I Love Stoke City

STOKE HIT A HIGH NOTE

Posted on March 25, 2014

Since Stoke City earned their promotion to the Premier League in 2008, the highest spot they have finished to secure was in the 2009-10 season when they got into the 11th spot.

Stoke City’s last few league matches have seen them claiming victories against West Ham United, Arsenal and Manchester United as they are trying to earn a higher spot in the Premier League and according to the Irish defender of the squad, Marc Wilson he says that the team is focused on accomplishing it.

Wilson said: “The manager, staff and all the guys have been saying we want to keep this run going until the end of the season. We have eight games left. All the lads are focused on picking up as many points as we can, and we want to finish in the top 10.”

The positive season that Stoke City is enjoying is proof that Mark Hughes appointment as the head coach of the team was a good decision by the staff members of the club.
Peter Odemwingie made his way from Cardiff City to Stoke City during the January transfer window and he is thankful that Mark Hughes has given him the chance to play on the main team for the last couple of matches.

‘’When a player lacks confidence it’s a huge difference. When I came, they gave me the chance to play 90 minutes. When you have the backing, the players believe in you, it makes a whole difference’’.

“You’re not playing, thinking, ‘they might sub me now’, and I feel relaxed. Things are going well for me. You’re still nervous sometimes because it’s a new club and I want to do a lot because they gave me that opportunity in January. But with time and goals, I will feel more at home and just play my football.” The 32 years old forward, Peter Odemwingie said.

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HUGHES SURPRISED

Posted on March 7, 2014

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has stated that he is surprised by the good form Arsenal have shown this season. After long been considered as a team incapable of winning a major title, Arsenal have finally managed to put together a title challenge this campaign.

The last Premier league title that they won was back in 2004, but this Arsenal team is in contention with Chelsea and Manchester City for the title. Mark Hughes, who came close to winning the league title with Manchester City a few years ago, says that this good run of form has been unexpected from Arsenal.

His Stoke team take on Arsenal at the Britannia stadium this weekend. Many expected Arsenal’s title challenge to fall off even before the season reached Christmas. However, they have just one point separating them from table leaders Chelsea, although the trip to Britannia stadium will be a huge test for the gunners. They have failed to win in the last two visits there, while Arsenal have got just one win in the last seven trips to the Britannia.

Stoke have several reasons to perform well and get a win themselves. They are just three points above the relegation zone in the 15th place. Hughes will want to end the season comfortably without any relegation fears.

“It has been surprising I think. It would be fair to say I didn’t expect them to maintain it. They have always been an outstanding team and they have great ability within their ranks, but I just felt maybe they wouldn’t have the ability to sustain a challenge. I think there are possibly stronger challengers, stronger teams that could take it away from them. I think everybody anticipates that it is going to be really close this year and is likely to go to the last weekend,” said Hughes.

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