Tony's Plan B

If there is one criticism (and there arn't many) you could label at Tony Pulis, it's his general lack of a back up plan when things start to go wrong, or his original ideas don't work for him.
There have been times in the past when TP has tried to put square pegs in round holes, who can forget playing Chris Greenacre and Carl Asaba, two out and out strikers, on the wings, and his persistance in playing Richard Cresswell, again a striker, on the left wing. This is something he at times got away with in the Championship, but most defonatly won't get away with it in the Premier League.
The 2-2 draw at Newcastle showed fans shoots of a new side to Tony Pulis, a Tony Pulis that wasn't scared to drastically change things when the going got tough. Ricardo Fuller was dropped to the bench after a sub-standard performance in the Carling Cup, a controversial move at the time, but one which proved to be a tactical master stroke when Fuller lit up the game as he made his appearance from the bench. The decision to play Danny Pugh on the left wing was also a surprise. Although Rory Delap is not a genuine winger, he is at least right footed, and with the left footed Pugh on the other side, the team looked to have found a new balance.
But it wasnt until Salif Diao got injured that we really saw Tony pull out his plan B. At 1-0 down, which was soon to be 2-0, Pulis resisted the temptation to replace Diao with Seyi Olofinjana, which would have been a straight swap, one holding midfielder for another. Instead, Pulis threw on Glenn Whelen, an altogether different player, a creative midfielder many fans have been crying out for.
With a verbal dressing down at half time ringing in their ears the players emerged in the second half a different team, a midfield consisting of Pugh, Whelan, Amdy Faye and Delap looked the most balenced midfield we've seen in a long time, certainly since we've been in the Premier League.
Is it no coincedence that all of a sudden the game changed, it was Stoke taking the game to the home side, and it was Stoke who earned a point with attacking football rather than hanging on for dear life. It was a promising move by Tony Pulis, and with Michael Tonge, Tom Soares and the soon to be returning Liam Lawrence waiting in the wings, as well as a large transfer kitty to raid in January, the comeback at Newcastle would have provided many a Potters fan optomism for the coming weeks.

Police Block Extra Blackburn Tickets Request

Lancashire Police have today forced Blackburn into not releasing further tickets for Stoke fans for the upcoming clash at Ewood Park. It had been hoped that 7000 tickets would be made available to Potters fans for the game, but police have now intervened and restricted the allocation to just 4700, which has now sold out.
This is massive blow to many Potters fans who have yet to get their tickets and were hoping to taking advantage of the clubs' genourous offer of free coach travel.
Unfortunatly this is yet another example of how poorly Stoke fans are treated by the police in this apparant 'free country'. We've had all the Micky Mouse policy of the Greater Manchester Police enforced on us recently, and yet despite the club's decision to remove the Away Card scheme for 'good behaiviour' us normal fans have again been punished.
Coincedenly both Manchester United and Liverpool fans were given the full 7000 allocation for their recent trips to Blackburn with no objections from the police.
One rule for the 'big' teams and another for the rest.

'The Wall' Snatches Last Gasp Point For Jekyll and Hyde Potters

Newcastle United 2-2 Stoke City

Abdoulaye Faye returned to haunt his former employers with a stoppage time equaliser as Stoke faught back from 2-0 down at half time to draw 2-2 on Tyneside.

Tony Pulis made a few suprise changes to the starting eleven with Ibrahima Sonko prefered to Leon Cort at centre back, Danny Pugh coming in for his first start of the season on the left wing, and perhaps most suprising of all, Richard Cresswell chosen ahead of Ricardo Fuller in attack.

The changes to the team however appeared to backfire as Newcastle dominated the opening exchanges, and deservadly took the lead on eight minutes when the lively Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez played through Michael Owen who swept the ball past Thomas Sorensen for the opener.

It was just the kind of start we didnt need and we didn't have to wait long for things to get worse, as the Potters appeared to be continuing where they left off on Tuesday's following the hugely disappointing performance against Derby in the Carling Cup.

On 24 minutes Geremi played in Obafemi Martins who played the ball across Sorensen to provide Owen with a simple tap in to double the home sides' advantage. At this stage the wrist slashers were sharpening their knives as memories of last month's capitulation at Old Trafford came flooding back, with Newcastle threatning to run riot.

Just before the second goal Glenn Whelan had replaced the injured Salif Diao and his introduction gave the midfield some much needed balance as the Potters steadied the ship and held out to go in only two down at half time.

Fresh from an ear bashing from the manager, Stoke came out fired up for the second half and were dealt a stroke of luck when an injury to Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie appeared to unsettle the Magpies and forced them onto the defensive.

Fuller replaced the ineffective Rory Delap and was quickly into his stride as he skipped past Fabricio Collocini before squaring to Sidibe who reduced the deficit on the hour.

It was Stoke who now had the bit between their teeth as Newcastle, who had looked so dominant in the first half, lost their shape and seemed content to hold onto their lead rather than trying to increase it.

Fuller then tested Shay Given himself with a left foot volley before Abdoulaye Faye and Pugh missed further chances to bring the Potters level. Meanwhile Sonko was proving himself to be yet another long throw specialist in the Stoke armoury with several threatning launches into the box with Delap off the park.

It looked as though the Potters' valiant second half efforts were all going to be vain before Faye produced a dramatic equaliser a minute into stoppage time. Whelen delivered an inviting free kick into the Newcastle penalty area which saw Danny Higginbotham flick towards the back post where Faye was on hand to smash the ball past Given to complete a fabulous comeback, and send the travelling fans into raptures.

To compound a miserable second half for Newcastle, manager Joe Kinnear was sent to the stands by referee Mike Riley for complaining excessivly about Sebastien Bassong's foul on Fuller, which lead to the free kick in the run up to the equaliser.

