“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.

Sheffield Wednesday: Josh Windass and Will Vaulks developments will not help Dejphon Chansiri – View

16/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday faces a pivotal summer after securing their Championship status. The Owls seemed set for an immediate return to League One following a disastrous start under Xisco Munoz. However, under Danny Rohl’s guidance, they managed a remarkable turnaround, finishing 20th and ensuring their survival. Fears of losing Rohl were alleviated when he signed a new long-term contract last month.

Rohl now focuses on rebuilding the squad, with loanees like James Beadle and Jeff Hendrick returning to their parent clubs, and several players, including Ciaran Brennan and George Byers, being released. Cameron Dawson, Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Di’Shon Bernard, Will Vaulks, Barry Bannan, and Josh Windass were offered new deals, but only Palmer and Bannan have committed so far. Dawson seeks regular first-team football elsewhere, and Vaulks has joined Oxford United, while Windass, amid interest from multiple clubs, is the latest to reject a new contract. These departures heighten scrutiny on owner Dejphon Chansiri as the club navigates this crucial period.

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.