Stoke City fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern have been impressed with their side’s summer business so far, but there is still a lot to do between now and Wednesday…
Mark Hughes has made it his job since joining Stoke to transform the club from a one-dimensional route-one side into a quick, technically gifted attacking unit.
Part of that process has been signing young, exciting stars – but our landlord thinks there needs to be more focus on the necessary departure of some of Stoke’s old-guard.
In particular, there are some members of the squad that are well past their prime; and a departure might be the best thing for their careers – as well as the for the future of Stoke.
With that said, here are THREE players that Stoke City must axe before the 31st August transfer deadline…
Shay Given
Shay Given has been a good servant to Stoke City, and over the years he has been a fantastic keeper – but our landlord thinks that his time at the highest level is up.
His form has, naturally, gotten worse over the last few years, and now at the ripe old age of 40 – that downward spiral is only going to get worse.
On a personal note, the longer he plays the more he is going to hurt his reputation as a top goalkeeper – some of the younger fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern won’t believe our landlord when he says how good Given used to be.
The effect on the club themselves could be just as bad – with any appearances that he does make potentially leading to further errors and more mistakes – costing the club points.
Thanks for the memories Shay, but it’s time to move on.
Peter Crouch
A bastion of the Tony Pulis generation, Peter Crouch has found his opportunities limited in recent years as Mark Hughes transitions away from the long-ball style of play that Stoke were once renowned for.
Mark Hughes is now signing small, talented, technical footballers – and that is exactly what the Stoke City faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern want going forward. Crouch just doesn’t fit that mould.
One particularly vocal member in the Stoke corner of the Tavern has been calling for Crouch to leave the club for years!
At 35, his career is beginning to wind down – and like Shay Given he should look to get out with his reputation still intact. Maybe one last big payday in America or China would work for the veteran striker.
Sorry Peter, but no hat-trick against Stevenage can save you now.
Stephen Ireland
Fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern expected big things from Steven Ireland when he was a youngster, but in recent years he has seen his reputation dwindle.
Last season he failed to make a single Premier League start for Stoke, a sign of the times for the Irish midfielder.
Long term injuries have troubled him in recent years, with a leg break in May the latest to keep him out for an extended period of time.
At 30 years old, things are only going to get worse for Ireland, and with no starting role on the horizon – our landlord thinks that now is time for him to get out.
