Sunderland 1-1 Stoke City

A game of two halves, both of them dire. First half Stoke did press well and Jon Walters opened the scoring after nine minutes. With Sunderland down to ten men we attacked…of silly me, it’s Pulis away so we sat back and sure enough in the second half Sunderland equalised. They very nearly grabbed all three points after a late attempt by Danny Rose.

So we have 41pts which should be enough now, although never underestimate the Wigan end of season escape. Surely one season their luck will run out?

It will be an interesting summer that’s for sure with Pulis all but certain to stay on. However, changes in the backroom mean no John Rudge and possible Chief Scout Lyndsey Parsons could be on his way out too. Player wise we have several out of contract and I can only see perhaps Dean Whitehead getting a new contract offer.

It will be bye bye then to Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Lund, Carlo Nash, Big Mama Sidibe, Michael Owen, Matthew Upson plus I am sure Sorenson and/or Begovic will depart too, along with Wilson Palacios if we can get a buyer.

Stoke City 0-1 Man City (The FA Cup 4th round)

After the past three seasons reaching at least the QF of the FA Cup going out today was a bitter disappointment, especially as Man City beat us in the 2011 final. We were average today in a typical drab cup tie.

Very few positives for us and Ryan Shotton was awful again – losing possession, some woeful crosses. Great to see a local lad in the team but I am afraid he is a Championship level player.

We need some proper fullbacks otherwise we are going to get dragged to the bottom of the table as defensively we look shocking since we beat Liverpool on Boxing Day. Less than a week to go in the January transfer window and little sign of new additions. Kenwyne Jones could yet move to Swansea with possibly Danny Graham coming the other way, unless Sunderland get him first.

Wigan next – gulp!

Swansea 3-1 Stoke City

Dire performance as we again seem content to sit back and defend which cost us again today. Our once redoubtable defence has now shipped seven goals in the past two Premier League games. Michael Owen bagged his first goal for us – and his 150th Premier League goal – as some consolation for an otherwise forgettable match for us.

Kenwyne Jones started on the bench and came on as a sub for possibly his last appearance in a Stoke shirt? Swansea have had a bid rejected so far.

Stoke have FC Dallas player Brek Shea over for a week’s trial with a view to  a permanent deal. He is only 22 and a left-sided utility player. Rumours are that a fee has already been agreed with the club.

Stoke’s 25 man squad list

The players missed off are Mama Sidibe (he is currently injured), Danny Higginbotham, Diego Arismendi and Michael Tonge, who made way for Michael Owen. Bar Sidibe you’d expect all three try and get loans with a view to a move. Both Higginbotham and Tonge are out of contract next summer.

Stoke City 3-4 Swindon Town (Capital One Cup R2)

Oh dear…Stoke came back from 2-0 down at one stage with goals from Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Peter Crouch, with two assists from new signing Geoff Cameron. Jamie Ness also made his debut but went off injured with a hamstring pull in extra time. Well done to Swindon Town though.

No sign of Palacios who is either off or playing for the under-21′s as one of the three over age players tomorrow.

We need some reinforcements and new ideas quickly otherwise this will be one long season…

Stoke squad arrive in Switzerland

The 23 man Stoke squad arrived in Switzerland today where they will stay until the weekend. You can see a daily blog on the official website here

Glen Whelan and Jon Walters were given extra time off due to international duty at Euro 2012.

No real transfer news just lots of rumours including Jermaine Defoe back as a possible target.

All quiet on the transfer front…

Apart from Pulis saying any new players need the ‘Diao factor.’ That will get some Stoke fans hot under the collar! Read the article in the Sentinel though and Pulis means the spirit and professionalism Diao brings to the club.

Everton’s Tim Cahill could be a target as Pulis went on a European scouting mission at the weekend and Cahill has been linked with us before.

Big Country CD winner and new competition!

Well done to Lin Osbourne who won the copy of Big Country’s ‘The Crossing’ CD.

Now for a new competition…

Simply answer the following question to win a copy of the recently released double anthology CD from Paul Brady:

Which band was Paul Brady a member of in the 1970′s?

A The Dubliners

B Planxty

C Clannad

Simply email your answer to papa_bear70@hotmail.com

Closing date 4th June, entries welcome worldwide and good luck!

Chelsea 1 – 0 Stoke City

If only Ricardo Fuller had not been sent off for a reckless stamping we may have got something out of this match…Tony Pulis was none too impressed either and Fuller looks set to have a fine. No news on whether we will offer him a new contract but the Daily Mirror is reporting we are set to offer a one year extension to Rory Delap’s current contract.

Sad to see P*** V*** enter into administration because if football is a circus then we will always need some clowns

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 15,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Danny Pugh departs for Leeds Utd

Danny Pugh has signed for Leeds Utd (he’s played for them before he joined Preston) on loan until January when the move is expected to be made permanent. A good signing and he joined us in Jan 2008 but of late had been restricted to sub appearances. He didn’t make the recent 25 man squad so he was always likely to leave. Good luck and Leeds have got themselves a cracking signing.