After such a dismal first half performance this had been a superb effort from the Potters in what could turn out to be a crucial moment over the course of the season. This was more than a valuable point against a relegation rival, the comeback will give both players and fans alike the belief that Stoke can perform away from home, that they can compete when the going gets tough and that they can get those all important points needed for Premier League survival.

Man of the Match - Abdoulaye Faye - Produced vital blocks at crucial times and popped up with a deserved first goal for the club with that dramatic last minute equaliser. Again we ask, just what were Newcastle thinking when they let this man come to Stoke for just £2.25 million?

Attendance - 47,422

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, N'Zogbia, Geremi (Cacapa,82), Guthrie (Taylor,46), Gutierrez, Owen, Martins (Viduka,74)

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Sonko, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Delap (Fuller,57), Amdy Faye (Tonge,78), Diao (Whelan,21), Pugh, Cresswell, Sidibe

Newcastle United (A) Preview

Stoke travel to the north-east tomorrow to face Joe Kinnear's Newcastle United (k/o 3pm). The Potters will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing Carling Cup defeat against Derby on Tuesday night as they continue to look for their first away win the top flight. The Magpies currently sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference but have been improving in recent weeks with gritty 0-0 draws away at Chelsea and Middlesborough. With just three points separating the sides in the table, both teams will know how important victory at St James' Park could be in the fight for survival.


Stoke Team News:- The Potters are likely to welcome back Abdoulaye Faye for the game against his former club. Striker Dave Kitson continues to struggle with injury, whilst Tom Soares and Michael Tonge are available again having been cup tied against Derby. Liam Lawrence returned to training this week but this game comes too soon for his return to the first team.

Newcastle Team News:- Steven Taylor could return to The Magpies defence but faces competition from Sebastien Bassong who has been impressive in Taylor's absence. Newcastle are without injury victims Joey Barton, Nacho Gonzales and Alan Smith, but have Mark Viduka available to challenge Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins for a place in attack.


Newcastle Danger Man:- Shay Given - A hugely impressive performance at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, enhanced his reputation as one of the best keepers in the Premier League

Probable Teams:
Newcastle:- Given, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Enrique, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Butt, N'Zogbia, Martins, Owen
Stoke:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Delap, Diao, Amdy Faye, Soares, Fuller, Sidibe

Last Potters Visit To Newcastle

Newcastle United 4-1 Stoke City (16-01-2008)

Kevin Keegan's dramatic return to Tyneside highjacked The Potters' chances of an FA Cup replay upset after an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Britannia. The result could have been different had Ricardo Fuller and Ryan Shawcross put away early chances, but from then on Newcastle controlled the game and goals from Michael Owen, Claudio Cacapa, Damien Duff and James Milner took the tie away from Stoke despite Liam Lawrence's last minute goal of the season contender consolation.

Satan's Little Helper Does It Again As Cup Dream Ends

Stoke City 0-1 Derby County

Rob Styles, the man who produced one of the worst refereeing displays of all time, all them years ago at Gillingham, the man who gave two penalties against us at Crystal Palace, the clown who has proved time and time again that Stevie Wonder is indeed more useful as a referee, has done it again to us.

The Potters crashed out of the Carling Cup tonight after referee Rob Styles stole the show in awarding Derby a controversial last minute penalty that was promptly dispatched by Nathan Ellington, as Stoke blew a massive chance to make the semi finals for the first time since winning the trophy back in 1972.

Stoke could have been ahead inside the first minute when Rory Delap just failed to connect with Mamady Sidibe's left wing cross, when free inside the area.

Both sides lacked creativity in the first half as neither keeper were really tested. But it was during the first half that the first real controversy of the game took place. Richard Cresswell, playing left wing, charged down a clearence, before slotting past Roy Carroll for what we thought was the opening goal, only to find out that Styles had in fact pulled play back for a handball.

As the second half began both sides looked to up the tempo, but it was Derby who had the bit between their teeth and should have taken the lead five minutes into the second half when Ellington produced an inviting cross which saw former Potter Kris Commons crash his header against the bar, before Rob Hulse somehow managed to head the rebound wide from six with an open goal in front of him.

It was Stoke's turn to attack next, Ricardo Fuller missed a glorious chance to open the scoring after he headed over when unmarked from six yards. With the clock ticking down Derby hung on as Carroll superbly tipped away Cresswell's header from a Glenn Whelan free kick before defender James Tomkins heroicly denied Fuller from the rebound.

Derby then came closest to breaking the deadlock when Miles Addison flicked a Commons corner against the post, with Ellington inches away from turning the ball home.

Carroll was again called into action when he smartly tipped away a curling 25 yard Whelan free kick as the game headed for extra time.

But it was time for Styles to take centre stage. Derby took a quick short corner that caught the Potters' defence unaware. The cross was charged down by Andy Griffin but Styles agree with protests from the Derby fans and awarded a penalty for handball. It was a 50/50 decision but whether it was a penalty or not, it was no more a 'handball' than Cresswell's had been in the first half. It was yet another example of how Styles treats touch and go decisions when Stoke are involved. Ellington kept his nerve and stroked away the penalty to send the 5000 travelling fans into raptures, as Stoke were once again left to ponder what might have been.

In all fairness Derby probably deserved the win, Stoke were just not at the races at all on a disappointing night. It's always a bitter pill to swallow when you lose in controversial circumstances with such a massive prize on offer. I'm sure all Stokies would rather see three points in Saturday's crucial game at St James' Park over a win tonight, but I fear this one is going to take some time to get over.

Man of the Match - Glenn Whelan - Top draw delivery from set pieces and was one of only a few Stoke players who actually looked a threat

Attendance - 22,034

Stoke: Simonsen, Griffin, Cort, Sonko, Higginbotham, Delap, Olofinjana (Pugh,81), Whelan, Cresswell, Sidibe, Fuller.

Derby: Carroll, Connolly, Powell, Tomkins, Stewart, Kazmierczak, Green (Teale,90), Addison, Commons, Hulse (Villa,86), Ellington.

