As part of our 'Views From The Opposition' feature, further Stoke City fans have answered our series of questions ahead of Evertons upcoming Premiership encounter with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.
1) Not a bad start to the season with 3 points from 3 games and progression in the Carling Cup. What are your expectations for this season?
SuperRickyFuller
Avoiding relegation is the only priority for this season. I feel we can stay up and we showed against Aston Villa and even Middlesbrough (with 10 men) that we aren't the sort of side that will just roll over
potters11
To hopefully stay up, with showing the same passion and desire so far. It will be tough, but we have a manager that has never been relegated, so that's a start.
Stoke-fan-23
To narrowly avoid the bottom
jay1610
Anything above the relegation zone would be absolutely terrific when you look at the fact that it cost Sunderland £40 million to do so last year.
Jomtien Cowboy
I think we'll come 15th or 16th- will be safe
2) 10 new recruits including three on deadline day, costing £20million, surely your clubs summer activities lived up to your expectations?
SuperRickyFuller
The figures are simply mind boggling when it's associated with Stoke but it's brilliant knowing that we've spent a hefty amount of money after being brought up over the past 18 years of my life of Stoke just not spending money, wheeling and dealing in the transfer market etc. I think we could've done with getting another forward in (Zigic perhaps) but I'm still questioning the signing of Michael Tonge as the new left sided midfielder but I'm willing to give them all a chance
potters11
It was a decent summer in the transfer market, with some excellent additions, it was a shame we missed out on a few quality players on deadline day.
Stoke-fan-23
Lived up yes, but gutted we didnt get a striker in, or a tricky winger for the left.
jay1610
To be honest I expected us to completely revamp the squad in terms of personnel, experience and quality so that hasn't come as a surpise. Our spending has surprised me though, £20 million is a massive outlay and no one can deny that we have given it a real go.
Jomtien Cowboy
Not too bad overall- for a club that had never paid over 1 million for a player until this year i think one or two got a bit greedy expectation wise
3) Who do you think is your most important player(s)?
SuperRickyFuller
Lawrence.. Fuller.. Abby Faye.. Sorensen based on his improving performances
potters11
Ricardo Fuller, when he is on fire, NO-ONE will be able to handle him. Rory's long throw is also VERY important. Lawrence is another class act ala Fuller
Stoke-fan-23
Fuller and Lawrence and Delap, Ab Faye, Olofinjani ( hes class )
jay1610
Last season and so far this, Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller have been our big characters and performers. I can see Abdoulaye Faye being massive, in every sense, for us though.
Jomtien Cowboy
For sure Fuller and Lawrence and think Faye has tightened us up a great deal at the back
4) Your worst player(s)?
[imga=right]http://www.stokecityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/ca/f5/0,,10310~3405258,00.jpg[/imga]SuperRickyFuller
I think we've got rid of the majority of the deadwood but a certain Vincent Pericard still lingers around like a rancid fart
potters11
Wouldn't like to say at this stage of the season.
Stoke-fan-23
Pericard
jay1610
Don't really like to single out players, but it is Vincent Pericard by a country mile.
Jomtien Cowboy
Pericard
5) Do you have any exciting young prospects that we wouldn't know about?
SuperRickyFuller
Shawcross.. Dickinson.. Wilkinson are the three that spring to mind. The jump up to the Premiership is a bit soon for them but, given time, I think they'll be cracking players in the future
potters11
Jimmy Phillips is the pick of the youngsters, however he is a long way from the starting XI.
Stoke-fan-23
Andy Griffin
jay1610
No I don't think so, there are a few who may have got a look in at Championship level but no earth shatterers.
Jomtien Cowboy
To be fair no-one springs to mind. A couple of young full backs who look way out of their depth so far
6) Do you have any chants that require an explanation?
SuperRickyFuller
Delilah. There's many a story behind it and I'm sure you'll hear a few of them stories if you ask nicely enough
potters11
Delilah. You will go home with it ringing in your ears, has been the club's anthem for years, after an incident in a pub in Derby.
Stoke-fan-23
Delilah.
jay1610
Delilah is one that should have an explanation, however there isn't a very consistent one! So no.
Jomtien Cowboy
'We're gonna win the league' - have a few fans who drink a lot
7) Could you give any advice such as suggesting an appropriate pub for away fans?
SuperRickyFuller
Don't go into the Town Centre
potters11
Don't bother is the honest answer! The Harvester is the nearest.
Stoke-fan-23
Only Haverster, its highly reccomended that you stop off en route to stoke, for a beer.
jay1610
If you come to Stoke by train there are a few places that you could pop into en route, although there isn't a particular one I would suggest, The Roebuck is popular with travelling supporters.
Jomtien Cowboy
Power League next to the ground
8) What do you think of Evertons summer activities?
