Stoke City: Ryan Shawcross urged to focus on job in hand amid transfer speculation
STOKE boss Tony Pulis believes skipper Ryan Shawcross has yet to hit the peak of his powers.
Fresh from being called up by England for their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland, the 25-year-old defender has found himself at the centre of more transfer speculation.
-
Ryan Shawcross
Former club Manchester United – who Stoke visit today (3pm) – are rumoured to have been joined by Chelsea and Tottenham in keeping a keen eye on Shawcross' impressive development.
But Pulis says his captain hasn't fulfilled his potential just yet... and is eager to see him blossom at the Britannia.
Panasonic Store Camera•20x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens from 24mm...
View details
What Digital camera Gold award winning DMCTZ40
SAVE £20 off our store price ONLY with this voucher
Plus you can also claim a SD card or spare battery
Choice of colours, free parking behind store
Terms: Print this voucher and hand in at Panasonic Store Hanley to save £20 off our store price ONLY £269.90
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
"I think that because of his size, he won't mature until he's 27 or 28," he explained.
"That's when he will peak. So we still haven't seen the best of him.
"He's a lovely lad to work with... very dedicated. He's level-headed and down-to-earth. We make sure he stays that way.
"Now he's got to get back to work – he's up there now watching videos."
Pulis, pictured, first set eyes on Shawcross five years ago when he went incognito to a non-league ground for what must have been his best bit of scouting in 20 years of management.
"I went to watch him in a pre-season game for United's reserves at Hyde and stood with the fans," he recalled.
"Sometimes you watch a game and think 'yes, he's right for us'. I watched him for 20 minutes and thought that.
"He was a big, gangly skinny thing and very raw then. But he's got better as the years have gone on.
"We were very fortunate to get Sir Alex to say we could get him on loan, and then do a deal to sign him."
Ferguson agreed a £2m sale in January 2008, but also insisted on a clause that Stoke must inform him of any future third-party offer for Shawcross.
Pulis believes that was a small price to pay because Shawcross has since advanced his career better at Stoke than he would have done at United.
"When you look at (Nemanja) Vidic and (Rio) Ferdinand being there, I'm not sure he'd have made the progress he's made here.
"I'm sure Sir Alex is pleased as well that one of his players has come through."
Pulis is weighing up recalling Andy Wilkinson for Geoff Cameron at right-back following his return from a three-match ban at Old Trafford today.
But midfielder Glenn Whelan (hamstring) is set to miss out, with Dean Whitehead his probable replacement.
Comments
by semis
Monday, October 22 2012, 3:09AM
“One of the most important characteristics of a successful football team is a good central defence.
Tony Waddington had possibly the best central defence in the country at the time with Dennis Smith and Alan Bloor and during their reign achieved a 5th place, narrowly missing the First Division title. Not since those days have Stoke had a formidable partnership until now.
Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth are possibly the best central defence in the premiership. And long may it continue. Perhaps we can replicate what Mr. Waddington achieved, Tony Pulis is capable of that achievement.”
by bexhillpotter
Sunday, October 21 2012, 12:42PM
“I love Ryan but he obviously didn't watch enough videos!”
by Si1963
Sunday, October 21 2012, 11:51AM
“Yawn”
by PeterPotter
Saturday, October 20 2012, 1:21PM
“Stoke could offer Shawcross a 10 year contract, but if he continues to get better and better as he has, some big club will come in and pay the crazy money for him they have the ability to do. In a number of bad signings that Pulis has brought in, Shawcross is his shining star!”
by magicflute9
Saturday, October 20 2012, 10:33AM
“I fully agree Ryan plays tough beautiful football.Young and extremely talented and intuitive.To be Captain so young and for such a long time he is splendid and is the core of Stoke City. He is crucial to the success of the club.A fine strategist and wonderful negotiator always ready to intervene calmly and appropriately. A great role model. If we can temp him to stay amid Spurs Chelsea and Man U we will be wise indeed. If you read this Ryan you have done well for Stoke and now for England.I hope you choose to stay a Potter.If you see this Mr Coates and TP do your est”
by boothernender
Saturday, October 20 2012, 10:11AM
“Stoke should offer Ryan a 5 year contract as soon as possible. When the England cap does eventualy arrive then if he ever does go the club will at least get the proper fee. Fergie will be on the look out for Rio's replacement but I can't help thinking that he would not relish signing Ryan as he would look a bit silly having sold him for peanuts to Stoke and then having to buy him back for silly money. Would be great in this day and age to see Ryan do a Dennis Smith and spend the rest of his time in football at Stoke”