Month: September 2024

Sunderland’s Dan Ballard Weighs In on Regis Le Bris and the Impact of Managerial Changes

04/09/2024 Raymond 0

Dan Ballard, Sunderland’s defender, recently reflected on the club’s challenging previous season, marked by multiple managerial changes. He admitted that the constant turnover wasn’t ideal but highlighted a renewed sense of optimism at the Stadium of Light, driven by Sunderland’s strong start to the Championship. Ballard, who returned from injury last month, praised the clear and effective playing style under new manager Regis Le Bris, which has significantly boosted the team’s confidence. Despite the setbacks of last season, Ballard is optimistic about the future, both for Sunderland and his role in the Northern Ireland squad following Jonny Evans’ retirement from international football.

How Liverpool and Spurs’ Transfer Moves Could Be the Key to Solving Stoke City’s Long-Standing Dilemma

04/09/2024 Raymond 0

This summer, Steven Schumacher and Jon Walters entered the loan market with a clear strategy in mind, mindful of the financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play. Their focus was on carefully selecting young, talented players who could add real value to Stoke City’s squad. Securing the likes of Tom Cannon, Andrew Moran, Lewis Koumas, and Ashley Phillips required patience and a strong pitch to convince both the players and their parent clubs that Stoke was the ideal destination.

As the season unfolds, there’s a growing sense of optimism surrounding these new additions. This approach marks a departure from the club’s previous tendency to sign loanees with the hope of making them permanent, which often led to forgettable squad members. Instead, the focus is now on youth, with pathways being created for academy graduates and younger players being entrusted with more prominent roles, resulting in the youngest starting XI in Stoke’s history in recent games. This shift reflects a broader change in philosophy, as Stoke City looks to the future with renewed energy and ambition.

No Image

Leicester City’s Bold Move Could Be the Key to Solving Stoke City’s Biggest Challenge

04/09/2024 Raymond 0

Tom Cannon’s arrival on loan presents a pivotal opportunity for Stoke City, and manager Steven Schumacher is keen to make the most of it. Despite his youth, Cannon has more Championship experience than other options, making him the clear choice for the starting striker role after being handed the number nine shirt. With ten goals in just 33 games, he has shown promise, averaging a goal every two and a half games. If Cannon can stay fit and slightly improve his scoring rate, he could be a game-changer for Stoke, who are eager to break out of a cycle of mediocrity and push for a play-off spot this season.