Michael Baggaley: Stoke City technical director Mark Cartwright searches the world for Potters' talent
STOKE'S stewards were under instructions to remove any provocative banners on Saturday, although during the build-up to the game it was hard to say whether 'Pulis Out' or 'Pulis In' slogans would be the more controversial.
The manager has come under more sustained fire than at any time since seven years ago when he had just returned to the club and one outraged Stokie stockpiled 10,000 red cards in his shed.
He's enjoyed remarkable success since then, but City's run of one win in eleven league games has brought to the surface complaints about performances which have been rumbling for at least 12 months.
Some want the manager out, but, and I have no way of proving this, I think there are a greater number who, like me, want him to stay and deliver more entertaining football.
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Terms:
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Saturday, June 01 2013
It's something of a moot point at the moment though because the bloke in charge, chairman Peter Coates, was prominent across the media last week to make crystal clear that his faith in Pulis has not been shaken.
I didn't see any banners, for or against, on Saturday, although there was a chant of 'Tony Pulis's Barmy Army' from the Boothen End in the first half which seemed like a section of fans making a determined point. At the end of this goalless draw the vast majority of fans in the ground applauded the team off, although it has to be said the home ends were half empty in injury-time as thousands of supporters headed for the buses and car parks.
They missed Stoke's best chance of the game as Kenwyne Jones beat Jonass Olsson in the air to chest down a cross in injury-time, but then stab a 12-yard volley straight at a relieved Ben Foster.
This was pretty much Stoke's only clear-cut chance on goal, but that's not to say this was a dreadful performance from City.
They didn't create a huge amount, but there at least seemed some positive intent as they pressed West Brom high up the pitch, Steve Nzonzi was encouraged to power forward from central midfield and Matthew Etherington was brought into the game as much as possible on the left.
West Brom were never allowed to settle and created even less than Stoke, so have to take their share of the blame for the inevitable last-on-Match-of-The-Day slot.
There was only one team who looked interested in winning it in the final stages as Stoke tried to put the Baggies under sustained pressure.
City looked better as an attacking force with the return of Etherington after two games out with a back injury.
That gave Stoke some width, and let's not forget balance after they started at Newcastle with no left-footed players in the side.
Stoke still need a genuine winger on the right if they are to get back to the entertaining football they were playing in their run to the FA Cup final two years ago.
Pulis was hoping Michael Kightly would fill the role performed by Pennant during that run, but the former Wolves winger just hasn't found the form. I was speaking to a colleague in the Wolverhampton media this week and he said, having seen Pennant on loan at Molineux this season, he would much rather have Kightly.
Either Kightly has dropped below his old Wolves form at Stoke, or Pennant dropped below his old Stoke form at Wolves. Probably both.
Even so, if, as seems likely, TP is still the man in charge in the summer, he'll surely make another winger a top priority.
He should have more options now Stoke have appointed Mark Cartwright as technical director.
In an in-depth interview in Saturday's Sentinel, Cartwright explained how he plans to build up Stoke's scouting network abroad.
But whether the manager makes his next signing from Mozambique or Middlesbrough, getting Stoke fans on the edge of their seats again has to be a priority. At the moment, when the manager says supporters have been spoiled by steak and chips every week, his critics tell him he's talking a load of horse meat.
4 Comments
by FrankK
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:52AM
“No disrespect to Kightly who has time to improve, but Pennant on form is twice the player. However, Pennant is one of those who needs encouragement & to that feel he's wanted at the club to reinstill self-belief. Pulis has played that aspect all wrong!
No time for egos. We need to get our best 11 right & play them. That's a major part of your job Mr Pulis.”
by FrankK
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:51AM
“No disrespect to Kightly who has time to improve, but Pennant on form is twice the player. However, Pennant is one of those who needs encouragement & tofeel he's wanted at the club to reinstill self-belief. Pulis has played that aspect all wrong! No time for egos. We need to play our best 11.”
by ro3erto
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:06AM
“It WAS a dreadful performance on Saturday, Michael. We were crude and again totally lacking in creativity. Also, WBA were just as likely to win at the death - overall they had the better chances by a country mile. Guts, hard work and organization are crucial attributes but against good sides they just aren't enough. Sorry.”
by ro3erto
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:05AM
“It WAS a dreadful performance on Saturday, Michael. We were crude and again totally lacking in creativity. Also, WBA were just as likely to win at the death - overall they had the better chances by a country mile. Guts, hard work and organization are crucial attributes but against good sides they just aren't enough. Sorry.”