Retrospective view from the opposition – Stoke City 17 December 2016 …..
This intended pre match feedback from a Stoke fan somehow got 'sent off' before it reached Trust Towers. Undeterred and fully appreciative of the effort to send it, we've still reproduced it below, albeit restrospectively.
Reading it restrospectively though meant I was able to delight again in an incredible 'comeback' draw (as opposed to a predicted home win), but still be frustrated that the player they most feared (JV) did not get to give a 90 minute account of himself due to events out of his own control (lets just say!).
Thanks for your contribution Pete … the sending off of your write up was not to even things out!
A bit about you:
Name: Peter Machin
Current home town: Leicester
Birthplace: Stoke on Trent
How long have you supported your team?
Always. My first live game was in March 1978 where Garth Crooks scored a hat trick in a 4-2 win over Blackburn.
Overview of your club:
Favourite thing about your home ground:
It has to be the noise, especially at night games when Delilah is being belted out.
Favourite match played by your team & why:
Can't really choose between two.
Stoke v Wolves – last game of the 83-84 season we need to win to avoid relegation and do so handsomely with a 4-0 win. Just fantastic for a 13 year old. Unfortunately the next season we were relegated with 17 points and -67 goal difference, but wouldn't have missed the feeling of that 4-0 win.
Sorry to say the other was May 2008 v Leicester. It was a pretty dire game but we finally got into the premier league which I had basically given up on ever happening. It was also my last game as a season ticket holder as my eldest daughter was born that summer. Friends think it is hilarious I watched so much drivel in the lower leagues and we finally get promoted and I stop going on a regular basis.
Favourite player of all time who played for your club:
About our forthcoming match against you:
Your favourite current player in your squad and why? Marko Arnautovic – the one truly exciting and dangerous player we have
Player in your squad we should most fear and why?
Marko Arnautovic (except he will be suspended for the home game) or perhaps Joe Allen ghosting in to score the winner
Player in our squad you most fear and why?
Jamie Vardy – pace against our defence is always a problem
Up and coming prospect in your squad?
Our academy seems incapable of producing a player to come through to the first team. Of the young players Ramadan Sobhi a 19 year old Egyptian international can be exciting when running with the ball.
How do you think you’ll do against us?
Home wins on both occasions
General Questions:
What did you think of the summer transfer activity both in and out of your club? Getting Arnautovic to sign a new contract was as important as any other signing. Joe Allen has been brilliant for us. I was hoping great things from Wilfred Bony but it just hasn't happened.
Do you think you need any further additions in January? Like most teams a 20 goal a season striker would be nice. We still need cover in central defence.
Where do you think you’ll finish this season? Comfortably in mid table, hopefully higher
Which three teams do you think will get relegated from the Premiership?
Hull, Swansea and Middlesbrough
Any other comments?
Really pleased to see Huth get his champions medal. He is universally liked by all Stokies