I wasn't happy when Hughes was appointed, and I agree with Waddo on Hughes' touchline enthusiasm, or lack of. But so far, I'm pretty pleased with what he's done. As has been mentioned, most of the squad are the same as we had under Pulis, and Hughes has spent virtually nothing on the players he's brought in. Our finishing is poor, but we are creating far more chances than before, and I don't think either Crouch or Jones are suited to the setup were playing now, in the next few weeks I'll be looking forward to seeing Guidetti play and see how he fares. The defence is obviously a concern, but when we have Bego and Huth back, we should be far more solid at the back, but we do need CB cover, as Wilson doesn't look up to it. My other concerns are the other 2 W's, but I think dealing with them is a difficult situation. Both Whelan and Walters play an important role for us, which I don't see anyone else in the squad being able to do, I'd hoped to see Palacios in for Whelan more often, but Hughes doesn't seem to fancy him (maybe TP had a point after all?) and someone else (Arnie or Pennant?) on the right instead of Walters, but just look at what happened vs Liverpool and Everton, first half against L'Pool we were getting hammered down the left, because Arnie wasn't offering any support to Pieters when Sterling overlapped, and at Everton, as soon as Walters came off for Pennant, we got torn apart down that flank too, and the first time Pennant does any tracking back, he loses his head and gives away a penalty. I'm not going to be too harsh on him for the penalty, he shouldn't have jumped in Like that, but it was a moment of stupidity, it's frustrating but it happens, I was more annoyed at him not helping Cameron out. Yeah I get he's a winger not a defender, but when the opposition fullback overlaps, you've got to help your own fullback out. So, I went on a bit of a ramble there, but my point is, we can't just get rid of Whelan and Walters, we need improved versions of them first. All in all, I'm pretty happy with Hughes. Is he the right man for us? I'm still not certain, but thus far he's doing a good job of transitioning us from "the old ways". I just hope Coates has learnt his lesson, and will give Hughes a decent amount of time, without dragging it out year after year like with Pulis
Because you were the one who said his tactics would take Palace down. All I did was point out that people have been saying pretty much the exact same thing for 6 years, and they have never been right.
The thread is a comparison of the 2 managers - as stated in the title. I respond stating that we shouldnt be comparing but based on the thread I think Pulis's tactics will ultimatley end in relegation. That is my opinion (which some have stated on here that they feel they are not entitled to) but am unsure when an opinion converts into a Pulis Hater who has been saying it for years? That would be akin to calling you a Hughes Hater - which we all know you are not - you are simply concerned with the performance of the club like a true fan should be.
Let's put something to right's here lads... We ALL hurt like hell when Stoke lose that's a fact. Some are better than others at expressing their views/feelings than others. That is no one's fault it's the way life is. In short we all LOVE Stoke City it's in our blood. As for comparing those two men what's the point? Pulis has gone now. It's what he's left behind that's hissing me OFF. And if I have to explain that last comment, I'm wasting my time me thinks. Main thing is we all KTF
Potts, Still got my faith it's in a box in the cupboard with a note that says don't open till spring. Welcome back Nick.
Your board pretty much mirrors ours.The Hughton out brigade say exactly what you lot said about TP so maybe it's a warning from history.I think the problem is that when we are talking about a perceived under performing manager we need to bear in mind who we might get to replace them.I call it frying pan fire syndrome.
Too true mate. Every situation is different and the managers get caught between being too direct or too passive with their fans - its a very difficult balancing act. I think our main issue was money spent against style over outright results - I'm not sure but I dont think CH has had a hugh budget since being there?
Smither's Re Chris Houghton I think? he's had a fair few quid especially last summer, and that is the gripe some Norwich fans have with him? They have in my humble opinion under performed this season given the money spent last summer. Pulis did spend but didn't bring in the quality required and I think we've done that to death. I stand by what I said though mate. I am sure Pulis would have taken us down this season but we'll see where Palace finish in May. And I am also enjoying for the most part, watching they way Hughes is trying to improve us. We need Huth and Begovic IMO before we can say we have a half decent TEAM.