Derby County (H) Preview

Carling Cup Quarter Finals

Derby County are the visitors to the Britannia tonight (k/o 7.45) as the Potters look to reach the semi final of the League Cup for the first time since winning the competition in 1972. The Rams will be hoping a victory tonight can kick start a league campaign which has failed to really get going following relegation from the Premier League last season.


Stoke Team News:- The Potters are without striker Dave Kitson who is still recovering from the knee injury he picked up in the league win over West Brom. Michael Tonge and Tom Soares are cup-tied and so unavailable for tonight's game. Steve Simonsen is expected to once again replace Thomas Sorensen in goal.

Derby Team News:- Derby are without defenders Claude Davis, Dean Leacock and Martin Albrechtsen through injury whilst Luke Varney and on loan Arsenal man Nacer Barazite are both cup tied. Former Potter Kris Commons should line up to face his former club tonight.


Probable Teams:
Stoke:- Simonsen, Wilkinson, Dickinson, Cort, Abdoulaye Faye, Pugh, Olofinjana, Whelan, Delap, Sidibe, Cresswell
Derby:- Carroll, Connolly, Powell, Tonkins, Stewart, Kazmierczak, Commons, Addison, Green, Hulse, Ellington

Last Derby Visit To The Britannia

Stoke City 2-0 Derby County(08-08-2006)

Tony Pulis celebrated his first home game back in his second spell as manager with a 2-0 win over the Rams. Vincent Pericard touched home Peter Sweeney's cross for a first half lead, before Darel Russell reacted first to a save by Rams keeper Lee Grant to head home the second mid-way through the second half. Stoke went on to complete a double over Derby with a 2-0 at Pride Park later in the season, but it was the Rams who were celebrating promotion to te Premier League come the end of the campaign.

Stoke Face Hartlepool In The FA Cup

In an uninspiring FA Cup draw the Potters have been drawn away to League One side Hartlepool United in the 3rd round. The game could be viewed as a potential banana skin but should provide an ideal chance to make progress in the competition.
The two sides last faced each other in the 1992/1993 season where Hartlepool inflicted a rare defeat on the soon to be championship winning Potters, by triumphing 1-0 at the Victoria Ground.
The game should take place on January 3rd although this is yet to be confirmed.

Ricardo Rescues Point For Potters

Stoke City 1-1 Hull City

Ricardo Fuller salvaged a point for Stoke with a late penalty after Marlon King had given the Tigers had a first half lead in an entertaining encounter in the Britannia fog.

The Potters began the afternoon with the fourth best home record in the Premier League, whilst Hull had only been beaten by champions Manchester United on their travels this season.

Stoke started the better with Fuller and Mamady Sidibe causing the Tigers' defence problems whilst Abdoulaye Faye and the recalled Leon Cort were keeping dangermen Marlon King and Giovanni quiet.

Hull were dealing comfortably with the unique threat of Rory Delap's throw in's but should have gone behind when Fuller played in Sidibe who took too much time with the finish and allowed Michael Turner chance to make a last ditch clearance.

Tigers keeper Boaz Myhill, who has this week been linked with Inter Milan among other clubs, seemed to be struggling with his kicking and almost let Stoke in when Tom Soares closed down the Welsh international and forced him into kick the ball out for a corner with Fuller also closing in.

Hull substitute Dean Windass was doing his best to antagonise the Potters by deliberatly trying to put of Delap during his throw in's by warming up in the way of te midfielder. Windass was given his rightful reward when referee Straod showed the portly striker the yellow card towards the end of the first half.

With the game heading into half time level Hull struck just before the interval when Turner headed Giovanni's inviting free kick across goal for King to control and clinically swival the ball into the top corner leaving Sorensen no chance.

It was far from what Hull had deserved but in all fairness it had taken that extra bit of quality to break the deadlock.

The Potters came out fired up and were almost level when Fuller connected with Delap only real threatning throw of the afternoon but saw his header brilliantly saved by Myhill.

The Tigers were now on the back foot and substitute Michael Tonge so nearly provided the perfect cross on the hour, when his low drive was missed by both Fuller and Delap by inches with Myhill beaten.

It was looking like it was not going to be Stoke's day, but in the 73rd minute Fuller reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Hull penalty area and was bought down by Myhill whilst going round the keeper. It was one of them penalties you'd argue about if it went against you but in fairness was probably the right decision. Fuller picked himself up and slotted home the penalty despite Myhill getting a good hand to the ball. 1-1 and the game was very much on.

Myhill again produced a fine save to deny Tigers' old boy Leon Cort moments later, when the defender diverted Andy Griffin's low cross towards goal from six yards only to see the keeper make an excellent stop down low to his right.

Hull threw on striker Daniel Cousin as they went all out for the win and Stoke were thankful for Abdoulaye Faye who first prevented King a free run on goal before he produced a crucial block to deny Cousin after the former Rangers man had sprung the offside trap, as the game entered the final stages.

It was Giovanni again who could have won the game for the Tigers when he fired over after cutting in from the left, but as the final whistle blew both sides would have been happy with a point despite both teams but particularly Stoke having the chances to have won the game.

It was nevertheless a useful point for the Potters who could have just as easily lost this game as won it, and does at least provide a platform going into a crucial set of games starting with fellow relegation rivals Newcastle at St James' Park next weekend.

Man of the Match - Abdoulaye Faye - Immense as usual and produced a world class piece of defending to deny Cousin in the closing stages - This man needs a song!

Attendance - 27,500

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Delap, Amdy Faye, Diao, Soares (Tonge 62), Sidibe, Fuller.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Marney, Boateng (Cousin,78), Ashbee, Barmby (Halmosi,69), Geovanni (Garcia,90), King.

