Stoke City

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.

Reviving a Lost Legacy: The Stoke City Tradition That Ended with a Legendary Pub Crawl

02/11/2024 Raymond 0

Two decades ago, Stoke City’s 2-1 win over Derby County was made unforgettable as more than a hundred Elvis Presley impersonators filled the stadium to cheer on their team. Led by fans dressed as “The King,” the celebration included a halftime karaoke contest and a spirited city-wide pub crawl, all in support of the Donna Louise Trust. This unique tradition, known as “Elvis Day,” had been an annual highlight since 1998, bringing fans in quiffs and flared pants to the east stand each season. Though it ended in 2004, the memory of those lively, Elvis-themed matches remains strong—perhaps hinting at the need for a comeback.

From Derby to Stoke: My Bold Move and the Real Reasons Behind It

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Having managed both Stoke City and Derby County, I’m no stranger to either club. I’ve discussed my move from Derby’s Pride Park to Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium before, but sometimes you need to reevaluate where you stand professionally and make the best decision for your career. At Derby, we narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and I was incredibly eager to build on that success. I understood the need to reduce the squad’s age, improve athleticism, and probably lower the budget. I was ready to take on these challenges, but in some key discussions, it felt like we weren’t fully aligned on a forward-thinking plan.

Ultimately, it was a tough call, and I often discuss it with Derby fans, who I still encounter regularly. Most understand; they know what it’s like to face career decisions in their own lives. If Derby had been committed to a concrete plan to reach the top six again, I’d have stayed. I came to Derby to pursue promotion, and in my first full season, we reached the playoffs but fell short in the semifinals.

Reflecting on my time at Stoke, I remember reaching a point where we were just three points shy of the top six. It was frustrating to work so hard and face so many challenges. In hindsight, I let my frustration show, especially in post-game comments. If I had paused to consider what the club and fans had endured since relegation from the Premier League, I might have fostered more unity and adjusted my approach.

Why This Derby County Star Will Be Crucial for Stoke City – and Why I Don’t Regret Letting Him Go

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Gary Rowett previews the Stoke City versus Derby County match this weekend, noting both teams’ current form and tactical strengths. Derby has improved their away form recently, gaining confidence, though they need to turn those draws into wins. Stoke, meanwhile, has shown inconsistency, creating an opportunity for Derby, especially as they bring their strong wing play and set-piece advantages. Rowett points out that while Derby’s use of wide wingers allows them to bypass a crowded midfield, Stoke leans heavily on central play. Key players like Eiran Cashin, whose defensive abilities and tactical awareness will be crucial in containing Stoke’s Tom Cannon, could make all the difference in a tightly competitive game.

Stoke City’s Spiral into the Most Perilous Emotion in Football

31/10/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City fans find themselves caught in a seemingly endless loop, one where hope feels as fragile as ever. At the bet365 Stadium, once a fortress of resilience and pride, now lingers a palpable sense of frustration—a frustration not directed at one person or even one season, but at years of recurring missteps. The appointment of Narcis Pelach as manager hasn’t provided any sense of a new beginning; rather, it’s a reminder of the pattern that has become all too familiar. Each managerial change, each new crop of players, brings a flicker of hope that soon fades as the club finds itself stuck in the same cycle of mediocrity.

The reality is that Stoke’s struggles are no longer about entitlement or misplaced expectations; they’re rooted in the club’s lost identity. Once feared and respected, Stoke prided itself on its unique, gritty character. But after years of relegation, high player turnover, and financial limitations, that spirit feels nearly unreachable. Fans don’t boo because they expect a return to Premier League glory; they do it out of frustration with a club that feels adrift, unable to reclaim what once made it thrive. For Stoke City supporters, apathy now seems like the final, most dangerous emotion—the quiet resignation of those who’ve seen this story play out too many times before.

Spurs Starlet Wows Fans with ‘Sexy’ Flick Goal for Stoke City – Pundits Predict a Bright Future

30/10/2024 Raymond 0

Center-back Ashley Phillips celebrated his first career goal in style with a remarkable backheel flick for Stoke City against Southampton. In only his second appearance under new head coach Narcis Pelach, Phillips seized a quick opportunity late in the first half, converting a deflected header into an unexpected strike past Aaron Ramsdale. The clever move, which a Spurs fan account called a “sexy flick goal,” brought Stoke back into the game, setting the stage for an intense second half. Although the match ultimately ended in Southampton’s favor, Phillips’ impressive performance made an impact, earning Pelach’s praise and hinting at a promising future for the young defender.