micah Richards still have a future at Man City? Great player and I would take him in a shot. Just the kind of player/fullback we need. But as a swop for Ryan, no thanks.
Also I think that Yann M'Vila would be a great signing for us. Being a great CDM/defender. Anyone else agree?
Smither's To be honest there is not smoke without fire re Begovic, just hope it never happens myself. Also don't think Pulis will sign anyone in this Jan window, again I hope I'm wrong as IF he did get at least one full back in. I honestly believe we have a great chance of finishing top half minimum. That, for me would be " A big step forward" for Stoke City F.C.
I am not undermining the skills of Asmir, but our defensive line is also one of the main reasons we are in such good form
Begovic could have prevented the second and third goals by commanding his area, he could see what was happening and knew that the defense as make shift.
Not a rumour but I note that Crouch was an unused sub today with Jones and Jerome starting. Does anyone think he may depart soon to play for 'arry.
Lawro's views. [h=2]Stoke[/h] What they need in a nutshell: A new pair of full-backs and to keep their goalkeeper. Window shopping: Blackburn's left-back Martin Olsson would be the perfect fit, because he can play anywhere down that flank, and somebody similar on the right too. That apart, I think they are all right. Stoke boss Tony Pulis will probably be aware that a lot of bigger clubs are looking at goalkeeper Asmir Begovic but I cannot see them selling him in January unless they get a huge offer. Linked with: Luke Murphy 23, AM (Crewe Alexandra) Faouzi Ghoulam, 23 LB (St Etienne) Martin Olsson 24, LB (Blackburn)
We have to bring money in to do it. If we can wheel and deal and get a few out then hopefully we'll be able to bring a couple in and give us some fresh impetus.Tony Pulis admits Stoke may have to sell before recruiting in January by Chris Harvey 1/1/2013 6:35:33 PM 6:35 PM
So much for the cheque book staying closed as reported in the Evening Sentinel the other night - http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11701/8376086/ Tony Pulis says Stoke City may have to sell before they can bring new blood in during the January transfer window. Pulis admitted his side looked tired in the second half of the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City and hopes to lift the club with reinforcements in the coming weeks. "We have to bring money in to do it," the Stoke boss told Sky Sports. "If we can wheel and deal and get a few out then hopefully we'll be able to bring a couple in and give us some fresh impetus "We are in that position where one or two may have to leave first. Last year we didn't freshen and we fell away but we have to try and wheel and deal to generate some money." "What was the difference - it was about about £220million." Tony Pulis Quotes of the week Pulis was left looking enviously at the champions' riches during the defeat at the Etihad Stadium and knows the spending power of clubs like Manchester City has a huge impact. "What was the difference - it was about about £220million. If we haven't got our A-game on - and I thought we were a little bit away from that - and they are at their best then it's always going to be difficult. "But also you have to keep shaking the cage to get people to understand it. There is a massive difference in lots of respects from this club to ours and sometime it isn't going to go for us." One decision that went against the Potters was the penalty which led to the Blues' third with Steven N'Zonzi appearing to challenge David Silva outside the area. Sergio Aguero slotted home the resulting spot-kick. "We've been disappointed this year," said Pulis. "We have had quite few decisions go against us and it looks as if another one has as well. But what can you do. "That hasn't been the first one; it's happened a few times against this football club."
Sounds very much like we are going to sell players under the guise of for the good of the club, so we can freshen up etc. Crouch can go for me, he has scored some goals but hardly left a blazing trail. It may be that Pennant is going which i can live with as TP wasn't playing him prior to the loan. It's all speculation until any deal is done roll on February, at least we will know where we are and whether we have got a paddle!!
Familiar place we always find ourselves in with taleneted players under the wise stewardship of the Almighty one! We could always add the Ethrington is a shadow of the player he was prior to his injury against Man City in 2011, coupled with the out of position and out of sorts Adam. We can add that to the endless list of previous players from previous seasons!