Hull City (H) Preview

Phil Brown brings his Hull City side the Britannia this weekend looking to end a run of five games without a win. That stat does not do the Tigers justice however, having made a sensational start to season, following promotion, with significant away wins against the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and most impresivly of all Arsenal. The Potters will know they will be in for a tough game against a side who sit 6th in the table following last weeks 2-2 draw at Fratton Park against Portsmouth.


Stoke Team News:- The Potters welcome back striker Ricardo Fuller who missed last weeks win over West Brom through suspension. Dave Kitson and Ryan Shawcross face late fitness tests on injuries they picked up in last week's win, whilst cpatain Andy Griffin should start despite a fracture in his left hand.

Hull Team News:- Defenders Bernard Mendy and Andy Dawson are likely to miss the game with injuries but the Tigers do have Wayne Brown available for selection again. Caleb Folan may feature despite missing training with an injury.



Probable Teams:
Stoke:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Soares, Diao, Amdy Faye, Delap, Fuller, Sidibe
Hull:- Myhill, McShane, Ricketts, Zayette, Turner, Boateng, Ashbee, Marney, Geovanni, Cousin, King

Last Hull Visit To The Britannia

Stoke City 1-1 Hull City (01-01-2008)

With Stoke missing Ricardo Fuller and Hull missing on loan Frazier Campbell this was never going be a game of many goals. The Potters took a first half lead when Leon Cort headed in against his former club from a Rory Delap throw, but Caleb Folan rescued a point for the Tigers with a second half header, as both sides settled for a point in what was destined to be a Premier League promotion winning season for both clubs.

Free Coach Travel For Blackburn Clash

Stoke City have today announced that any supporter who purchases a ticket for the game with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park next month will be given a free coach ticket to the game if required.
This fantastic gesture from the club as well as the recent suspension of the away cards provides us fans with a chance to take bring back the good old days and take a massive following up to Lancashire, with 7000 tickets available, for what must be described as a very winable away game.
In the present financial climate and being so close to Christmas the club can not be praised highly enough for this decision.
Well Done Stoke City

"West Brom.. We Always Beat West Brom"

Saturday's latest victory over our West Midlands rivals continued our incredible run against the Baggies in recent years. It's now been 26 years since West Brom won at Stoke, and have only won once against the Potters in the last 24 league matches between the two clubs. We look back at some of the more memorable wins against the Baggies.


Stoke City 4-3 West Brom (19-9-1992)
An absolute classic at the old Victoria Ground as Stoke come back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 with a late Ian Cranson header.

West Brom 1-2 Stoke City (23-1-1993)
8000 Stokies packed into the away end at the Hawthornes as a double from the great Mark Stein saw the Potters do the double over our promotion rivals on the way to the title.

Stoke City 2-1 West Brom (4-5-1997)
The last ever league game at the Vic saw a fitting end with another win over the Baggies. Gerry McMahon and Graham Kavanagh scored the goals for Stoke but it was West Brom striker Andy Hunt who had the honour of scoring the last ever league goal at the famous old ground.

Stoke City 4-1 West Brom (4-5-2004)
Already promoted West Brom arrived in Stoke for a re-arranged game after high winds caused what is still the only postponment at the Britannia Stadium to date. Having acheived a rare win over the Potters at the Hawthornes earlier in the season, West Brom were confident of ending the hoodoo but were sent packing with goals from Darel Russell, Gifton Noel-Williams and two from the impressive Kris Commons in the driving Britannia rain.

West Brom 1-3 Stoke City (7-4-2007)
Needing a win to stay in the hunt for the play-offs Stoke destroyed the Baggies with a breath taking first half display. Goals from the untouchable Ricardo Fuller, on-loan John Parkin and an own goal from Jonathan Greening gave Stoke a 3-0 lead after only 22 minutes.

Stoke City 3-1 West Brom (22-12-2007)
The table-topping Baggies had no answer again to Ricardo Fuller who produced arguably his finest moment in the red and white with a stunning hat-trick. A magical individual effert for the third, a particular highlight of a memorable win.

Stoke City 10-3 West Brom (4-2-1937)
We were even beating the Baggies on black and white television, this result remains Stoke City's biggest ever victory in a competative game.

Potters Continue Baggies Hoodoo With Crucial Win

Stoke City 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

Mamady Sidibe scored a sublime winner five minutes from time to ensure Stoke suffered no hangover from last weeks mauling at Old Trafford and got back to winning ways.

After taking such a beating last week, West Brom at home was the ideal follow up game given that the Baggies are bottom of the table and on a bad run themselves and furthermore given that they have failed to win in Stoke since 1982 and have only beat their bogey team once in the league home or away since 1988.

Tom Soares came into the team replacing Seyi Olofinjana on the right, whilst Dave Kitson was given the chance to replace the suspended Ricardo Fuller in attack. Kitson, still searching for his first goal in the red and white, was unfortunate to pick up an injury in the scramble that followed an early Rory Delap throw in and was replaced by Richard Cresswell.

It was Sidibe who was first to go close, when he surprised everyone with a snap shot from around 30 yards that saw keeper Scott Carson divert the ball around the post when it was heading for the top corner.

West Brom meanwhile were struggling to open up a solid defence and began going against their carpet football principles with several aimless long balls forward towards Ishmael Miller with limited success. Only once did Miller craft himself a chance with a half volley that Sorensen watched as it dipped harmlessly onto the roof of the net.

Stoke forced several throw in's in the first half but for once Delap apperaed to have an off day as a combination of strong winds and to be fair solid West Brom defending reduced the threat from the Potters' not so secret weapon.

The second half started much brighter and it was Soares who was first to test Carson, who was getting continues stick from a merciless Boothen End crowd for his mid-week howler for England. Sidibe played in Cresswell who swivelled on the edge of the box to set up the young winger, but his deflected shot was comfortably saved by Carson.


The introduction of Michael Tonge for Soares seemed to give Stoke a new dimension in attack and he was next to test Carson with a swerving effert that the keeper gathered at the second attempt. Miller continued to probe away at the Potters defence but a low shot that was easily saved by Sorenesen was all he had to show for his efferts.

