Stoke Today

As long suffering away fans we made the short journey to Stoke, optimistic that Peter Grant has managed to instill some passion and some defensive organisation. That lasted until the kick-off, seeing Doc as a holding midfielder, and Hughes as a left winger, and Dion alone up front. Tactically it looked barmy, and indeed it was.

Doc has no distribution skills, gave away silly free-kicks, and frequently dropped into a back 5.
Hughes, hopelessly out of position, gave no width.
Colin, often caught up field, if Stoke had a left winger, it could have been a cricket score.
Robinson, did nothing.
Croft, so many times ran into wide positions, but no support.
Dublin, worked hard, encouraging the team, but nobody near for the headers.
Shacks & Drury, did ok amongst the shambles.
Dickson, did nothing in the midfield.
Ashdown, how's he better than Gallagher? can't kick, got sent off, no organisation of the defence.
Fleming, where was the organisation?

subs Eagle, hit balls in the box, never tried to beat his man. Thorne, gave Dion a partner, but did very little. Gallagher, no chance with the penalty, but for the other goals there was nothing in front of him.

Peter Grant, I hope, has learnt a big lesson today. Without Hucks Earnie and Safri, the squad he's inherited is wafer thin, and frankly not good enough.

There were probably over 2,000 fans there today. We deserve more. Peter, I hope that you understand that, and sort out these complacent underachievers that Worthy's left you with. The perfomance today was unacceptable, and I hope that you saw it the same way.

CC

Posted By: cheshire canary, Oct 28, 19:37:08