Articles by Raymond

Key man believes Stoke City have found ‘something we really needed last season’

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Million Manhoef is eager to return to playing in front of Stoke City fans at the bet365 Stadium, emphasizing the importance of winning individual and team battles to succeed in the Championship. Reflecting on his initial months at the club since his transfer from Vitesse Arnhem, Manhoef acknowledges the steep learning curve and the necessity of hard work and teamwork. “If you win your duels and work hard together, then the football comes out,” he notes.

Manhoef is expected to bring flair and threat on the right wing this season, highlighting the importance of unpredictability and effective runs. As Stoke prepares for their first league match against Coventry City, Manhoef praises new signing Ben Gibson’s leadership and defensive prowess, stating, “He’s a big personality in the team and keeps everyone sharp at the back. That’s something we really needed.”

At 22, Manhoef is excited about the upcoming season and aims to break Stoke’s cycle of bottom-half finishes. He hopes to help the team climb the table, contributing with goals and assists, while also improving as a player. Reflecting on the previous season, he feels confident about the team’s potential. “If we can win the duels every game, I think we can have a great season,” he asserts.

Manhoef has set personal targets for goals and assists, having scored four and set up one in his first 14 appearances. His love for playing at the bet365 Stadium and the energy from the fans motivates him to excel. “When you can hear the fans, it gives you more motivation,” he says, underscoring the importance of fan support for the team’s success.

Warriors not budging on stance amid Lauri Markkanen trade pursuit

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

With the NBA season just a couple of months away, players are at varying stages of readiness. While some are working hard to get back into game shape, others are still on vacation. For Lauri Markkanen, it seems he’s experiencing the best of both worlds. Recent reports indicate that the Utah Jazz have sent a team of coaches to work with Markkanen in his home country, suggesting they are serious about keeping him. This move casts doubt on the rumors linking him to the Golden State Warriors and implies that Markkanen is likely to remain in Utah, barring an offer that meets Jazz CEO Danny Ainge’s asking price. For the Warriors, this situation might prompt them to reassess their strategy and look for a player who fits their playstyle without parting with key assets, especially with Klay Thompson out.

Dead Pixel and SUDU team up for Wolves 2024/25 kit launch

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

Dead Pixel and SUDU have teamed up to launch the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2024/25 Premier League kit, marking a significant milestone for both parties. SUDU, a leading brand in high-performance sportswear and part of Levy Merchandising, has replaced Castore as the club’s kit sponsor. They will design the team’s strips for the upcoming season. Dead Pixel, appointed as the creative production agency, has handled the visuals for the kit announcement, including the first look at the home and away strips. Tom Hart from SUDU praised Dead Pixel for their excellent collaboration and execution, while Dead Pixel’s Kieran Edwards highlighted the seamless and rewarding nature of the project.

Celtic ace lands £30m price tag, Rangers eye Liverpool 19 y/o, new Hearts deal, Hibs close to more signings – Scottish transfers

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

Rangers are reportedly eyeing a move for teenage Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark, who is on the fringes of the Anfield first team. With new manager Arne Slot reviewing the squad, Clark could be among those permitted to go out on loan. The Athletic notes that Championship clubs Leeds United, Sheffield United, Norwich City, and Coventry City are also interested, while RB Salzburg has made a £6 million bid for the 19-year-old.

Season Review 2023-24 and Looking Forward to 2024-25 Part Three

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

**Pre-season Hopes:**

Chris Griffin (CG) reflected on his initial hopes before the 2023/24 season began. “The term ‘hopes’ accurately captures my feelings. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.”

Stuart Dawkins (SD) added, “I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.”

**Key Moments During the Season:**

CG shared his thoughts on pivotal games. “Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.”

SD expressed his fluctuating confidence. “By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.”

**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**

CG noted significant team improvements. “We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.”

SD added, “The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.”

**Season Success Rating:**

CG gave his assessment of the season’s success. “Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.”

SD concurred, “Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.”

Danny Röhl wants Sheffield Wednesday transfer business in the next few days

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer window has been bustling, with 10 new signings already secured. Manager Danny Röhl is pleased with the progress but is eager to add more players before the season opener against Plymouth Argyle, which is less than a week away. Röhl has commended the club’s summer transfer activities, yet emphasizes the importance of completing additional deals before the campaign kicks off at Hillsborough next Sunday.