Captain Andy Griffin was almost punished for some sloppy defending when he was dispossesed by substitute Felipe Teixeira only to see the Portugese midfielder fire over when one on one with Sorensen. The Baggies knew given their record in this part of Staffordshire, they couldnt afford to miss such inviting opportnities.

They were made to pay on 85 minutes when Danny Higginbotham combined brilliantly with Tonge to provide the perfect cross for Sidibe who buried his header into the corner leaving Carson with no chance. It was the one moment of genuine quality in the match that had been the difference, and it was even described by Paul Merson as 'world class'.

West Brom looked a beaten team and despite their best efferts couldnt force an equaliser as they slipped to yet another defeat against Stoke. It was a huge win for the Potters over a side destined to be a relegation survival rival come the end of the season, and now makes it an impressive four consecutive home wins in the Premier Laegue.

Man of the Match - Mamady Sidibe - Filled Ricardo Fuller's big boots with a brilliant display and a deserved winning goal. As usual won everything in the air and was a constant threat to the Baggies defence all afternoon.

Attendance - 26,613

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross (Cort,80), Higginbotham, Soares (Tonge,65), Amdy Faye, Diao, Delap, Kitson (Cresswell,11), Sidibe.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Borja Valero (Bednar,86), Kim (Filipe Teixeira,57), Brunt, Koren, Miller.

Champions Outclass Poor Potters

Manchester United 5-0 Stoke City

United gave a ruthless reminder of why they are the current Premier League champions with a high quality performance that the Potters simply had no answer too.

Stoke found themselves chasing the game early on, as any hopes of a repeat of our heroic clean sheet at Anfield earlier in the season, were washed away by a trademark Christiano Ronaldo free kick. A silly foul by Amdy Faye on Carlos Tevez lead to the Portugese winger slamming a swerving free kick past Thomas Sorensen in only the third minute.

A long afternoon could have been in prospect but the Potters battled on and and at times had chances to bring the game level. The closest they came was from a Rory Delap long throw which saw John O'Shea back header towards his own goal only for Edwin Van Der Sar to claw the ball away. Salif Diao then wasted a futher opportunity for the Potters when he blazed over from the edge of the box when well positioned.

Going into the interval at only one down would have given the superb travelling support optamism that Stoke could still get something from the game. But any chance of this was extinguised when Michael Carrick was allowed too much space on the edge of the box and chrisply fired past Sorensen to double United's advantage.

Moments into the second half it got worse for the Potters when futher poor defending saw £30 million striker Dimitar Berbatov turn the ball home from around six yards. Game over.

Stoke's minimal attacking threat had dried up completly as they were forced to deal with a barrage of attack from United and only some last ditch defending from in particular Abdoulaye Faye kept the score at 3-0 at this stage.


17 year old United substitute Danny Wellbeck then produced the goal of the game with a fantastic strike into the top corner, from well outside the area, that saw the helpless Sorensen with no chance.

Further punishment followed when Ryan Shawcross fouled Carrick on the edge of the box, which lead to Ronaldo scoring his second of the game with anoter well struck free kick that wrong footed Sorensen to complete a misrable afternoon for the Danish keeper.

Stoke could have no complaints about the scoreline as they were throughly outclassed by simply a much better team. Despite the scoreline however the Potters should not be too down hearted, so called better teams than Stoke have gone to Old Trafford and got a pasting in the past, and it's not results against the likes of Manchester United away that are going to be crucial in the fight for survival.

Man of the Match - Danny Higginbotham - Held his own when facing Ronaldo and got provided Stoke with rare attacking forays down the left side.

Attendance - 75,369

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Gibson,63), Park (Welbeck,63), Tevez (Manucho,74), Berbatov.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin (Wilkinson,79), Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Olofinjana (Cresswell,31), Diao, Amdy Faye, Delap, Fuller (Kitson,68), Sidibe.

Home Draw In The Quarter Finals

The Potters have been drawn at home to Championship side Derby County in the Carling Cup with the game taking place on Tuesday 2nd December kick off 7.45.
Stoke beat Rotherham in Round 4 with a comfortable 2-0 win at the Britannia whilst the Rams saw off Leeds United 2-1 at Pride Park to reach the last eight.
This on the face of it seems a terrific draw for Stoke who must now fancy their chances of a place in the semi-final, and potentially one step away from a trip to Wembley in a major cup competition.

City Cruise Into Carling Cup Quarter Finals

Stoke City 2-0 Rotherham United

The Potters booked their place in the quarter finals of the League Cup with a comfortable victory over a brave Rotherham side.
Boss Tony Pulis made a number of changes to the team that drew 0-0 at Wigan on Saturday, but even an under strength side proved too much for Stoke's League 2 opponants.

Stoke should have been ahead inside the first ten minutes when the re-called Dave Kitson played in Vincent Pericard, only for the striker to blaze way over when one on one with keeper Andy Warrington. With Stoke's record against lower league opposition in this competition it was misses like this that could have had fans feeling nervous.

But any nerves were to be settled in the 19th minute. Referee Mark Halsey awarded a dubious free kick to Stoke for a high challenge on Glenn Whelan, and it was the Republic of Ireland international who picked himself up to flight home a delightful free kick into the bottom corner leaving Warrington no chance.

In all fairness it was all the Potters deserved after a lively start. As the game wore on you could almost sense, if needed, Stoke had another gear, but were dealing comfortably with all that was thrown at them by the Millers.
Richard Cresswell was unlucky not to double the advantage just before the break when a swiverling shot from just inside the box was superbly tipped onto the post by Warrington and cleared by the Rotherham defence.

The Millers came out fighting in the second half and only a smart reaction save from Steve Simonsen prevented them from drawing level. A deep cross from the left found striker Reuben Reid who saw his half volley from close range expertly tipped away by Simonsen.


