What does the future hold for Stoke City – who yesterday saw Tony Pulis declare this summer would not see a repeat of previous big spending?
Will form, transfers, increased competition, stagnation and Wigan Athletic effect chances of top-flight survival?
I amongst many hold much admiration for the way Stoke and Tony Pulis have secured Premier League football and even graced European competition.
With an average height to rival a basketball team and a delectable array of set pieces to choose from Stoke City have always been portrayed rather unfairly. In fact they are very capable of putting together some very good football on the ground and their wing exploits are consistently dangerous.
But this is why I think Stoke City may flirt with relegation this season.
Transfers
Whilst others have strengthened this summer; things have been fairly quiet at the Britannia Stadium; the arrival of Scotland Under-21 international Jamie Ness on a free from Rangers being the solitary significant deal. Pulis has faith in his players which he would do after what they have achieved so far but a lack of dynamic fullbacks was catching them out toward the end of last season and too much reliance on Etherington, Shawcross and Crouch will see them in deep water.
Form
Stoke have not had a very impressive 2012 in the Premier League so far. With only 4 wins in their 19 league games since the turn of the year the opposition they defeated is also worrying. Two of the four victories against relegated sides Blackburn and Wolves whilst the other 2 were more impressive wins against Norwich and Swansea. Their away form is particularly worrying picking up just 6 points from a potential 30 points in 2012; if their infamous home form deserts them it could be a long season.
Stagnation
Teams either get stable or teams stagnate and the Premier League has undoubtedly had its fair share of stagnaters over the years. Off the top of my head I can think of Charlton Athletic, Southampton, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United not to mention Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers last season and Stoke could slip into this category.
Promoted teams
The promoted teams from The Championship were a class above the other 21 teams in the league with them last season and will feel ready for Premier League football. Southampton dominated the league for vast swathes of last season despite a last minute case of the yips they will be strong next season. Reading carry incredible form into the season and both clubs have exciting young managers steering the ships with financial backing behind them. West Ham have Sam Allardyce at the helm and will be looking to consolidate their Premier League status and the form of last season’s promoted teams will give them all a boost.
The ‘Wigan Athletic’ factor
Second season syndrome may help The Potters as Swansea and Norwich have also lost their managers whilst QPR continue to buy all the right ingredients with time telling if they can make a cake out of it. But with Wigan seemingly unrelegateable Stoke may still be heading for the Premier League trapdoor in 2012/13.
Do Stoke need to strengthen to avoid the drop?
images: © Ronnie Macdonald,
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