Stoke City: No spending spree for prudent Potters, warns Peter Coates

“What do you think of Whelan SCFC4EVA ? Oh and where do you live ?”

“How many defenders do the opposition put on our wingers SCFC4?

3 or 4?”

“watch out flint, i saw that one fly right over your head”

“Never said Pulis was like Guardiola, or even inferred it in any way. But if you wish to make comments like that, feel free.”

“Wilson is a midfielder playing defender due to lack of a real left back to play there, once again hence me putting we need a left back. Pulis is like Guardiola eh flint, stock piling midfielders because our strength and so much of our play goes through the middle.
If only !!!”

“Correction: the last season our wingers were ineffective in the league. If Pennant and Etherington had been ineffective two seasons ago we would not have reached the FA Cup final that season. Arismendi is likely to be going on loan again I'd wager, whilst Wilson and Cameron are considered defenders before midfielders. I'd wager money that Wilson would move to right back before moving into the midfield, whereas Cameron CAN play in midfield, just as he CAN play at full back, but his preference is central defence where he can challenge for a spot. So that reduces that list of midfielders down to five with Palacios, Ness, Whelan, Whitehead and Delap fighting for two spots. Even six isn't terrible if Arismendi doesn't go on loan. Look at top clubs, they always get praised for strength in depth. I'd love strength in depth on the wings as we do in the midfield, but I'd rather praise a department on the pitch than criticise it for a perceived overcrowding.”

“current midfielders on the books: Whelan, Delap, Arismendi, Whitehead, Palacios, WIlson and now Ness and soon to be Cameron . A spot on the team that is pretty insignificant to Pulis as far as how the game moves forward, but one in which he has (or will have) 8 players to choose from, which is why I listed an attacking midfielder as needed, not another defender.the opposition are all too aware that we attack ONLY from the wings which is why our wingers have been shut down by them for the last 2 seasons.”

“Another thing SCFC4EVA, our formation dictates that we only use defensive midfielders. Supposing we could afford Kaka he would be slotting into the centre of the midfield because he wouldn't be suitable. If you want attacking midfielders, look at it as I do that we attack through the wings rather than the centre.

Also though you list players we don't need and list three central midfielders. And you say we don't need cover?! Personally I don't agree that Whelan and Delap should be sold, even if they have reduced playing time this coming season. Neither would bring in a transfer fee and both offer something to the club, even if they aren't alway capable of delivering it on weekly basis.”

“SCFC4EVA, people have been complaining about central midfield for years so I would consider that a place to invest in. As for central defence, yes we did need a replacement for Woodgate. If Huth and/or Shawcross pick up injuries we will need cover. Remember Newcastle at home this season just gone where we had Woodgate and Upson as the centre pairing and Huth at full back. You're not saying you want to see a situation similar to that again are you?

And deadly, I'd hope that if the planning permission or whatever it is was denied, Coates would be willing to invest enough money into the club whilst he was searching for a more suitable location for the academy to be based. Here's hoping though that it will be alright where it is! Save the fuss!”

“Training the kids might go out of the window any way,seeing as there has been loads of objections to the Academy at Claytonwood.The council have had to refer it to the Government, as they cannot make a decision themselves.If refused we could lose our grade one academy status,which means we will attract less young players.A big step backwards in the club trying to be self sufficient.”