The Stoke City fans playing pool in The Transfer Tavern this evening are discussing reports that one of their strikers is becoming increasingly frustrated by the amount of playing time he has received so far this season.
The Daily Mirror is reporting that Peter Crouch is becoming fed up of life out of the team after going from being a first team regular last season to playing just 45 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.
Crouch who signed a new two year deal with Stoke City January, admitted he has held talks with the manager with regards to his future at the club, and has found it tough watching on from the sidelines.
The striker has vowed to fight for his place back in the team and just wants to prove to manager Mark Hughes that he still has a huge role to play in the fortunes of Stoke City. Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Crouch said:
“It’s been frustrating. Obviously I want to be playing and I haven’t really played. Have I chatted to the manager about the situation? Obviously, yes. We speak and have dialogue and sometimes it can be frustrating. You give your opinion.”
“It’s one of those things. I think every player goes through it. It’s been very tough. We have some very decent players here. From the start of this season, I’ve not been that involved.”
“I was involved in 33 games in the Premier League last year [17 starts and 16 substitute appearances], so to be on the bench is frustrating. If I do get the opportunity to come off the bench, whenever it is, all I can do is take it.”
“There are lots of players in the position that I am in. Certainly at our club we have some top quality so I always knew this season could be like this. I’m frustrated but I want to get back in. I think we have proved with injuries the people that have come in have done a very good job.”
“The club know I will give everything for the team. When given the opportunity hopefully I can change the manager’s mind. I enjoy playing for the club. It is moving in the right direction and it’s a good place to be at the moment.”
“What I ideally want to do is force my way back in and play some more games.”
The Stoke fans in The Transfer Tavern believe that Crouch still has something to offer the team, and hope he is willing to wait a little longer to get his starting place back in the first team.
Stoke supporters, should Crouch be allowed to leave? Let us know in the comments below!
