Steven Schumacher

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.

“I’m not a huge fan” – Stoke City urged against Steven Schumacher transfer reunion

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City has numerous 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 consistently find themselves in the middle of the pack, rarely posing a serious threat to achieve higher standings.

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.

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.

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.

QPR concern not over despite £1m-a-year Stoke City deal: View

13/06/2024 Raymond 0

With two years remaining on his contract, securing him with QPR until the end of the 2025/26 season, it’s suggested that the club would demand a fee of £5-7 million for Jake Clarke-Salter’s services this summer. Despite Stoke City’s recent acquisition of center-back Ben Gibson, QPR should still be concerned about the Potters’ interest in Clarke-Salter.

Given the rigors of a full season, it would be a significant challenge for any club to manage with just three center-backs. Stoke often plays with two center-backs, leaving them with only one player to cover both positions. Considering the likelihood of injuries and suspensions throughout the season, this situation would put them at a high risk of selection issues. Hence, it would be prudent for the club to bring in another central defender to alleviate the pressure on their current options, providing more flexibility for rotation and reducing the risk of unwanted absences.

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.

If Wouter Burger leaves Stoke City for Spurs, Coventry City could hold ideal replacement: View

26/05/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City is gearing up for the 2024/25 Championship season, determined to improve on their lackluster performance from the previous year. Finishing in 17th place and narrowly avoiding relegation by six points, the team faces significant pressure to climb the standings under the leadership of manager Steven Schumacher, who is entering his first full season at the helm.

With the summer transfer window open and the club’s retained list announced, Stoke is focusing on strengthening key areas of their squad to ensure a successful season ahead. However, the team’s plans might be disrupted as one of their standout players, Wouter Burger, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United are reportedly keen on signing Burger, who joined Stoke just last year on a four-year contract.

Burger’s arrival at Stoke’s bet365 Stadium was unexpected, given his links to higher-tier clubs. Nonetheless, his decision to join the Potters has proven wise. The 23-year-old played 39 Championship games, scoring three goals and providing four assists, becoming a crucial player for Schumacher. Despite his recent arrival, Burger’s leadership qualities shone through, as he captained the team in Josh Laurent’s absence on nine occasions.