SuperRickyFuller
Surprisingly quiet. Seems like some deals just didn't happen for you. The Joao Moutinho deal springs to mind. Very surprised when you signed Carlo Nash and I think you've taken a massive financial gamble on that young Belgian midfielder, Fellini is it?
potters11
A very slow start to transfer dealings, however you got a few decent additions on deadline day. Stoke fans love Carlo Nash! A very capable back-up keeper.
Stoke-fan-23
Quite really, considering your finnsh last season, i would of thought you would of improved.
jay1610
On the back of a few seasons consolidation I think that there was real scope for investment for you this summer. So I can see why fans been, to say the least, exasperated by the lack of activity. I think that if you can get him fit that Saha will be a shrewd bit of business though.
Jomtien Cowboy
Quiet- a bit surprising
9) Where do you think Everton will finish in the league?
SuperRickyFuller
9th.. think the teams in that cluster of teams that are after European spots have strengthened a lot more then you guys
potters11
8th.
Stoke-fan-23
7th-5th
jay1610
7th, I can see a bit of underachievement by your recent standards this season as it is a bit of a transitional season with the introduction of several youngsters like James Rodwell, I would like you to finish 4th. But I can't see it.
Jomtien Cowboy
10th
10) Which Everton player(s) do you fear the most?
SuperRickyFuller
Yakubu.. a fully fit Cahill.. and Lescott. Looks a bit of a menace from set plays
[imga=right]http://dynimg.rte.ie/000144a410dr.jpg[/imga]potters11
Cahill and the Yak look quality.
Stoke-fan-23
Lescott and Yakubu
jay1610
If he plays, no idea whether he will or not, then Mikel Arteta. If not him then Yakubu.
Jomtien Cowboy
Yakubu- would fit in to our team nicely
11) Finally, What do you think the score will be? If you are feeling brave, name the scorers!
SuperRickyFuller
I'm going for a crazy prediction of 4-2 to Stoke
Fuller (2).. Lawrence.. Higginbottom for Stoke
Yakubu and Lescott for Everton
potters11
Wouldn't like to say yet!
Stoke-fan-23
Stoke 2 - 1 Everton
Fuller ------Yakubu
Cort
jay1610
I can see a score draw, possibly 1-1. We have been sloppy at the back so far and I think we will have tightened up considerably and you will be frustrated and then score a late equaliser. No scorers to name though, sorry!
Jomtien Cowboy
2-1 Stoke Lawrence (pen) Cort Yakubu
1) Not a bad start to the season with 3 points from 3 games and progression in the Carling Cup. What are your expectations for this season?
SuperRickyFuller
Avoiding relegation is the only priority for this season. I feel we can stay up and we showed against Aston Villa and even Middlesbrough (with 10 men) that we aren't the sort of side that will just roll over
potters11
To hopefully stay up, with showing the same passion and desire so far. It will be tough, but we have a manager that has never been relegated, so that's a start.
Stoke-fan-23
To narrowly avoid the bottom
jay1610
Anything above the relegation zone would be absolutely terrific when you look at the fact that it cost Sunderland £40 million to do so last year.
Jomtien Cowboy
I think we'll come 15th or 16th- will be safe
2) 10 new recruits including three on deadline day, costing £20million, surely your clubs summer activities lived up to your expectations?
SuperRickyFuller
The figures are simply mind boggling when it's associated with Stoke but it's brilliant knowing that we've spent a hefty amount of money after being brought up over the past 18 years of my life of Stoke just not spending money, wheeling and dealing in the transfer market etc. I think we could've done with getting another forward in (Zigic perhaps) but I'm still questioning the signing of Michael Tonge as the new left sided midfielder but I'm willing to give them all a chance
potters11
It was a decent summer in the transfer market, with some excellent additions, it was a shame we missed out on a few quality players on deadline day.
Stoke-fan-23
Lived up yes, but gutted we didnt get a striker in, or a tricky winger for the left.
jay1610
To be honest I expected us to completely revamp the squad in terms of personnel, experience and quality so that hasn't come as a surpise. Our spending has surprised me though, £20 million is a massive outlay and no one can deny that we have given it a real go.
Jomtien Cowboy
Not too bad overall- for a club that had never paid over 1 million for a player until this year i think one or two got a bit greedy expectation wise
3) Who do you think is your most important player(s)?
SuperRickyFuller
Lawrence.. Fuller.. Abby Faye.. Sorensen based on his improving performances
potters11
Ricardo Fuller, when he is on fire, NO-ONE will be able to handle him. Rory's long throw is also VERY important. Lawrence is another class act ala Fuller
Stoke-fan-23
Fuller and Lawrence and Delap, Ab Faye, Olofinjani ( hes class )
jay1610
Last season and so far this, Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller have been our big characters and performers. I can see Abdoulaye Faye being massive, in every sense, for us though.
