Jerseybean Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 The Potters at home. Stoke are winless in their last five league games and are sinking towards the bottom three following a summer of considerable change as 18 players were signed, including four on deadline day, to try and reinvigorate Neil’s squad. They have found the target just eight times in eight games, with only two on the road as they’ve lost three and drawn one of their four matches away from home. They currently occupy 20th place. Last Sunday they were beaten at home 3-1 by Hull City, Stoke’s consolation goal arrived in the 77th minute. On Wednesday they lost away 2-0 to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and didn’t register a shot on target (see below) They will be without forward Tyrese Campbell who picked up an injury last weekend. They won this fixture 2-1 last time out, https://youtu.be/yIAsYJyvbfE My very good mate Bill is a Stoke fan, he had this to say: ‘Just over a year ago Alex Neil’s arrival at the BET 365 Stadium was heralded as a coup. Recruited from Sunderland he had a track record of success. After five seasons of being a bottom half championship team things were definitely on the up. Alex Neil said that he would work night and day to bring Premiership football back to Stoke, but that changes were necessary. And change things he did. Out with established first team and goalkeeper coaches, assistant managers, the chief analyst, the head scout, PR staff, front office people, head of recruitment, financial officers and even the catering manager. Then he tackled the playing staff. In the January window Harry Souttar went to Leicester and goalie Bursik to Club Brugge. Yet with the addition of a few loans we began to prosper; even away from home. Sunderland were put to the sword (5-1), as were Coventry (4-0), we were acclaimed to be the best championship team to visit Middlesborough. It was looking good; the promised Neil revolution had arrived. However, then the goal scoring stopped, we even lost at home to Bristol City and Rotherham. When the season ended we were 16th Neil promised more changes. And more changes there were. Over the close season we released 17 players, lost last season’s seven loanees, plus let a further eight players go out on loans. We had, at the start of the season, seven experienced first team players, then sold our top scorer Jacob Brown to Luton and Tymon to Swansea. So, we’re left with five established first teamers. However, with their fees, plus the Souttar money, we had over £20 million in the bank. So, the Neil promised player staff changes could occur and they have. We recruited 18 new players, recruits from overseas and established championship players. The season looked shiny. I even put 20 quid on Stoke to be promoted. Eight games into the new season and one thing that critically has not changed, we are 20th in the table, exactly the same position as when Neil arrived. We are leaking goals, from set pieces and goalkeeper punts up the field. So, Bristol City to beat us next week, even though your home record is less than optimum, is a given. I think I’ll bet on it. On Wednesday we played Bournemouth in the cup. We used eight of our 18 new signings. We lost 2-0. We had no shots on goal. Something we haven’t achieved since the days of Tony Pulis. Neil said after the game “ I was encouraged throughout the game, we played well, perhaps we just didn’t test their goalie enough.” He’s beginning to sound like Lee Johnson, curiously out of touch, mildly delusional and drifting toward losing his job. I’ve just watched the highlights of the Bournemouth game! We gave away Sunday football goals and Alex Neil says “the fact is there we will from our performance improve! “ What does that mean??’ So, Stoke added a remarkable 18 players in the last! transfer window! Their first signing of the summer was Republic of Ireland international defender Enda Stevens following his departure from Sheffield United. The 32-year-old full-back has signed a one-year contract with the Potters. They re-signed midfielder Ben Pearson on a four-year contract from Bournemouth. The 28-year-old became a regular in Alex Neil's side after initially joining on loan in January. Also signed former Coventry City centre-back Michael Rose on a two-year deal. Their fourth signing was Daniel Johnson on a two-year deal . The move to the Potteries ended the 30-year-old's eight-year stay at Deepdale, where he made more than 300 appearances after leaving Aston Villa in 2015. Johnson was reunited with Stoke boss Alex Neil, who he played under at Preston for four years. They re-signed defender Ki-Jana Hoever on a season-long loan from Premier League side Wolves. They signed forward Andre Vidigal from Portuguese club Maritimo for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old, who represented Portugal at under-21 level and can play through the middle or as a winger, has signed a three-year contract. They also signed Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers on a season-long loan. At the end of July they signed Brazilian striker Wesley from Aston Villa on 'a permanent deal'. Wesley was Villa's then club record £22m signing when he was bought by then boss Dean Smith from Belgian side Club Brugge following promotion to the Premier League in 2019. But he suffered a knee injury in his first season and spent 15 months out. Their 10th summer signing was defender Luke McNally who joined on a season's loan from promoted Premier League side Burnley. Towards the end of August they signed Sampdoria forward Mehdi Leris and Serbian winger Nikola Jojic for undisclosed fees. Leris, a 25-year-old Algeria international who made his Serie A debut as a teenager six years ago, has agreed a three-year contract. Meanwhile, Jojic, 19, who moves