Stoke City: Matthew Etherington told he has big future at Potters
MATTHEW Etherington has been assured he still has a productive future at Stoke City, despite his recent eclipse.
The 31-year-old winger has started just one Premier League game since Michael Kightly's arrival from Wolves in the summer.
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Matthew Etherington has been told he still has a big future at the club.
He admitted earlier this year that his form had fallen below his usual high standards.
But now manager Tony Pulis has insisted Etherington will add plenty more appearances to the 134 next to his name since arriving from West Ham in January 2009.
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"Matty has had a dip in form," Pulis acknowledged, "and there are lot of reasons why players can lose form.
"But over the past couple of weeks in training he's really looked back to his best and I for one can't wait to get him back into the team.
"Irrespective of what people might be saying, Matty has got a massive future at this football club.
"A fit, dynamic and athletic Matthew Etherington is something we haven't got elsewhere in the squad.
"His ability to run with the ball, let alone his crossing ability and his value at set pieces, has been something crucial to the team over the years."
But Pulis hinted he is unlikely to squeeze Etherington into Saturday's starting line-up against Swansea after utilising Kightly and Jon Walters on the flanks in recent weeks.
"The team has been playing well," he stated, "so at the moment it is difficult to change it."
And after seeing Walters recover from the four-inch gash left by David Luiz's challenge at Chelsea, and Geoff Cameron slot in so capably for the suspended Andy Wilkinson at right-back, Pulis seems certain to remain loyal to the 11 starting at Stamford Bridge as Stoke seek a first win of the season when they take on Swansea (3pm).
Pulis also believes Peter Crouch's on-going contribution to both the team and the football club can be easily overlooked following the recent publicity surrounding the arrivals of Michael Owen and Charlie Adam.
"All the new lads are settling in and buying in to what we are doing at Stoke City," added Pulis, "but for me Peter was a real marquee signing when we bought him last year.
"He's the one who really lifted the bar for us at that time – and he has since gone on to prove why we were so keen to bring him in.
"I think his performances this season have also been absolutely fantastic, while everyone can see and hear what our supporters think of him."
Comments
by STHolder
Friday, September 28 2012, 11:56AM
“Ady, you stated "recently split". He popped the question a fortnight ago - its on her twitter with pics? So you're saying they have split since then? Someone better tell them...!”
by AdyPearce
Friday, September 28 2012, 8:42AM
“StHolder, when they originally split, it was because Pennant was always out on the "razzle".
His razzle partner is Etherington? This maybe not the case right at this present moment mate, but let me assure you it happened within last 1 month. I frequent many corporate events, Pennant usually pops up with/without his sidekick wing wizard.
You recall Pennant being mysteriously dropped from Everton away last year? He was in Dickies Casino at 3am, in manchester, night before match I know cause I was there also.
Ethers is a gambler, always was and always will be? He plays poorly when he's in debt and not winning? What more can I say mate.”
by STHolder
Friday, September 28 2012, 8:19AM
“AdyPearce - Last week JP got engaged to the aforementioned "stunning girlfriend". Whats your point?”
by AdyPearce
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:11PM
“I wonder why Etherington isn't playing well? Wondering why also Pennant isn't in the team?
Well, TP isn't happy with Pennant, Etheringtons form has slumped? Do you remember why Etherington was so cheap when we bought him, ever wondered who drives Pennant to the night clubs cause he can't get there himself? Ever wondered why Pennant recently split from his absolutely stunning girlfriend?
Checkout casinos in manchester
Answers on a postcard to
Tony Pullis, c/o Stoke City Football Club....”
by AdyPearce
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:08PM
“I wonder why Erherington isn't playing well? Wondering why also Penant isn't in the team?
Well, TP isn't happy with Pennant, Etheringtins form has slumped? Do you remember why Etherington was so cheap when we bought him, ever wondered who drives Pennant to the night clubs cause he can't get there himself? Ever wondered by Pennant recently split from his absolutely stunning girlfriend?
Checkout http://tinyurl.com/8vfxkfc
Answers on a postcard to
Tony Pullis, c/o Stoke City Football Club....”
by Obama4prez
Thursday, September 27 2012, 4:58PM
“Etheringtons dip in form was in line with the defensive system adopted by Pulis where his main role was covering back in defence as we had little possession. And we did get the ball there was very little support from midfield of fullbacks so he got increasingly isolated. Add to that some really ferocious tackling that went unpunished leaving him less than 100% fit. A fit Etherington in an attack-minded Stoke line-up is a terrfic asset to any team. He may just be the ace in the hole we have yearned for to create the goals we so dearly lack.”
by MrDAP
Thursday, September 27 2012, 3:50PM
“Bexhill: how do you know Pennant is being treated abominably?”
by bexhillpotter
Thursday, September 27 2012, 3:12PM
“What about Pennant then TP? He is being treated abominably at present, but he is a much better player than Ether!”
by UmBongo
Thursday, September 27 2012, 2:23PM
“PeterPotter AKA SCFC4EVA/Soccerfoot. *yawn*
A repeat offender if there ever was one. Literally.”
by PeterPotter
Thursday, September 27 2012, 2:00PM
“Unfortunately and for whatever strange reason, Etherington's quality has been severely lacking last season and what he has contributed so far this season. He cant' get past a defender to save his life. I hope maybe some regular starts can help him recover his form, because he is such a joy to watch when he is playing well. I just hope he hasn't caught Walters' disease, because if so he can just forget about it!
AMOODY, i agree with what you said about Kightly and i couldn't help but cringe when he was interviewed the other day and said that the fans have not seen the real him yet because he has been doing so much defending! surprise, surprise.”