But moments later the tie was effectivly over when the impressive Kitson combined with Danny Pugh on the edge of the box, with Pugh sliding the ball past the on rushing keeper. Pugh treated the crowd to a backward summersault celebration as he marked what was his first goal for the Potters in style.

Stoke, and in particular Dave Kitson was unfortunate not to add to the scoreline late on. The luckless striker was denied that elusive first goal for the club when he turned home a rebound, following a Cresswell effert, only to see the goal ruled out for offside.

A good effert from the visitors made the game reasonably entertaining for the 15,000 strong crowd, but the Potters proved far too strong in the end and were very worthy of their quarter final place as the League Cup adventure continued.

Man of the Match - Dave Kitson - Top draw effert that only lacked that crucial first goal

Attendance - 15,458

Stoke: Simonsen, Wilkinson, Cort, Shawcross, Dickinson, Pugh, Whelan, Olofinjana (Amdy Faye,58), Cresswell, Kitson, Pericard (Fuller,73)

Rotherham: Warrington, Mills, Sharps, Fenton, Nicholas, Rhodes, Danny Harrison (Taylor,70), Cummins, Tonge, Broughton (Yates,88), Reid

Rotherham United (H) Preview

Carling Cup Round 4

Rotherham United visit the Britannia tonight (k/o 7.45) looking to add a further scalp to their growing list of higher league victims this season. Southampton, Leicester, Leeds, Wolves and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday have all fallen by the Millers' sword this season, and Stoke will be under no illusions that this wont be an easy game. Rotherham have been something of a bogey team for the Potters in recent years. When both sides were in the Championship the Millers won 4 of the last 6 meetings between the two clubs with Stoke winning just once.


Stoke Team News:- The Potters are without recent signings Tom Soares and Michael Tonge as they are both cup tied, whilst Mamady Sidibe is expected to miss the game afte picking up a knock against Wigan at the weekend. Steve Simonsen is likely to play ahead of Thomas Sorensen whilst manager Tony Pulis may decide to rest players ahead of Saturday's testing trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.

Rotherham Team News:- Manager Mark Robins is without cup tied striker Ritchie Barker, but has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game and may decide to stick with the same eleven that drew 1-1 at Aldershot in the FA Cup on Saturday


Probable Teams:
Stoke:- Simonsen, Wilkinson, Cort, Sonko, Dickinson, Cresswell, Pugh, Whelan, Amdy Faye, Kitson, Pericard
Rotherham:- Warrington, Nicholas, Fenton, Mills, Sharps, Tonge, Harrison, Cummins, Rhodes, Broughton, Garcia

Last Rotherham Visit to the Britannia

Stoke City 1-2 Rotherham United (02-04-2005)

Rotherham came to the Britannia having not won a single game on a Saturday all season and were soon to be doomed to relegation. But despite this they earned a stay of execution with a deserved win thanks to a 90th minute own goal from Stoke's Gifton Noel-Williams who had earlier cancelled out Martin Butler's first half opener for the visitors. Michael Duberry was sent off in the final moments to complete a misrable afternoon for the Potetrs.

Could We Win The Carling Cup?

Tonight's game against League 2 side Rotherham United provides us with a great chance to reach the quarter finals of the League Cup for the first time in over two decades. Although the big 4 are still involved, is it really believing too much to think that we could actually win the Carling Cup?.
Tonight we are provided with the ideal draw, statistically the weakest team left in competition at home. Our Premier League performances have shown we can beat anyone at the Britannia Stadium, so another home draw in the quarter finals, providing we beat Rotherham, would give us a fantastic chance to reach the semi finals and just one step away from a Wembley final in a major cup competition. We've never lost at Wembley, and as Tottenham proved last season, anything can happen in a final.
In recent years Stoke's League Cup performances have been painful, with regular 1st round defeats to League 2 opposition such as Darlington, Mansfield and Rochdale among others, and heavy defeats when we have negotiated the first few rounds, such as the 8-0 reverse against Liverpool.
These results will mean no Stokie will be taking tonights opponants lightly, but a victory tonight might just start talk of a Wembley return around the Potteries, and who knows maybe our second major trophy is on the horizon.

Plucky Potters Bag Point With Bore Draw

Wigan Athletic 0-0 Stoke City

IT was never going to be a classic, but Stoke picked up their second away point of the season after a largly forgettable 0-0 draw against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

The Potters lined up with the same eleven that memorably beat Arsenal last weekend and a made a bright start forcing several early throw ins that predictably caused problems for the Wigan defence.

But it was the home side who applied the most early pressure with Jason Koumas swinging over several early crosses and firing a 25 yard free kick well over, before Antonio Valencia tested Thomas Sorensen with a low shot through the crowd from the edge of the area in an uneventful first half.

Arsene Wenger's comments about Stoke being an over physical side may have had an effect on referee Mike Riley who never missed an opportunity to penalise the Potters and was quick to pull out the yellow card when Ryan Shawcross fouled England striker Emile Heskey. However, when Heskey's strike partner Amr Zaki took a clear dive when Shawcross went in for a challenge on the Egyptian moments later, Riley decided against a booking despite acknowleging that Zaki had dived.

The much hyped Zaki was having a quiet afternoon as Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye coped well with the duel threat of Heskey and Zaki, whilst Ricardo Fuller was also having a reasonably quiet afternoon as somewhat suprisingly Titus Bramble neutralised the threat from the Jamaican with relative ease.

In the second half Stoke began to sit back and invite pressure, and particularly so when Mamady Sidibe was forced off injured early on. Heskey came close with a header that flashed wide before he himself was forced off replaced by Henri Camara, the man who so nearly joined the Potters on deadline day.

