Stoke City - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview
Friday, 08 Aug 2008 13:20
Stoke City - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview
A supporter's views and expectations for the 2008/09 season.
Last season
Championship: 2nd - P 46 W 21 D 16 L 9 GF 69 GA 55 GD +14 PTS 79
FA Cup: Third round - lost 4-1 to Newcastle United (after replay)
League Cup: First round - lost to Rochdale on penalties (2-2 AET)
The manager
After guiding Stoke into the top tier of English football for the first time since 1985, Tony Pulis is of course popular with the fans, although the tactical subtleties of the Premier League's best managers could expose the failings of his direct and often simplistic approach.
Now in his second spell at the Britannia, Harry Redknapp's former assistant will look to preserve his record of never being relegated as a manager, but much will depend on whether he is able to repeat his achievement of last season - getting the best from a squad of relatively modest talents.
Chances of managerial change?
Chairman Peter Coates is a committed supporter and friend of Pulis, having reappointed the Welshman in June 2006 following a disappointing season under Johan Boskamp.
Having also defended Pulis's brand of functional football in the past, Coates is likely to keep faith with the former Gillingham man this year, come what may.
The players
Exits
Defender Marlon Broomes is the only notable departure from the Britannia Stadium this summer, as Pulis looks to retain the majority of the squad which finished as Championship runners-up.
The former Blackburn Rovers centre-back did not feature at all for Stoke last season and has joined Blackpool on a one-year contract.
New arrivals
In Dave Kitson, Stoke have signed a striker with genuine Premier League pedigree. Pulis broke the club's transfer record to capture the 28-year-old, who became the highest scorer at the Madejski Stadium with 37 goals while at Reading but endured a frustrating season last year.
Kitson is a proven goal-scorer, but some will doubt whether he is capable of carrying a team which is likely to rely heavily on his ability to find the net.
The arrival of Olofinjana should inject some pace into a sometimes sluggish midfield, while Sorenson will add valuable experience and a safe pair of hands.
Stoke had looked set to welcome Rudolph Austin to the club from Jamaican side Portmore United, but the move was thrown into doubt after the 22-year-old midfielder was refused a work permit.
Needs
Bringing in another striker to support Kitson would leave Stoke fans feeling more confident about the coming season, as Richard Cresswell and Ricardo Fuller are unlikely to provide the firepower needed to compete in the top flight.
Cresswell may have bagged three goals in five games during pre-season, but scoring against Shrewsbury Town does not mean he will be able to find the net at Stamford Bridge.
A scan over Pulis's squad reveals a number of reliable, industrious players but few with genuine class – bringing in a youngster on loan from one of the big four may help the manager to add some creativity to the side.
The fanbase
Clinching promotion in May prompted scenes of jubilation in the city and Stoke supporters will be determined to enjoy their team's spell in the top flight, regardless of their league position.
Survival is obviously a desired bonus, and some fans will feel quietly confident that Pulis' no-frills approach is exactly what is required to prevent a swift return to the Championship.
Prediction for 2008/09
A relegation battle appears certain for Stoke, but fans will be anxious to see the team avoid 'doing a Derby' and becoming the Premier League's whipping boys.
An optimistic outlook states that Hull City are more likely to assume that title, with Stoke emerging as surprise survival candidates.
Matt Duxbury