Hello from Potters-Online

[john68]

Welcome Mr Potter,
It's always good to have a neutral but honestview of your club and the lads on here are nowt but honest.

1...Champions...I will be disappointed with anything less. That's not arrogance, I think we have the best playing squad in the League and great strength in depth to see us through any hard times. Plenty of competition for places among some some quality players to keep them on their toes.
2...David Silva is without doubt the heartbeat of the team but for the 1st time in many years, I see a team in almost all senses of the word.
3...Tevez gave us what we needed when we needed it....Thanks for that Carlos. City knew he was off and had already replaced him with Aguero...so no problem there. Despite being a great player, he sems pretty thick as a person and seems to do the4 bidding of his puppet master Joorabchian, who is using Tevez for his own purposes. In the past, that has served Tevez's bank balance well but on this occasion, having been replaced and trying to take on the Sheik, he has bitten off more than he can chew. The club holds all the cards on this.
4...Memories of some pretty horrendous battles in the old Boothen End in the 60s. Never really took to Stoke fans. Sort of feel a bit sorry for Pullis, hard to hate someone that must have been destroyed that day at Wembley when in charge of Gillingham. I also think he licks Taggarts arse publically too. Great respect for your chairman who I think is a top bloke. For the record, he got his big financial break at Maine Road, when City gave him a long term contract for stadium catering.
5...Keep it together and I think you could possibly lead the chasing pack...maybe 8th.
6...Depends on which Man City turn up and what the energy levels are.We will win but it could be a hard fought game. On the other hand, we could just as easily go into scoring mode and plonk plenty in your net...Either 2-1 or as muany as 5/6-1.

As I said, I'm not being arrogant, that is my honest assessment on what I have seen. We have played some awesome stuff this season, Mancini is a perfectionist (or moaning git?) and we are still evolving and (hopefully) improving. As scary for us fans as it may be for our opposition.

[Arjan Van Schotte]

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

we've done shithot football at times, simple as that. the ONLY time i've felt slightly deflated after a game has been the european ones, but i think we were a little naive.

top 2.and i think i have to add the caveat of top 2 in the PREMIER LEAUGUE. coz i don't believe that i believe that.

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)

there's not really anyone who isn't a "star man" in the first XI.

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

fuck him. he's thick as shit. but he will re-emerge somewhere else and prove what a fucking good footballer he is.

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?

some nasty fans, and whoever said earlier that the britannia is a proper "old school" ground needs to see a doctor. identikit legoland ground, where you have to park 5 miles away and suck in the incinerator fumes on a particularly cold day.

however, the ones who aren't "nasty" are ace, and get behind their team, and everyone envies a bit of that.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?

top 8. i think pulis is a great manager, and no-one should be apologising for playing the football you do - the aim of the game is to use the players you have to win a game of football. reminds me a lot of dave bassett, mixing the agricultural with the practical, and a litle bit of flair.

6. What is your score prediction ?


as i have never got this question right i'll go 1-0 stoke.

[King Kev]

Crikey !!

Don't pull any punches will you ;)

We get a lot of bad press but I watch us week in week out and we are evolving as a team, second half yesterday we played some brilliant FOOTBALL !!

There are no rules against using a long throw in, it's a form of attack for us so why shouldn't we use it ?

It wasn't to long ago we were both fighting for our lives in the 1st division and I don't remember Man City playing that much free flowing football in those days ! You've had an astronomical cash injection that has allowed you to play attractive football, fair play to you, you have some of the worlds best players at the Etihad these days, you should be playing good football.

We know we can't compete with you, the rags, Chelski and the likes so why shouldn't we try and level the playing field a little ??

As regards to our fans, how many other teams supporters would have stayed behind after loosing the FA cup final to Applaud the winning team collecting the trophy ? We boo the opposition not because we dislike them but because we have seen on numerous occasions we can get to a player, see Gareth Bale vs Spurs the other week and SWP vs yourselves in the 1st season we came up at the Brit !It's just another thing we do to try and level the playing field a little.

I've always liked Man City, I live in Cheshire these days so I have lots of mates who have season tickets anyone but the red shite from Salford, even they can admit that we aren't what the media perceive us to be. :)

Sorry, I was under the impression that you wanted our opinions.