from Serbian Super League side FK Mladost Lucani, joins on a four-year deal. In late August they made their 14th signing of the summer transfer window by bringing in FC Basel winger Wouter Burger for an undisclosed fee. On the eve of deadline day they signed South Korea Under-20 midfielder Bae Junho on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. On deadline day they took their total of summer signings to 18 with a triple deadline day swoop for midfielders Lynden Gooch and Sead Haksabanovic and teenage defender Junior Tchamadeu. In July they named Paul Gallagher as first-team coach, reuniting the former Potters striker with Alex Neil, who he played under at Preston. The game will celebrate the local community work of the club’s official charity, Bristol City Robins Foundation. The matchday seeks to raise awareness about the invaluable work carried out by the Foundation in the areas of youth engagement and improving the health and wellbeing of adults in South Bristol. City supporters heading to Ashton Gate this Saturday will find a range of activities happening across the stadium. In the South Stand concourse, Snap Fitness Ashton Gate, will be offering fans the chance of winning prizes by taking on an assault bike challenge. The supporter that records the fastest 30 second sprint and burns the most calories will win a month’s free membership to the gym. Fans will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked as part of a private health screening and find out information on volunteering on Alzheimer’s Society, Side by Side project. Mark Sykes pre-match: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/city-men-news/sykes-previews-potters-clash/ Curtis Fleming presser: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/city-men-news/fleming-looks-ahead-to-stoke-visit/ Head-to-head record Won: 20 Lost: 27 Drawn: 15 I was at Wembley (as was Bill) back in 2000 to witness this: https://youtu.be/7IIrVAWbSBU?si=2SGXU4bLrNBn8KNX Officials Referee: Jeremy Simpson Assistants: Matthew Jones and Matthew Smith Fourth official: Stephen Martin Fun facts The Stoke City squad once included a vicar in midfield. Father Elijah Smith took off his cassock to play for the Potters in the 1880s. Actor Neil Morrissey grew up in a children's home in Penkhull, that's where his tattoos originate from too. He has reportedly said that other children at the home threatened to beat him up if he didn't agree to 'being inked', and that he now regrets not opting for the beating. The tiles on the floor of the Houses of Parliament were made in Stoke-on-Trent, by Minton. Sir Stanley Matthews never ate the crusts of bread - he always cut them off. So who knows, kids, if you stop eating your crusts then perhaps you too could become a world-class footballer! Stoke-on-Trent is the smallest city to boast two professional clubs in the EFL. 9 6 2 1 Quote Link to comment
Red from afar Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 I’ve just watched the highlights of the Bournemouth game! We gave away Sunday football goals and Alex Neil says “the fact is there we will from our performance improve! “ What does that mean??’ Are they sure it's not Yoda in disguise Quote Link to comment
archie andrews Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Lost at home last season to even rorherham and bristol city he says the cock..... Quote Link to comment
luke_bristol Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 I haven’t seen a home win for 18 (EIGHTEEN) games, this is surely it… 1 Quote Link to comment
archie andrews Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 1 minute ago, luke_bristol said: I haven’t seen a home win for 18 (EIGHTEEN) games, this is surely it… If daniel johnson is playing........ 1 Quote Link to comment
Redland Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 I read that Leicester City had gone 17 consecutive home games without keeping a clean sheet until they played us last Saturday. Stoke haven’t had an away win this season so …….. 1 Quote Link to comment
Loco Rojo Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 These types of games make me very nervous when struggling teams come to visit us. 8 Quote Link to comment
Norn Iron Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 (edited) The Stoke City player Hoever is known by their fans as Henry! Edited September 29, 2023 by Norn Iron Spelling 2 Quote Link to comment
alexukhc Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 21 minutes ago, Norn Iron said: The Stoke City player Hoever is known by their fans as Henry! That’s gotta suck 4 Quote Link to comment
Rossi the Robin Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 They were one of the best sides I’ve seen at AG a couple of seasons ago - I still think we won Quote Link to comment
DaveF Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 43 minutes ago, Norn Iron said: The Stoke City player Hoever is known by their fans as Henry! 22 minutes ago, alexukhc said: That’s gotta suck Just an example of the sort of laughs we have round here... 1 Quote Link to comment
Norn Iron Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 8 minutes ago, DaveF said: Just an example of the sort of laughs we have round here... Told to me by a Stokie last night. If he has a son born in Wales, he could be called Dai, son of Henry 2 Quote Link to comment
Davefevs Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 1 hour ago, Norn Iron said: The Stoke City player Hoever is known by their fans as Henry! Anyone remember Big Jon Dyson? Quote Link to comment
