Stiff necks

[white horse]

hope you fans have got your neck spays all ready for sundays game and asked for a black ball ,so when it comes down to pitch level with snow on it you will be able to see it tell your midfield not to worry to much as the ball will be over there heads for the entire game tell your CB to bring plenty of bandages and plasters ,good old english football played the stoke way enjoy the long ball and throw ins enjoy the pain, good luck

 

[Beefforhire-NCFC]

Have to say, I'm not a massive fan of the way Stoke play. They have been in the prem a while and have become quite established yet still persist with hoofball and "stokey" football. You'd think they'd spend some money and try and do a bit better.

Results is everything I guess. If I were Nstoke fan I'd be pissed off with it now though.

 

[ncfcwonky]

But it's worked for them. Just look at the teams who have tried to play 'football' - passing it round - they struggle. Stoke play in this 'ugly' way they stay up. If it works, and it is legal, then who is going to stop them?

 

[canary-dave]

The only people that don't moan about the style of play are the Stoke fans! As you say, wonky, if it works.......

 

[canary_max]

bruised legs rather than stiff necks i reckon!

 

[Superman wears Grant Holt pyjamas in bed]

important to differentiate between two types of play here:

stoke ARE NOT a hoofball team.

they are very direct through their use of pacy wingers - they look to get the ball forwards quickly, quicker than most but they are capable of good football too. there is so much more to their game than just long throws. yes they are physically and mentally tough and i bet we'll know we've been in a match come Sunday evening!

 

[Dangerous Marsupial]

Agreed Stoke are physical, but not hoofball.

 

[CanaryWorf]

+1 to Superman's views above.
Stoke are physical, but they're a solid footballing side as well. It'll be a tough game on all levels at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Go for the win but to be honest a draw will be a good result this early. We've got a few games yet to get up to speed with just how good the Premier League is.
But I'm confident we'll get there.
Great manager and committed team. Never underestimate the combination.