If you just wanted us to patronise you, you should have said!

I think Stoke are ambassadors for smaller Premier League clubs. They have shown that it is possible to compete with the big boys even on a limited budget. Their tactics may not please everybody but they play to their strengths and who can blame them for that!
Their fans are loud and loyal. They can create an intimidating atmosphere at home games that embodies the spirit of the 12th man.
I respect and admire clubs like Stoke and it is great to see them involved in European competition and 'living the dream'
I wish you all the best for this season and the future.

Was that any better?

[Avalon]

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?
I think it is fair to say that most of us are surprised by the start. I genuinely am shocked by our explosive start and I hope we can carry this through until the end. I think we will win this one, but we should definitely remain in the top two at worst

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)
At the moment, I am going with David Silva

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??
Handled well by the club and a player that should never be allowed near City again, let alone to any other club. A disgrace to football

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?
I was pleased when you guys promoted, as I always want the small clubs to do well, hence I was rooting for Blackpool last season. I'm surprised that you guys have been doing pretty well. Don't get rid of Pulis. The style of football isn't my cup of tea, but you gotta do with what you have. Best of luck to you guys.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?
At best, I say top 8. At worst, probably around 12th.

6. What is your score prediction ?
I'm going for a 2-0 victory

[Potters-Online]

Thanks for all the replies so far :)

Crikey !!

Don't pull any punches will you ;)

We get a lot of bad press but I watch us week in week out and we are evolving as a team, second half yesterday we played some brilliant FOOTBALL !!

There are no rules against using a long throw in, it's a form of attack for us so why shouldn't we use it ?

It wasn't to long ago we were both fighting for our lives in the 1st division and I don't remember Man City playing that much free flowing football in those days ! You've had an astronomical cash injection that has allowed you to play attractive football, fair play to you, you have some of the worlds best players at the Etihad these days, you should be playing good football.

We know we can't compete with you, the rags, Chelski and the likes so why shouldn't we try and level the playing field a little ??

As regards to our fans, how many other teams supporters would have stayed behind after loosing the FA cup final to Applaud the winning team collecting the trophy ? We boo the opposition not because we dislike them but because we have seen on numerous occasions we can get to a player, see Gareth Bale vs Spurs the other week and SWP vs yourselves in the 1st season we came up at the Brit !It's just another thing we do to try and level the playing field a little.

I've always liked Man City, I live in Cheshire these days so I have lots of mates who have season tickets anyone but the red shite from Salford, even they can admit that we aren't what the media perceive us to be. :)

Sorry, I was under the impression that you wanted our opinions.

If you just wanted us to patronise you, you should have said!

I think Stoke are ambassadors for smaller Premier League clubs. They have shown that it is possible to compete with the big boys even on a limited budget. Their tactics may not please everybody but they play to their strengths and who can blame them for that!
Their fans are loud and loyal. They can create an intimidating atmosphere at home games that embodies the spirit of the 12th man.
I respect and admire clubs like Stoke and it is great to see them involved in European competition and 'living the dream'
I wish you all the best for this season and the future.

Was that any better?

Perfect thank you ;)

I never edit any of these, exactly whats posted here will be put on the thread, I enjoy talking to fans from other clubs and often discussions away from the questions I've asked arise. Normally with a discussion both sides have something to say and thats how conversation develops, I thought that was what was happening and wanted to give you some of my opinions as well, after all who's better place to pass judgment on a club than an actual fan :) I wouldn't dream of professing I knew anything about Man City other than what I see on the box, I'm interested to learn a little more about another club each time I do one of these and in turn hope that I can give those interested a bit more of an incite into mine.

Obviously I've crossed wires somewhere, so I will get back in my box and just wait for the questions to be answered ;)

[sandman]

how many other teams supporters would have stayed behind after loosing the FA cup final to Applaud the winning team collecting the trophy ?

That for me was one of the most respectful things I have ever seen in football, at the semi final most of our opposing fans were already back at their homes in zone one or in line at the Heathrow check-in desks by the final whistle.

I think that shows the great mentality of Stoke fans.

[Fesan]

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

Better than we could have hoped for, hope for first but did not expect it before the season. Still think it will be tight and think we'll either take first or second place.