With only a tame Ryan Shawcross header that was easily saved by Chris Kirkland to get exited about, Stoke's attack had seemingly dried up and sloppy passing in the midfield led to a barrage of attacks from Wigan. The Potters were thankful for the excellent Sorensen and some poor Wigan finishing for keeping the score at 0-0. Zaki headed over from six yards, before Sorensen made one particulary impressive double save first saving with his feet from Wilson Palacios and then claiming Titus Bramble's follow up shot as Stoke held on.


The Potters then needed a goal line clearence from the impressive Shawcross who diverted Mario Melchiot's header away from goal with Sorensen beaten. Stoke won several corners in the final minutes, but they were comfortably dealt with by the Wigan defence as the game petered out into a drab 0-0 draw.

Man of the Match - Thomas Sorensen - Kept Stoke in the game with several crucial saves to earn a well deserved clean sheet.

Attendance - 15,881

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Koumas, Heskey (Camara,57), Zaki.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Diao, Olofinjana (Whelan,86), Amdy Faye (Cresswell,84), Delap, Fuller, Sidibe (Kitson,47).

Wigan Athletic (A) Preview

The Potters make the short trip north to the JJB Stadium on Saturday (k/o 12.45) looking for their third successive victory and first away win this season.
Tony Pulis' men will be buoyed by last weeks impressive yet controversial 2-1 win over Arsenal, and will face a stern test against a Wigan side who boast the Premier League's joint top scorer in Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, and who themselves would have been delighted by last weeks 2-1 away win at Portsmouth.


Stoke Team News:- Tony Pulis is expected to field the same side which beat Arsenal at the Britannia, with Amdy Faye continuing in the centre of midfield and Seyi Olofinjana moving wide right. Mamady Sidibe is expected to continue up front as he keeps record signing Dave Kitson consigned to a place on the bench.

Wigan Team News:- Manager Steve Bruce has no fresh injury worries with captain Mario Melciot expected to shake of a virus in time to play. Bruce may decide to recall Paul Scharner to the midfield to add a more physical presence to the side.


Probable Teams:
Stoke:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Diao, Olofinjana, Amdy Faye, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller
Wigan:- Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Scharner, Heskey, Zaki

Last Stoke Visit to Wigan

Wigan Athletic 0-1 Stoke City (05-02-2005)

A 39th Minute Gifton Noel-Williams strike, following a clever John Eustace throw-in, gave Stoke all three points against a Wigan side destined for promotion to the Premier League. The result brought to an end to a poor sequence of results for the Potters and launched a late but ultimatly unsuccessful play-off push.

Abdoulaye Faye - A Man, A Machine, A Mountain

Just what were Newcastle thinking when they let Abdoulaye Faye come to Stoke for a mere £2.25 million back in August.
Faye has so far proved to be an inspired signing by Tony Pulis and must surely go down as one of the signings of the summer, not just by Stoke City but in the entire Premier League.
Faye first caught Stoke's attention during our FA Cup 3rd Round tie against the Magpies at the Britannia Stadium in January, when he produced a superb display to help deny the Potters an FA Cup scalp. It was with this in mind that Potters fans saw him as a excellent capture when Tony Pulis signed the big defender up in the summer as he assembled his squad for the Premier League.
His impact was immediate. After a frail defensive display in our opening game at Bolton, Faye's presence was felt during the home game with Aston Villa, where he marked Gabby Agbonlahor, a striker who had scored a hat-trick the week before, out of the game. Since then Faye has gone from strength to strength and has started to become something of a cult hero among fans, with his tough tackling and frankly faultless displays at the heart of the Potters' defence.
His presence also appears to be bringing out the best in fellow defender Ryan Shawcross, who seems to have stepped up a gear since partnering Faye at centre back.
I wonder if Newcastle are now regretting letting a defender as good as Abdoulaye Faye leave for the Potteries, and replace him with the near £10 million Fabricio Collocini.

Theatre of Empty Wallets

One of the highlights of our first season in the Premier League is the forthcoming trip to Old Trafford to face domestic and European champions Manchester United.
However, I'm sure many Stokies have been stunned by the astonishing ticket prices being charged for the game with some being asked to pay £50 for one adult ticket. Take into account that on top of this comes travel costs, throw in the cost of a programme and the typical money spent on food and drink, this could turn out to be one very expensive away day for Potters fans.
Can this price be justified? Yes Old Trafford is a fantastic stadium and yes some of the worlds best players will be on show (as well as a few playing for Manchester United as well), but £50 is an incredible amount of money for one ticket when you consider the current financial climate the country is in and compare it to rival prices, such as the £20 being charged by Wigan for this Saturday's clash.
You can only believe that these prices have been heavily influenced by the Glazer family who have a history of hiking ticket prices around their global sporting ventures. It provides us with a sorry reminder of how football continues to pinch the average fan in the street hard in the wallet.

Wenger Slams Stoke - Pulis Responds

You just knew it was coming didnt you. In a move more predictable than snow melting in hot weather, Arsene Wenger during his press conference before this weeks Champions League clash with Fenerbache, has accused Rory Delap and Ryan Shawcross of deliberatly setting out to injure Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor during Arsenal's 2-1 defaet at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
"Do you think Delap tried to play the ball when he tackled Walcott? Or that Shawcross tried to play the ball when he tackled Adebayor?" said Wenger
"All the players have been injured deliberately.
"For me, the brave one is not the one who tackles from behind, but the player who tries to play football. That's the coward." he added.
What Wenger failed to mention was the chest high challenge by Adebayor on Shawcross during the first half and Robin Van Persie's clear intention to play the ball when he flattened Thomas Sorensen in the second half.


