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The problem is that too few of "Team England" have read / seen Waiting for Godot or Groundhog Day. I predict the following: 1. England stagger through group by skin of their teeth and qualify for France 2016 2. Everyone agrees that qualification is the most important thing (which it is). 3...

Apologies for the update, but there was a glaring omission at 23: 1. England qualify flakily for Brazil 2014 (and France, Russia and Qatar) 2. Everyone agrees that qualification is the most important thing (which it is). 3. Pundits and journalists begin to talk earnestly about a "new...

In general Stoke fans were underwhelmed when Hughes was appointed. The parting of the ways with Pulis split opinion. Not because of the direction the club was taking - that looked to be South, notwithstanding what he has done at Palace - more out of a recognition of what he'd achieved - which...

Here's my prediction. I think we are comfortably now at number 17. 1. England qualify flakily for Brazil 2014 (and France, Russia and Qatar) 2. Everyone agrees that qualification is the most important thing (which it is). 3. Pundits and journalists begin to talk earnestly about a "new...

Apologies - I posted nearly these exact words on a contribution to the "general" forum earlier this w/e. Just to endorse the original post: I am a Stokie, and came on here a couple of times twelve months ago, for obvious reasons. Two things. First - mercenaries attaching themselves to...

I am a Stokie, and came on here a couple of times twelve months ago, for obvious reasons. Two things. First - mercenaries attaching themselves to successful flags of football convenience is (as you know) nothing new. When I was growing up in Leek in the 60s, "supporting" Man U was...

Occasional Stokey visitor here. The comments here are remarkable and welcome. As remarkable and welcome, in fact, as the atmosphere before, during and after the cup final. The bad press issue is an interesting one. It is very easy for journalists to fall into lazy cliches - as we all know...

If it's not already been noted above, there is a separate thread on the Stoke site. Amazingly, Mr Doyle turned out over 100 times for us as well. Not only is he fondly remembered (including as a member of the team that got us promotion in 78/79), but one chap has remarked that he was a man of...

There must be a strong case for a re-run or two on daytime TV. In one of the very early episodes I recall that he loses his temper when confronting and uncovering the culprit. Unheard of on any other occasion - and very powerful as a result. Can anyone confirm or refute that? Plus Falk was...

I posted a few times on here before and after the Cup Final. I thought it was interesting to get a different perspective, and also worth trying to raise the level of debate above some (the minority) of the dreary abuse both here and on the Stoke site. Not because I found it offensive, but...

Dear Mr BackHeel I am a Stokey (and funnily enough my father in law is a life long Man City supporter - going back to the early 50s, and quite possibly before). I took my kids (7 and 9) to Wembley for both the semi and the final. Virtually every Stoke fan I have heard or read recognises...

I am also a Stokey, and the atmosphere on Saturday was remarkably civilised both before and after the game. We chatted and shared insecurities with any number of Man City fans on the way to and from the match. That civilised approach did not diminish the passion (a much overused word, but...

Dear BlueMooners Forgive the intrusion - a bit like going into someone's house and giving them advice on how to raise their kids or that their record (sic) collection lacks taste. Personally I think the the role of the manager is sometimes overstated - not quite the science it is sometimes...

Dear Califormia Blue It's not quite as straightforward as suggested by Mr MeatnSpuds and Mr Stony. It goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that there is a proportion of ill-informed (and sometimes offensive) comment on the Oatcake. Just as there is with all these sites. In fact...

Dear King Colin Bell and Dave Ewing's Back 'eader Visiting Stokie here - forgive the intrusion. My view is that comparisons between how loud fans are is a pointless one, altho harmless at the same time. But to the extent that comparisons can be made, I (and many of my friends) do not buy...

Dear Rain in Spain. Two things. 1. I will do it on your behalf if you like. 2. Just how quickly can 40 years pass?

Dear Rain in Spain As suggested higher up in this loop, you should go on to the Oatcake (SCFC) site. There are certain to be a handful of Stokies who are in a similar position to you, who would be glad to swap. Most Stokies are not John Boorman creations, I can assure you. But (even as a 50...

Visiting Stokie here. Herr Huth would be a huge loss for us. Apart from anything else, he has (staggeringly) been one of our main goal threats this season, and particularly during the lengthy fallow period "enjoyed" by Kenwyne Jones. But I also agree with one of the suggestions above - that...

Most "real" supporters are riven with doubt. It's part of the masochistic pleasure, and partly the ludicrous "not wanting to tempt fate" superstition. But (on the other hand) it's rational, because statistically only a very small proportion of teams can be successful. As a Stokie, I always...

Stokie thicko here. Apparently a notorious Stoke "firm" has been operating recently, and according to reliable "sources", its sickening activities include: BUYING balsamic vinegar and sun dried tomatoes - in Waitrose! Routinely and voluntarily WATCHING "highbrow" channels like BBC4 -...