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ?
Silva is the star of the season but has not been his old self the last few games. Balo is a goal a game as of late so I'd maybe say watch out for him, but if Silva is not man-marked the whole game he'll tear you apart:-)

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

He is everything that is wrong with the game and should be sued for all he's got and more. Make an example of him.

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?

I think that teams like Stoke are what makes the PL the best league in the world. If it were not for teams doing everything they can to punch above their weight we would not have a league where every game is hard and it would just be like La Liga. Because there can be an upset every week and the bottom teams can beat the top teams we got a competative league with many top teams and many decent teams. Noone knows who will end up bottom or top at the end of the season and we always see teams overperform. Thus I am happy we got teams like Stoke in the PL.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?

You've had a decent start but I think the tough schedule up ahead will affect the teams with the smallest squads the most. Unfortunately I see you at the bottom half, but with some luck regarding injuries you might surprise me and claim a 8-10th spot:-)

6. What is your score prediction ?

Since we are at home I think we will score a few goals. Depends on your approach to the game but since we scored two vs Everton playing 9-1-0 I think we'll manage to put atleast a few past you even if you park the pottery. If you come at us I think we'll see a bigger scoreline but maybe one in our net too:-)

http://www.potters-online.co.uk

[ja0005]

Hi everybody, Potters fan in peace here,

Looking forward to out game on Wednesday ? Hoping for a good game, were on a decent run but we are under no illusions, it's going to be a tough game ! You are going to win the title this year, I said it after the F.A cup final (Shudder) :), that was the catalyst for you I think and it's hard to see past you having gold patches on your sleeves next season.

Anyway down to the reason I am here, I have just launched a brand new forum for Stoke fans called Potters-Online and we hope to do a regular opposition view feature.

If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions for me and I will pop back on later in the week to pick up the responses, Of course I will add a link to the forum in the post as well.

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

I think we're doing much better than anyone expected. Some excellent performances, some merely great!. Don't want to tempt fate by saying where we'll finish. I've been a blue too long.

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)

Silva is absolute magic, worth the entrance fee on his own. But there are many others - beware!

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

He's a disgrace to football. Proud of the way we're handling it by letting him have all the rope he needs. Its also a bit sad, he could have had legendary status if he helped us to the league, poss champs league. And his agent is a slimy cunt.

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?

I think they're alright. I think they've evolved a bit each season and are not as one dimensional as they were when they came up. The towel thing is a bit Sunday league, and they should be pulled up for timewasting more often at throw ins. Pulis is a Fergie lap dog who rolls over and has his belly tickled against the rags.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?

Could finish top ten, will end up around 13th due to Europa League

6. What is your score prediction ?

3-1

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer these few questions, I will be back later in the week to pick up the responses, in the mean time if any of you want to talk about the match with us, you are more than welcome, the site is brand new so it's a little quiet at the moment.

http://www.potters-online.co.uk

[Ted Hughes]

how many other teams supporters would have stayed behind after loosing the FA cup final to Applaud the winning team collecting the trophy ?

That for me was one of the most respectful things I have ever seen in football, at the semi final most of our opposing fans were already back at their homes in zone one or in line at the Heathrow check-in desks by the final whistle.

I think that shows the great mentality of Stoke fans.

It was a very classy thing to do & they deserve respect for it..

[dazby]

I have a lot of respect for Stoke. The thing that can't be denied about them is that they are unique. Noone else thought of making a truly attacking weapon out of the throw in. It's dramatic and a different challenge.

I'd really like them to play Barca one day, preferably on a cold wet weeknight.

[BobbyJ1956]

1. City are doing better than I've seen for 40 years. Champions in 2012.
2. David Silva. (But Aguero's ball control and turn of speed make him lethal.)
3. Tevez got City the Cup and 3rd place last year. Great player, more than averagely flawed man. He's gone.
4. Quite like Stoke, they're playing better football than their reputation allows, but a manager who wears a baseball cap is just a prat.
5. 7th or 8th.
6. If they score early, 4-0 to Manchester City

[marvin]

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

I thought we'd improve, but didn't expect to have done so well. However, Utd are still favourites in my eyes because they have such a hige squad, and in the 2nd half of the season when games come thick and fast, that will be a factor. I expect to finish 2nd

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)
Obviously Silva. I think he will be rested against Stoke. I'd expect AJ to play, and Dzeko. There are so many dangermen

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

Bored with it. blame Joorabchian for a lot of it

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?
I like the fans, but hate the way you play the game. Sorry!