Stoke manager Tony Pulis meanwhile has outlined his disappointment at Wenger's comments and has strongly defended both Ryan Shawcross and Rory Delap, as well as Stoke City as a club.
"In Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday evening Mr Wenger talked openly about Arsenal's encounter with Stoke, as being a 'typical English encounter'
"In London 48 hours later and 150 miles away from Stoke-on-Trent, Mr Wenger changed tack and has tried to rewrite history.
"Remember there was only one red card on Saturday and the last time I watched the game it certainly was not a Stoke City player who received it." said Pulis.
"As for Rory Delap's challenges on Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna - Rory is as honest and committed as they come, they were free-kicks, but Rory would never purposely go out to injure a fellow professional - it's just not in Rory's nature.
"I and my Football Club have tremendous respect for Mr Wenger and Arsenal football club, but as Mr Wenger is such a learned professional and on a great day in American electoral history, I would like to remind him of Abraham Lincoln's great quotation, 'You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time'." he added.


No one at Stoke can argue that the challenges were untidy, but for Wenger to say the players involved intended to injure his players is bordering on sour grapes following the result. Take Rory Delap for example, it was only two years ago that he himself broke his leg in his home debut against Sunderland, and I'm sure anyone who has seen him play or played against him will no doubt say he is anything but a vicious player.
Looking at the injuries Stoke could argue they were caused by bad luck more than the the challenges themselves. Walcott injured his shoulder whilst falling, Adebayor may have aggrevated his ankle further by continuing to play whilst injured and to be honest the challenge on Sagna wasnt really a bad tackle, it wasnt even deemed a foul by the referee, and if any referee was going to give a foul against Stoke, then Rob Styles would defonatly have been your man.
Its at times like this that Arsene Wenger needs to climb down from his high horse, hold his hands up and admit his team were simply beaten by the better more commited side on the day. Will he apologise for his comments? I wouldnt hold my breath.

To Throw or Not To Throw

It has now become a not so secret weapon, but Rory Delap's throws have gained nationwide attention since Arsenal became the latest team to be bamboozled by his missiles.
The long throw is a football purists' nightmare and although Arsene Wenger (at the time) was gracious enough to admit Stoke deserved their win on Saturday, he surely must have been not as impressed by the style of the win. But who cares? If it gets Stoke City points to stay in the Premier League then that is all that matters.
There are some that say Delap is only in the team for his long throws, but that may be a little harsh as a lot of the other work he does largely goes unnoticed, and he does have a tendancy to chip in with a few crucial goals, such as the winner against Tottenham and the opener against Wolves in the epic 4-2 win at Molineux last season.
The long throw is a unique weapon that surely guarantees a fit Rory Delap a place in the starting eleven week in week out, but nobody should be fooled into thinking it is all he good for, for Stoke City.

Are You Watching Paddy Power

Just for you Paddy. Who's laughing now.

Wenger Boys Thrown Out By Sublime City

Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal

QUITE SIMPLY an incredible day to be a Stoke City fan, as the Potters were deserved winners against an Arsenal side who looked anything but a top four outfit, after they became to latest team to fall by the sword that is Rory Delap's long throw.

Stoke made one change to the side that beat Sunderland 1-0 in mid-week with Amdy Faye coming in to replace the rested Tom Soares, with Seyi Olofinjana moving out onto the right side of midfield. Arsene Wenger meanwhile left star players Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie on the bench and introduced the more physical presence of Nicolas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song to the side.

The Potters started the brighter and immediatly asserted their authority on their opponents by closing them down quick enough to prevent being opened up by Arsenal's free-flowing brand of football.

On 12 minutes Ricardo Fuller forced Gael Clichy into putting the ball out for a throw, in Rory Delap teritory. The Arsenal defence knew what was coming but were slow to react allowing Fuller to nip in ahead of Kolo Toure and nod past a stranded Manuel Almunia to send the Britannia into raptures. Stoke fans could be forgiven for pinching themselves as the scoreboard read Stoke City 1-0 Arsenal.


It almost got even better moments later when a bout of penalty box pin ball lead to Delap looping a header towards goal only to see the retreating Clichy turn the ball away from goal and out for a corner. The Potters had the Gunners well and truely on the ropes.

Arsenal tried to respond but for all their speed and accuracy of passing they couldnt get behind a solid Stoke defence and were reduced to long range efferts that failed to trouble Thomas Sorensen. The closest they came to an equaliser before half-time was a snap shot from the edge of the box by Emmanuel Adebayor that was comfortably saved by Sorensen.

Following the interval the Gunners came out fired up and were almost level when Toure turned a flat near post Cesc Fabregas corner just over the bar. This was a let off for Stoke, and introduction of Theo Walcott would yet further test what had been a rock solid defence. But it was Stoke who were soon on the offensive when another Delap throw was scrambled away as far as Salif Diao who's volley from the edge of the box was well saved by Almunia.

But Stoke were not to be denied when yet another Delap launch was flicked on by Ryan Shawcross and bundled over the line by a falling Olofinjana, in front of a delirious Boothen End, as the Potters closed in on a momentous victory and yet another crucial three points in the fight for Premier League survival.

The afternoon soon got even better for Stoke and even worse for their stunned visitors when referee Rob Styles made up some what for his past discrepancies when he sent off substitute Van Persie for a needless barge on Sorensen as the Dane ran down the clock in his area.

As the game moved into injury time Arsenal ensured a nervy finish when a double deflected stike from Clichy found the bottom corner from the edge of the area, following a short Fabregas free kick.


But it was Stoke who held out for a fabulous victory over our old enemy to move further away from the drop zone and once again prove the doubters wrong that we can not only compete, but also win against the bigger teams in the Premier League. The Potters are certainly showing at the momment that they are here to stay.

Man of the Match - Mamady Sidibe - Yet another outstanding performance from big Mama. Imposed himself and quite frankly dominated Silvestre and Toure at times and as ever produced fantastic link up play with Fuller.

Attendance - 26,704

Stoke City:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Olofinjana, Diao (Whelan,78), Amdy Faye, Delap, Sidibe (Kitson,90), Fuller (Cresswell,86)

Arsenal:- Almunia, Sagna (Walcott,57), Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson (Van Persie,65), Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Bendtner, Adebayor (Vela,72)