Simon Lowe: Even Stoke's 'sensible' supporters are now unhappy
ARE we getting to the point where forces combine to undermine six years of success at Stoke City?
Are we about to encounter one of those maelstroms that have all too often seen the Potters implode?
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Simon Lowe good
A lack of specialist full-backs, a determination to play one way and only one way, an insistence in selecting out of form players and the loss of belief and atmosphere amongst the crowd – these are all factors (amongst others) which have caused frustration.
That is now being exposed by a failure to pull off results, or indeed performances, worthy of five seasons in the Premier League and the huge amount of money the club have spent on players.
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While the likes of Wilson Palacios, Michael Owen, Tuncay and Eidur Gudjohnsen have been expensive flops, players such as Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch are selected ahead of others seemingly just because they work "ard". At least this is the perception of what is now a large and vocal group of fans.
It manifested itself on Saturday in cheering... but cheering at the departure of Walters, a player regarded by many as TP's blue-eyed boy, when he was substituted.
Then there was the booing.
Booing at the end of a home defeat is fairly typical, I suppose, but that which greeted the referee's whistle on Saturday was a little more heartfelt this time.
You could argue that as Stoke remain solidly mid-table and have only lost at home twice this season, it was unjustified.
But TP's post-match outburst on BBC Radio Stoke, in which he said "sensible supporters will realise we need a bit of help" indicated the heightened levels of frustration at the Brit right now.
It wasn't a clever comment, and plays into the hands of those whose agenda has now moved on to causing upset for the manager. And they have more and more of a case.
Stoke haven't pushed on this season, the famous three-year plan doesn't seem to have made any progress, and people are questioning the manager's position. Not surprisingly, given all TP has done for the club, he doesn't like it.
The wider problem is that there are now many Stokies who don't believe Pulis is the man to undertake the ongoing surgery his team needs.
But it is also true that while Peter Coates is involved with the club, the manager will remain. He and Pulis go together like bangers and mash, oatcakes and cheese or Sir Alex Ferguson and hairdryers.
However, while that remains the case, the vocal minority will continue to grow louder and stronger – unless results and performances improve.
It feels like we're approaching a crossroads. The problem is there are plenty of instances in Stoke's history when the turn taken has produced a sinking to rival that of the Titanic.
4 Comments
by Pottersruleok
Monday, March 04 2013, 2:49PM
“I have to admit, this is the very first article in this paper that I have read that actually brings out all the very same things us on here and out in the public have been talking about ! Maybe now that the local newspaper is actually talking about Pulis and what he is doing ,some people will wake up, take notice and do something about it !!”
by stonemel
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:56AM
“Can you please make a list of the things Pulis has done since our promotion to the Premiership.
Keeping us in the Premiership over the last five seasons has not been the difficult job that many make out. There has been a succession of poor teams annually which have helped to make Stoke more buoyant and Pulis has also been very well backed in the transfer market. This year I cannot see QPR, Villa or Reading getting more than thirty points.
In the last three seasons our playing record in the league has declined and this year is looking like being our worst and yet the article talks about "Successes".”
by alfie12
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:10AM
“I think I am "sensible" Stoke fan who appreciates what the club and Tony Pulis has achieved. However, since December 2011 performances generally have been disappointing. I have been patient hoping for a change but it doesn't. I am sure now player confidence is starting to evapourate it can't be easy for the coaching staff/manager. The fans can help but they need something to cheer and that is ultimately down to the manager. This needs to happen soon as relegation is a still a possibility. Seven points from ten games to achieve the 40 point target looks a tough ask after Saturday. Whatever does happen I will be selecting my games next season and not buying a season ticket. £400 for maybe four entertaining/exciting games is a tad steep!”
by Juzzah
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:10AM
“"Not surprisingly, given all TP has done for the club, he doesn't like it" - What exactly has he done for the club? He has made Stoke the worst footballing team in the premiership, he has made you one of the most boring teams to watch and he is doing a better impression of the Stoke fans favourite villan, Arsene Wenger than Wenger does himself! Yes he has got you promotion but I will guarantee he was paid handsomely for doing this, which is just part of his job, he doesn't do it for free you know! TP has taken Stoke as far as he can and needs replacing as if he stays Stoke are only going one way, further and further down the table”