Ike Ugbo remains a top target for Wednesday supporters, with the club working diligently to secure his transfer from French club Troyes. The Star reported last week that Sunderland is also vying for Ugbo’s signature, adding competition as the season’s start approaches. Röhl anticipates a “photo finish” in the Ugbo pursuit but hopes to bring in new players before the Argyle match. He stated, “The key point is that next week is the first matchday. We can wait until the end of August, but we might miss opportunities. We need to be quicker and faster than other teams.”

Jazz 2024 NBA free agency grades for every signing

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

The Utah Jazz have entered the 2024 free agency period with a strategic focus on both immediate impact and long-term growth. By combining veteran experience with youthful talent, the Jazz have crafted a balanced roster capable of competing in the demanding Western Conference. Notable signings like Johnny Juzang and Drew Eubanks address specific needs and enhance the team’s overall depth. As the season approaches, the success of these acquisitions will depend on their integration into the team’s system and their consistent contributions. If they live up to their potential, the Jazz could make a significant leap forward and challenge for a play-in spot.

Ex-Mouscron man reacts after concluding Sunderland transfer deal during summer window

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Blondy Nna Noukeu expressed his happiness at the opportunity to work with goalkeepers Anthony Patterson and Simon Moore at Sunderland. Noukeu joined the senior squad at the start of pre-season and has since been training with the first-team goalkeepers, making several appearances in friendlies. Noukeu commented, “It’s been a few weeks of hard work and patience. I believe you get what you give, and I’m really happy to have the opportunity to prove myself and showcase my quality here. Sunderland is a great place for a young player to develop, with a supportive group of players and staff.”

Reflecting on his career, Noukeu said, “I spent five years at Stoke City, progressing through the academy and 23s, and being around the first team for four years. I went on loan to Crawley and Southend. My main strengths are my work ethic and mentality, and I hope to demonstrate my attributes on the pitch.”

Conway joins: 2 signings Coventry City should try make before Stoke match on August 10th

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Nottingham Forest club captain Joe Worrall is facing an uncertain future at the City Ground, with a summer exit likely. Coventry City should persist in their efforts to sign the 27-year-old to strengthen the heart of their defense.

Worrall, who has made 226 appearances for Forest since joining at age 14, seems set to end his 13-year association with the club. Despite playing a key role in their 2022 promotion to the Premier League, he has been used sparingly since and was loaned out to Besiktas last season. Coventry manager Mark Robins has emphasized the need to add leadership to his squad following the departures of players like Kelly and Godden earlier in the summer. Worrall, with his experience and quality, would be an excellent addition to the backline for the new campaign.

Securing an agreement with Forest for Worrall before August 10 would be an ideal move for Coventry, potentially key to pushing them back into the play-off places for the 2024/25 season.

Cannon in: These 4 things happening at Stoke City will have supporters in August dreamland

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have already signed Ben Gibson as a center-back this summer but are looking to add another defender following Michael Rose’s injury, which is expected to sideline him for up to ten weeks. Currently, Stoke’s senior center-back options include Gibson, Rose, and Ben Wilmot, with promising youngsters Jaden Dixon and Freddie Anderson also in the mix. However, these young players are not expected to play regularly in the Championship.

Rose’s ankle injury during a friendly against Crewe Alexandra on July 23 has prompted head coach Steven Schumacher to prioritize signing a new center-back before the transfer window closes on August 30. While The Telegraph’s John Percy suggested that Leicester City center-back Harry Souttar could return to the bet365 Stadium on loan, this seems unlikely, leading Stoke to consider other targets such as Scott McKenna from Nottingham Forest or Michal Helik from Huddersfield Town.

Stoke fans will appreciate the addition of defensive reinforcements, given the current weaknesses compared to previous seasons. Gibson is a solid acquisition but is over 30 and has a history of injuries, while Wilmot has struggled to regain his form after consecutive back and knee injuries last year. Therefore, a new defender would be a welcome addition for the Potters.