GrahamC Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Our record up there is incredible, I’m pretty sure we have won on our last 5 visits. Much more even in BS3, they are certainly one of those sides people “forget” when they say why can’t we finish above Millwall, Preston, etc, because every summer they seem to spend absolute fortunes, bring in loads of players, huge wage bill yet it never gels & their managerial merry go round continues. Neil has done well at Ashton Gate (he won here twice last season) but they have a lot of injuries (thought that only happened to us?) & are in poor form so even a pessimist (realist) like me reckons we have a decent chance tomorrow. 1 Quote Link to comment
One Team Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Anyone else not got their digital pass for tomorrow yet? Quote Link to comment
David Woody Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Mine is still on the Plymouth game, so glad to know it’s not just me. Quote Link to comment
marcofisher Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Stokes summer transfer window makes me trust the club with their policy of not signing loan players. Some big loan signings and have not hit the ground running. Quote Link to comment
Son of Fred Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 12 minutes ago, GrahamC said: Our record up there is incredible, I’m pretty sure we have won on our last 5 visits. Much more even in BS3, they are certainly one of those sides people “forget” when they say why can’t we finish above Millwall, Preston, etc, because every summer they seem to spend absolute fortunes, bring in loads of players, huge wage bill yet it never gels & their managerial merry go round continues. Neil has done well at Ashton Gate (he won here twice last season) but they have a lot of injuries (thought that only happened to us?) & are in poor form so even a pessimist (realist) like me reckons we have a decent chance tomorrow. Should be fancying a win against these, although wouldn't be surprised to see Alex Neil shithouse his way to a point.. 1 Quote Link to comment
Whitchurch Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Stoke sold 1,600 Quote Link to comment
Jerseybean Posted September 29, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Nige’s notes https://www.bcfc.co.uk/city-men-news/niges-notes-stoke-city/ 1 Quote Link to comment
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Whitchurch said: Stoke sold 1,600 I suppose there is discontent with their start but I was sure they had sold more, given the free travel initiative at their end. Edited September 29, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous Quote Link to comment
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 (edited) As for tomorrow if we could get the first goal and avoid silly mistakes we should do okay. At least one of their goals was very soft against us last December, King experiment in a back 3 bad run its course after he was impressive v Watford and decent v Rotherham. On paper they're perhaps one of those who should be doing better. Edited September 29, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous 1 Quote Link to comment
Ashtongreight Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Just hope tomorrow isn’t the day all their new signings gel, it would just be our luck. We mustn’t allow them the chance to settle, we must be on the front foot from the start, like we did against Plymouth. Quote Link to comment
bcfc01 Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 3 hours ago, GrahamC said: Our record up there is incredible, I’m pretty sure we have won on our last 5 visits. Much more even in BS3, they are certainly one of those sides people “forget” when they say why can’t we finish above Millwall, Preston, etc, because every summer they seem to spend absolute fortunes, bring in loads of players, huge wage bill yet it never gels & their managerial merry go round continues. Neil has done well at Ashton Gate (he won here twice last season) but they have a lot of injuries (thought that only happened to us?) & are in poor form so even a pessimist (realist) like me reckons we have a decent chance tomorrow. Yep, five on the spin. But in the same period they have won three times, drawn one, and lost one at Ashton Gate.. 1 Quote Link to comment
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 A rare Bakinson goal in 2021 was our sole home win since they came down. In fact we don't best them at home often in the League albeit there was a big gap! We were quite fortunate to win that one albeit unfortunate to lose in 2018. Just 2 out of the last 9 at home in the League vs them have seen us come out on top. Quote Link to comment
ralphindevon Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Well @Jerseybean I think your mate should give up betting. He’s bet on Stoke to get promoted and for us to win at home, he’s never gonna get rich! It’s one of those annoying situations where all facts and stats lead to a comfortable home win. Then we remember it’s the championship and exactly the opposite is most likely. 2 Quote Link to comment
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Can't see it being all that comfortable but it is definitely a game we should be targeting as a home win. 1 Quote Link to comment
REDOXO Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 8 hours ago, Redland said: I read that Leicester City had gone 17 consecutive home games without keeping a clean sheet until they played us last Saturday. Stoke haven’t had an away win this season so …….. That’s the spirit. Quote Link to comment
bcfc01 Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 Should be winning this game. Chopper on the block - 3-0 home win. 1 Quote Link to comment
Coombsy Posted September 29, 2023 Report Share Posted September 29, 2023 7 hours ago, David Woody said: Mine is still on the Plymouth game, so glad to know it’s not just me. Just press refresh it will update Quote Link to comment
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