Jomtien Cowboy
For sure Fuller and Lawrence and think Faye has tightened us up a great deal at the back
4) Your worst player(s)?
[imga=right]http://www.stokecityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/ca/f5/0,,10310~3405258,00.jpg[/imga]SuperRickyFuller
I think we've got rid of the majority of the deadwood but a certain Vincent Pericard still lingers around like a rancid fart
potters11
Wouldn't like to say at this stage of the season.
Stoke-fan-23
Pericard
jay1610
Don't really like to single out players, but it is Vincent Pericard by a country mile.
Jomtien Cowboy
Pericard
5) Do you have any exciting young prospects that we wouldn't know about?
SuperRickyFuller
Shawcross.. Dickinson.. Wilkinson are the three that spring to mind. The jump up to the Premiership is a bit soon for them but, given time, I think they'll be cracking players in the future
potters11
Jimmy Phillips is the pick of the youngsters, however he is a long way from the starting XI.
Stoke-fan-23
Andy Griffin
jay1610
No I don't think so, there are a few who may have got a look in at Championship level but no earth shatterers.
Jomtien Cowboy
To be fair no-one springs to mind. A couple of young full backs who look way out of their depth so far
6) Do you have any chants that require an explanation?
SuperRickyFuller
Delilah. There's many a story behind it and I'm sure you'll hear a few of them stories if you ask nicely enough
potters11
Delilah. You will go home with it ringing in your ears, has been the club's anthem for years, after an incident in a pub in Derby.
Stoke-fan-23
Delilah.
jay1610
Delilah is one that should have an explanation, however there isn't a very consistent one! So no.
Jomtien Cowboy
'We're gonna win the league' - have a few fans who drink a lot
7) Could you give any advice such as suggesting an appropriate pub for away fans?
SuperRickyFuller
Don't go into the Town Centre
potters11
Don't bother is the honest answer! The Harvester is the nearest.
Stoke-fan-23
Only Haverster, its highly reccomended that you stop off en route to stoke, for a beer.
jay1610
If you come to Stoke by train there are a few places that you could pop into en route, although there isn't a particular one I would suggest, The Roebuck is popular with travelling supporters.
Jomtien Cowboy
Power League next to the ground
8) What do you think of Evertons summer activities?
SuperRickyFuller
Surprisingly quiet. Seems like some deals just didn't happen for you. The Joao Moutinho deal springs to mind. Very surprised when you signed Carlo Nash and I think you've taken a massive financial gamble on that young Belgian midfielder, Fellini is it?
potters11
A very slow start to transfer dealings, however you got a few decent additions on deadline day. Stoke fans love Carlo Nash! A very capable back-up keeper.
Stoke-fan-23
Quite really, considering your finnsh last season, i would of thought you would of improved.
jay1610
On the back of a few seasons consolidation I think that there was real scope for investment for you this summer. So I can see why fans been, to say the least, exasperated by the lack of activity. I think that if you can get him fit that Saha will be a shrewd bit of business though.
Jomtien Cowboy
Quiet- a bit surprising
9) Where do you think Everton will finish in the league?
SuperRickyFuller
9th.. think the teams in that cluster of teams that are after European spots have strengthened a lot more then you guys
potters11
8th.
Stoke-fan-23
7th-5th
jay1610
7th, I can see a bit of underachievement by your recent standards this season as it is a bit of a transitional season with the introduction of several youngsters like James Rodwell, I would like you to finish 4th. But I can't see it.
Jomtien Cowboy
10th
10) Which Everton player(s) do you fear the most?
SuperRickyFuller
Yakubu.. a fully fit Cahill.. and Lescott. Looks a bit of a menace from set plays
[imga=right]http://dynimg.rte.ie/000144a410dr.jpg[/imga]potters11
Cahill and the Yak look quality.
Stoke-fan-23
Lescott and Yakubu
jay1610
If he plays, no idea whether he will or not, then Mikel Arteta. If not him then Yakubu.
Jomtien Cowboy
Yakubu- would fit in to our team nicely
11) Finally, What do you think the score will be? If you are feeling brave, name the scorers!
SuperRickyFuller
I'm going for a crazy prediction of 4-2 to Stoke
Fuller (2).. Lawrence.. Higginbottom for Stoke
Yakubu and Lescott for Everton
potters11
Wouldn't like to say yet!
Stoke-fan-23
Stoke 2 - 1 Everton
Fuller ------Yakubu
Cort
jay1610
I can see a score draw, possibly 1-1. We have been sloppy at the back so far and I think we will have tightened up considerably and you will be frustrated and then score a late equaliser. No scorers to name though, sorry!
Jomtien Cowboy
2-1 Stoke Lawrence (pen) Cort Yakubu
