Stoke City and conflicting mid-table philosophy

By Neal Hepworth, writing from Middlesbrough

If Stoke City make it to the FA Cup final this season will it be at the expense of their Premier League status? It’s something i can relate to fully, having watched Middlesbrough make it to both domestic cup finals during the 1996/7 only to be relegated at the end of the season (in an admittedly controversial manner). They sit comfortably near the bottom of the form table with just one win in six and have struggled to arrest a slide which leaves them just 3 points above the relegation spaces in an increasingly tight league.

Realistically, Stoke City’s success in securing their Premier League status should be celebrated, they leave you under no pretensions as to the quality of their play. Their ‘win by any means neccessary’ is what has allowed them to become an established Premier League club on a small budget, and the discipline displayed on the field is something perennial ‘yoyo clubs’ such as Wolves would do well to take note of. Yet this outlook appeared to be on the brink of change at the beginning of the season. Tuncay, Jermaine Pennant and Eidur Gudjohnsen along with ‘franchise player’ Matthew Etherington showed hints of a brand of football far removed from the much maligned Rory Delap era. Their first few seasons of consolidation looked to be moving to a realm of better football, better results and more enjoyment for everyone involved. There were even whispers of Europe League places making their way across the terraces.

(Source: philosofooty)