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?
6th

6. What is your score prediction ?
2-0 to Man City

[brite blu sky]

I can't add anything to your City questions that hasn't already been said. You haven't asked about Mancini. So I will stick mu neck out and say that while the media is starting to wake up to what he brings to City and the Prem, give it a while and obviously trophies and they will all be sucking his balls. Personally I have never seen a manager re-organise and set up a squad in such a methodical and clear planned way as Mancini, yes he has the resources but he looks like he knows what he wants and I think there is still a good bit in his locker to come. Completely won over by him.

As for Stoke, putting the past aside completely, I enjoy what Stoke bring to the party, a real test for any and all teams and at home you just wouldn't be surprised at them beating anyone at all. That I think is some accolade for the resources at the club. In details I respect the approach that initially made Stoke a tricky team to deal with and solid in defence, what we have seen from that now is that base can be built on. Adding a bit of flair and creativity and technical ability gives Stoke another dimension.. one that then demands the opposition managers have to take into account, less predictable in my book means a better team more able to dish it out.

It remains to be seen what impact the Europa has on this season, with a bit of luck fixtures might allow you enough wins to stay ahead of the main pack but playing through the Europa will put a strain on the whole squad and some results will have to be really dredged out. The diff between 7th and 12th can amount to a couple of wins through the season that's all. I expect you lot to stay in the Europa and would back you to have a go at going all the way. If I were a Stoke fan I'd want the club to go for it and put the Prem on hold for a year literally. That said there would be some sense in aiming to get back in the Europa, use the money to improve the squad and look to really solidify a top half status. IMO the upcoming difficulty for Pulis is how to keep evolving Stoke's play without undermining what they have built.

[Mikhail Chigorin]

I have a lot of respect for Stoke. The thing that can't be denied about them is that they are unique.[color=#FF0000] Noone else thought of making a truly attacking weapon out of the throw in[/color]. It's dramatic and a different challenge.

I'd really like them to play Barca one day, preferably on a cold wet weeknight.

Mind you, Chelsea were doing it in the late 60s/early 70s with Ian Hutchison's long throws (and windmill arm action), for anyone who remembers.

[simon12]

1. City are doing what we wanted but never expected this year. Champions in 2012 all the same.
2. David Silva. Gareth Barry goes about his job quietly tho.
3. His adviser is shit at advising
4. Don`t mind Stoke. You`ve got some fans that like a rumble but so have most clubs, us included. You`re still being tarnished with the brush from the last 2 seasons but I think you`ve moved on, the throw in is part of your armoury (should Barca stop playing Xavi and Iniesta cos they`re too good, it`s up to the oppostion to deal with it its not like we don`t know you do it). I also agree about the baseball cap...knob.
5. 8th.
6. 4 -1 to Manchester City. You`ll score.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

[s1ty m]

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

We are top of the league, 13 wins from 16 games and 50 goals scored. 50. Enough said. 1st.

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)

Silva.

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

He's a turd.

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?

Anti-football, pretty horrible. I loathe Pulis, horrible little chavvy cappy git. I thought his applauding City going up to the get the Cup was worthy of respect though.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?

10th.

6. What is your score prediction ?

3-0.

[Slim]

4. What are your views on Stoke City ? Sorry but I hate them. They are the anti-football of the Premier League, I hate the long-throw tactics, it's FOOTball FFS. I am also not too keen on the Stoke fans, apart from Everton fans they must be the most paranoid in the league and always find a reason to boo an opposition player and seem to think the world is against them - Sorry, you did ask.

I got the feeling you were having a bad day when you popped into this thread, cause you were not only harsh but kinda smarmy towards the Potter and that's not you...it's me, and I don't like the competition, so watch it.

