Lou Macari: Trust me, Stoke will be safe and sound again
I DON'T think Stoke fans should get too wound up about their team's seemingly tough start to next season.
There is no escaping the fact there are some pretty big names awaiting Stoke in the first few weeks.
But even if they get off to a poor start, they will never be too far behind those clubs they must finish above to avoid relegation.
I see the Premier League being split into two groups next term – a top eight and a bottom 12.
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Stoke will be in that bottom 12, and then it's three from that 12 for the drop, but I don't see Stoke being one of them, no chance.
They've got more than enough in the locker when you compare them to Norwich City and Swansea City, who I'm sure will both struggle under their new managers, and also the three teams who are coming up this term – Reading, Southampton and West Ham.
There are always another one or two clubs who surprisingly struggle because they've get things horribly wrong for one reason or another, but I don't see Stoke City being one of them.
Comments
by NOONESHOME
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 9:55PM
“If Lou says we will be ok, that is good enough for me.He bulit on of the most exciting teams i have had the pleasure seeing at stoke,so he know the crack.Cheers Lou.”
by baystokie
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 8:24PM
“Nothing like giving the fans WHAT they want to hear!
Unless Stoke start signing some FOOTBALLERS instead of ATHLETES, I can see them being in the bottom six for most of the season.
The present squad is incapable of improvement and with the likelihood of last season's 36 goals scored being scarcely improved, the long winter will start somewhat sooner than the calendar wil show.”
by JTFLINT2009
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 5:46PM
“Hadis, I wouldn't consider Laudrup as a manager with a great track record. Plus Chris Hughton got the sack from Newcastle (officially) because they feared relegation under him. I don't think either of the two teams will improve on the position they acquired last sesaon, whilst relegation could be possible depending on their signings in the summer. As for the new boys, take Southampton for instance facing Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal in the first few weeks. Our manager's worried about two of those teams (plus Chelsea) in our opening games so surely Adkins must be concerned. They might prove to be giant-killers, but the like all promoted teams, they can't rely on adrenaline to get them through an entire season.”
by Hadis53
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 1:18PM
“But why does Lou think these things? Why does he think new managers will be a handicap to Swansea and Norwich when the managers concerned have great track records? Why does he think the newly promoted teams will struggle despite their large, enthusiastic support and considerable financial clout? Why does he think Stoke will not be among the strugglers, when last season's poor goal tally might indicate otherwise?
I understand he is trying to be reassuring, but with no explanation of how he reaches these conclusions I feel less than reassured. I just hope he's right.”
by Dizzy1960
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 11:32AM
“I hope you're right Lou! Just hope we get that much needed midfielder who can find that quality pass and can you have a word with your contacts to see if we can get Sturridge to become our latest Boothen End hero?”
by Fentoner
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 9:46AM
“Wise words Louie, great insight.”