Jon Walters

Stoke City Unveils Game-Changing Investment: Players Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Insights on Life at the Club

16/11/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have had a pivotal week, marked by reflections on the club’s past, present developments, and aspirations for the future. Despite the international break, the club has been busy, with players traveling, insights from former legends like Tony Pulis, and significant updates on Stoke’s financial and operational strategies.

The team faces challenges as Wouter Burger will miss the next Championship game against QPR due to suspension, with other key players like Ben Gibson and Andrew Moran walking a disciplinary tightrope. Meanwhile, Stoke continues to adapt under head coach Narcis Pelach, who has emphasized nutrition, video analysis, and double training sessions to improve performance. His leadership, alongside Sporting Director Jon Walters’ restructuring efforts, aims to break the club’s cycle of mid-table finishes.

Off the field, Stoke has announced plans for a state-of-the-art £30 million training facility, signaling their commitment to returning to the Premier League. This facility will rival some of the best in English football, supporting both senior and academy teams. Additionally, Stoke City Women are in remarkable form, riding an eight-game winning streak as they prepare for a critical match against Nottingham Forest.

In other news, club legend Mike Pejic has been crowned national over-70s taekwondo champion, and former players Asmir Begovic and Robert Huth have shared fond memories of their time under Tony Pulis. On the financial side, analysis by Kieran Maguire highlights the frustrations of fans, pointing to the club’s expenditure not aligning with performance since their relegation from the Premier League.

This blend of ambition, challenge, and nostalgia showcases a club striving to move forward on solid ground while honoring its rich history.

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.

What Nathan Jones told Chris Cohen about Stoke City as summer homework revealed

21/06/2024 Raymond 0

Chris Cohen has been diligently preparing for his new role at Stoke City by reviewing a dozen matches from last season and requesting clips and data from analysts. This proactive approach is aimed at ensuring he hits the ground running when the players return for pre-season training in just over a week.

Cohen has recently joined Clayton Wood as the assistant head coach, a position offered by Jon Walters. He reunites with Steven Schumacher, with whom he spent two years studying for the pro licence coaching badge. Prior to this, Cohen spent six months as assistant head coach at Lincoln City, contributing to a turnaround that saw them push for a spot in the League One play-offs. Now at Stoke, he is utilizing the off-season to meticulously plan for the upcoming challenges.

Two chats that secured Stoke City’s second transfer of the summer

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Ben Gibson revealed that he had candid conversations with his friend Jon Walters while deciding if Stoke City was the right club for him. The centre-back, leaving Norwich City after four years and a successful season finishing in the Championship play-off places, had several offers but wanted a clear picture of what was happening inside Stoke before committing.

Gibson emphasized the importance of the club’s direction over its facilities and history. “I’ve spoken about the magnitude of the club, the unbelievable owners, the facilities, the stadium, but what really matters to me is where are we heading?” he said. He made it clear that if Stoke’s aim was only to replicate last season or settle as a mid-table Championship team, he wouldn’t have signed. Gibson also spoke with head coach Steven Schumacher to ensure everyone at Stoke shared the same vision, noting that aligning with the manager’s style of play was crucial.

Stoke City transfer state of play as transfer window opens

14/06/2024 Raymond 0

The summer transfer window officially opens today, and Stoke City has already secured two new signings. Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and free agent center-back Ben Gibson, formerly of Norwich, have joined the club. Additionally, contracts for backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding and left-back Enda Stevens have been extended.

This summer’s transfer activity is expected to differ significantly from last year’s, with fewer deals and more familiar names being brought in. Sporting director Jon Walters has been actively scouting games, while manager Steven Schumacher has clearly defined his requirements. A notable change in the transfer department saw Jared Dublin replaced by Lee Darnbrough as head of recruitment, bringing in valuable experience from his time at Hull City, West Brom, Burnley, and Norwich.

Key player movements include the departure of Tyrese Campbell after eight years with Stoke, while Jordan Thompson’s contract option was exercised, and Enda Stevens re-signed for another year. Stoke’s focus now shifts to finding a main striker to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Stoke City starting XI for next season as Steven Schumacher gets early business done

09/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City has bid farewell to five key players from their starting lineup, determined to promptly fill these gaps. Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, right-back Ki-Jana Hoever, center-half Luke McNally, and attacking midfielder Luke Cundle have all returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells, while striker Tyrese Campbell departs at the end of his contract.

Junior Tchamadeu is set to replace Hoever, with Lynden Gooch providing competition. Seventeen-year-old Sol Sidibe, recently called up to England’s under-18 team, is expected to be a major part of the first team squad during pre-season, potentially sharing minutes with midfielders Jordan Thompson, Wouter Burger, Josh Laurent, Ben Pearson, and Lewis Baker. Viktor Johansson has joined as the new number one goalkeeper from Rotherham United.

In defense, Ben Gibson joins Michael Rose and Ben Wilmot. Left-back Enda Stevens has extended his contract, but given his injury history, additional cover may be sought. The center-forward position remains a top priority, with Ryan Mmaee and Niall Ennis eager to prove themselves, and youngsters Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe aiming to catch the coach’s attention.

The transfer window remains open, and Stoke City expects further player movements, both in and out, marking a proactive shift from the previous year’s unsettled pre-season.

Every Premier League and Championship free agent for Stoke City to consider so far this summer

02/06/2024 Raymond 0

The free agent market is attracting significant attention from both Premier League and Championship clubs, as managers and recruitment chiefs seek out bargains, gambles, and hidden gems. Stoke City has already initiated their summer activity by signing goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, taking advantage of a relegation release clause. Head coach Steven Schumacher and sporting director Jon Walters are focused on enhancing the first team squad by adding balance and quality, particularly seeking one or two strikers and a center-back.

Several Premier League clubs have yet to confirm their retained lists following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign. In the Championship, Cardiff City and Leeds United have also not published their lists. Below is a summary of the current group of players without a contract beyond June 30.