Stoke City has a significant number of foundational elements that need to be established to elevate the club to its full potential. Despite having some of the wealthiest owners in the Championship, the Potters have consistently found themselves in the middle of the pack, rarely posing a serious threat to achieve higher standings or promotions.
On occasion, teams like Stoke City experience relegation scares, similar to what the club faced last season. However, for the most part, Stoke, along with other teams, tends to settle into a stable, unremarkable position, often having little to play for as the season nears its end.
Steven Schumacher has been tasked with changing this status quo, and a successful summer transfer window will be crucial in reshaping the team’s fortunes. The club has been linked with Mickel Miller, a former player of Schumacher’s. TEAMtalk reported that Stoke is considering a move for Miller, a wing-back currently with Plymouth Argyle, where contract renewal talks have stalled.
Miller has also attracted interest from Preston North End, Portsmouth, and Oxford United, who may also look to take advantage of the uncertain contract situation, as noted by Football Insider.
From a Stoke fan’s perspective, Liam Burks, a pundit for Football League World, believes that strengthening the left side of the defense is essential for the Potters this summer. However, he does not view Mickel Miller as an outstanding option to bolster their backline.
“I’m not a huge fan of Stoke being linked with Miller, personally,” said Birks. “We’ve had a few times when managers have had previous players and it’s not really worked out. He’s 28 and seems to be quite injury prone, if you listen to Plymouth fans.
“Left-back is certainly a place that we need at least cover in. We’ve got Enda Stevens at the moment who is no spring chicken, and he spent most of last season out injured.
“When he did play he gave us decent balance, it’s just his fitness that’s an issue. I’d like to see us sign a young understudy for him. We have been linked with Sam McCallum who was at Norwich City last season.
“A signing like that would be good but, me personally, I wouldn’t fancy us going for Miller.”