Ben Gibson

Stoke City Hit with Major Setback: Key Midfielder Out, Trio One Step from Suspension

10/11/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City will be without Wouter Burger for their upcoming match against Queens Park Rangers after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Burger was cautioned for dissent following a controversial decision in the match against Millwall, where referee Will Finnie failed to award Stoke a penalty for a foul on Burger by Jake Cooper. Although Finnie later apologized for the error, the yellow card stands, leaving Burger suspended for the November 23 fixture. Additionally, three other Stoke players—Ben Gibson, Ben Wilmot, and Andrew Moran—are walking a yellow card tightrope, with each one needing to avoid another booking before December 7 to prevent a suspension.

Jerry Yates Loses His Cool: The Real Issue Derby County Can’t Ignore

03/11/2024 Raymond 0

Derby County’s pursuit of an elusive away win in the Championship continued in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. In a scrappy first half, Stoke took the lead after Tom Cannon won a penalty, but Derby equalized after the break thanks to an own goal by Ben Gibson. Hopes of securing a point were dashed when Gibson redeemed himself by heading in a late corner, sealing all three points for Stoke.

Despite Derby’s honest effort, the game highlighted familiar issues: a lack of cohesion in attack, difficulty maintaining possession, and missed opportunities in the final third. Jerry Yates struggled up front with little support, and Derby’s limited transfer budget has left them thin in offensive options. Midfielder Ebou Adams stood out as a reliable performer, showcasing his grit and determination, though he still has room to improve technically. If Derby is to thrive in the Championship, they’ll need to address these gaps, especially in their strikeforce, as they continue their search for stability away from home.

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.

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.

Stoke chose Ben Gibson over Jake Clarke-Salter

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

The Telegraph’s Midlands football reporter John Percy highlighted in May that Stoke had identified Jake Clarke-Salter as their top target for the summer transfer window, especially with Ben Wilmot and Michael Rose as their only senior centre-back options under contract at the time. Percy indicated that Clarke-Salter’s price tag was expected to range between £5-7 million, with interest also coming from several Premier League clubs.

Stoke City: Capitalising on Norwich City call looks smarter after QPR, Wolves fee talk – View

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have already made a significant transfer decision this summer as they aim to climb the Championship table next season under Steven Schumacher. The Potters have signed standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and dynamic wing-back Eric Junior Bocat from Rotherham United and Sint-Truiden, respectively. This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy transfer market period for Schumacher as he shapes his squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Burger stays: How Stoke City’s perfect 2024 summer transfer window surely looks

08/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City under Steven Schumacher are gearing up for the 2024/25 season with strategic transfer moves aimed at bolstering their squad. Already, they’ve secured key signings like goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, defender Ben Gibson, and wing-back Eric Junior Bocat. Despite these additions, the departure of longstanding players like Tyrese Campbell and several contract expirations has left Schumacher with substantial work to do in reshaping the team.

One crucial figure in their plans is Wouter Burger, whose impactful debut season has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Stoke faces a challenge in retaining him amidst reported bids, with a fee around £12 million potentially luring him away. Meanwhile, the club hopes to convince Ki-Jana Hoever to return following a successful loan spell, despite uncertainties about his role at Wolves.