Mark Hughes’ ‘Real Coup’ Gamble Backfires as Stoke City Suffers Costly Eight-Figure Loss

11/11/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City’s costly transfer of Kevin Wimmer in 2017 stands out as a defining misstep in their journey toward relegation from the Premier League. Acquired for a hefty £18 million from Tottenham Hotspur, Wimmer arrived with high expectations from manager Mark Hughes, who described the Austrian center-back as a “real coup” who would enhance Stoke’s defensive line. However, Wimmer struggled to meet these expectations, and by the season’s end, Stoke’s defense had faltered, contributing to their drop from the top flight. Following Hughes’ dismissal, Wimmer was further sidelined under new management, failing to make a first-team appearance as Stoke descended into the Championship. After multiple unsuccessful loan spells and a quiet departure in 2021, Wimmer’s time at Stoke became a painful reminder of the club’s ill-fated transfer decisions.

Stoke City Starlet Seeks Familiar Ground Ahead of Anticipated Return to Rovers

05/11/2024 Raymond 0

Ashley Phillips returns to Ewood Park this Wednesday, not as a Blackburn player but as a determined Stoke City defender. Starting his career at Blackburn, Phillips has come full circle, now seeking to showcase his growth and Stoke’s progress since his summer 2023 move to Spurs. His loan spell has had its challenges—adjusting to a new coach and bouncing back from a concussion—but he’s found comfort in being closer to home and in a squad that’s beginning to gel. Reflecting on Stoke’s recent 2-1 win over Derby, Phillips noted the “togetherness” and the steady improvements, signs that the team is on an upward path under coach Narcis Pelach. Confident and settled, Phillips is ready to make his mark once more on familiar turf.

Ipswich and Leicester eye ‘fabulous’ player Daniel Farke wanted to replace Glen Kamara at Leeds

08/08/2024 Raymond 0

The Telegraph reports that all three newly-promoted Premier League clubs—Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton—are vying to sign Oliver Skipp. Skipp, praised as “fabulous” by Glenn Hoddle, is expected to leave Tottenham before the transfer window closes, with a loan move being the most likely scenario. It seems Skipp will only depart from his boyhood club for another Premier League team, rather than dropping down to the Championship to reunite with Farke.