Anyways, I went onto potters-online and had a bit of a poke around and you'd be surprised how similar they are to us.

tony pullis reckons this is stokes best ever year and i rekon hes rite.hes not talking best ever season best calendar year.when you think all the fa cup run beating bolton 5 and first ever fa cup final appearence .the ten european games and 8th in the premier league its a good debateable topic folks .what you all reckon ,best season for me was 72 but best year 2011.

Not being around in 72 I will have to say that this year is the best for me, purely because it's the best we've ever had in my lifetime !!

I still have to pinch myself at times, I mean who would have thought 5-6 years ago we would be planning a trip to play Valencia in a European competition. Absolutely fantastic, we all owe Sir Peter, TP and everyone involved a great deal for bringing the good times back to our club. So many years in the wilderness, all seem worth while now !!

Just sitting here nearing the end of December and thinking this has been the best year of my Stoke Supporting life.

Awesome cup run
4-0 at home against Newcastle
3-1 against Arsenal
Demolishing Bolton in the Semi
The FA CUP final (bar the result)
Another Prem season secured
Some awesome signings
Europa qualifiers
Competitive European football
Holding Chelski & Manure at home
Decent away wins in at WBA (shocker) , Everton,
Qualifying for the last 32 of the Europa league


WHAT A FUCKING YEAR!!

I dunno about you, but a couple of years ago this would have been a standout year for us as well and now...well I am pinching myself as well.

[Beefymcfc]

Hi Potters-Online, seeing as you are asking us then let's ask you the same:

1. How do you think Stoke have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table?

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? Anyone we should watch out for? <----- Definately not a Daft Question, I'm sure :)

3. What are your feelings/thoughts before, during and after the Cup Final?

4. What are your honest opinions on Man City (money and all that)?

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table?

6. What is your score prediction?

And finally:

7. Can you confirm the origin of the 'Delilah' chant that you've picked up?

Cheers.

[Crossie]

Crikey !!

Don't pull any punches will you ;)

We get a lot of bad press but I watch us week in week out and we are evolving as a team, second half yesterday we played some brilliant FOOTBALL !!

There are no rules against using a long throw in, it's a form of attack for us so why shouldn't we use it ?

It wasn't to long ago we were both fighting for our lives in the 1st division and I don't remember Man City playing that much free flowing football in those days ! You've had an astronomical cash injection that has allowed you to play attractive football, fair play to you, you have some of the worlds best players at the Etihad these days, you should be playing good football.

We know we can't compete with you, the rags, Chelski and the likes so why shouldn't we try and level the playing field a little ??

As regards to our fans, how many other teams supporters would have stayed behind after loosing the FA cup final to Applaud the winning team collecting the trophy ? We boo the opposition not because we dislike them but because we have seen on numerous occasions we can get to a player, see Gareth Bale vs Spurs the other week and SWP vs yourselves in the 1st season we came up at the Brit !It's just another thing we do to try and level the playing field a little.

I've always liked Man City, I live in Cheshire these days so I have lots of mates who have season tickets anyone but the red shite from Salford, even they can admit that we aren't what the media perceive us to be. :)

Fantastic reply. Stoke just went up in my estimations. Well done.

[Mark Garrett]

My responses are:

1. How do you think Man City have done so far this season, and where do you think you will finish in the table ?

I think we have been unbelievably good and Mancini has to take great credit for building this side. If we go into the New Year on top or at worst 2-3 pts behind United we have got a great chance of winning the league with 4 of the other 5 best sides in the league to come to Eastlands.

2. Who is your star man at the moment ? anyone we should watch out for ? <----- Daft Question im sure :)

David Silva has been our best player but equally Gareth Barry and Micah Richards have also had outstanding seasons.

3. What are your feelings on the Carlos Tevez saga ??

Think Mancini and the club have handled it well. Will always be thankful for Tevez's performances in the 2 years but will be remembered as the guy who threw it all away when he could have become a City legend.

4. What are your views on Stoke City ?

Good side. Some people say you play ugly, which at times you do, but fair play to Stoke - they nearly always play 2 wingers and 2 centre forwards and the atmosphere at the Britannia is very good.

5. Where do you think we can finish in the table ?

I think Stoke will be 8th.

6. What is your score prediction ?

Don't like doing score predictions, but will go with 2-0 to City. Aguero and Johnson