Now someone must want Andrew Davies? Please? You can have Michael Tonge as well, buy one lump get one free…

Norwich 1-1 Stoke City

Kenwyne Jones spoilt Norwich’s return to the Premiership with an injury time goal right at the end of the game. Former Stoke player, currently on loan from Man Utd, Ritchie De Laet scored Norwich’s goal.

Lewis Moult has joined Accrington Stanley on a month’s loan.

What the FA Cup final means to me…

 

My first Stoke game was back in 1974 at the tender age of six when my dad and my granddad took me to see them play against Derby County. Since then Stoke City have been and always will be my team (I give thanks they didn’t take me down the road to the comedy club aka Port Vale).

 

Since then I have enjoyed…

 

…seeing some great footballers play for Stoke…at the old Victoria Ground, sat in the Butler Street Paddock watching John Ritchie, Jimmy Greenoff, Peter Shilton, Peter Fox, Alan Hudson, Dennis Smith, Howard Kendall, Alan Dodd, Mike Sheron, Mark Stein, Carl Beeston and Wayne Biggins to name but a few favourites. Over at our new(ish) Britannia Stadium watching Mama Sidibie, Clint Hill, Liam Lawrence, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross, Asmir Begovic, Tuncay, Thomas Sorenson, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap, Jermaine Pennant and Jonathan Walters.

 

…the away grounds including a cold night at Wycombe, the delights of the old cow shed stand at Huddersfield, the open air toilet wall at Leyton Orient and the slightly scary way the away stands bounced at Blackburn.

 

…seeing us win the AutoGlass Trophy twice at Wembley beating Stockport County and Bristol City.

 

…beating Brentford in the play-off finals at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, sitting with the Brentford fans as this was a time when you needed to get your Stoke in person due away fan restrictions and that would have meant a 300 mile round trip to get one. Easy then to pop six miles down the road to get a ticket J

 

…taking immense pride in our promotion to the Premiership and how the fans have, in the main, taken to Tony Pulis. Let’s not forget on his first time in charge he was nicknamed ‘Binary’ Pulis but he has won us round with his astute signings and team spirit plus he is always quick to praise the fans contribution to the club.

 

…demolishing Bolton 5-0 in the FA Cup Semi-Final.

 

But the proudest moment for me has to be our first ever FA Cup final appearance coming up this Saturday. Win or lose it doesn’t take away the magic and the fact Stoke have finally reached the domestic final that has alluded us for so many years. My heart says we will win 1-0, my head says we will lose 2-1 but so long as we give as good as we can I’ll be more than happy. Come on Stoke let’s give those overpaid, pampered mercenaries a run for their money!

 

Be loyal, be proud, be Stoke.

 

SOS

If anyone reading this blog has contacts for employment in Stoke/Crewe/Staffordshire please let me know. Due to a change in personal circumstances we need to relocate to Stoke/Staffs ASAP and first up I need a job! I have been applying through the various job websites but if anyone knows of a job or home based job coming up please let me know as it would be very much appreciated (but please no spam for dodgy sites!).

Thank you

Fulham 2-0 Stoke City

Pants

A hoofball special from Pulis as we failed to really trouble Fulham and Ryan Shawcross was sent off. This week will doubtless see Fuller leave and possibly Cameron Jerome fromBimingham comign in…

2010 in review

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Crunchy numbers

The average container ship can carry about 4,500 containers. This blog was viewed about 18,000 times in 2010. If each view were a shipping container, your blog would have filled about 4 fully loaded ships.

In 2010, there were 176 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 554 posts. There were 56 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 14mb. That’s about 1 pictures per week.

The busiest day of the year was November 16th with 145 views. The most popular post that day was Best of 2010.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were theprizefinder.com, oatcakefanzine.proboards.com, largeheartedboy.com, facebook.com, and fanbase-links.co.uk.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for clive burr, blue oyster cult, journey revelation, journey revelation album cover, and chris jericho.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Best of 2010 November 2010

2

A beginner’s guide to Blue Oyster Cult March 2008
3 comments

3

JOURNEY ‘Revelations’ released June 6th April 2008

4

Signed CLIVE BURR (IRON MAIDEN) & MICHAEL SHEEN photos April 2009

5

Competitions May 2008
4 comments

Happy New Year :)

Wishing all this blog’s readers a healthy and happy 2011.

GRTR! Radio is two this month

GRTR! Radio is two this month and there are some cracking specials coming up…

 

The Guitarists, Sunday 18:00

10 October Michael Schenker

David Randall talks to the influential guitarist about his new album and career

17 October Steve Lukather

Pete Feenstra talks to the Toto and ace session guitarist about his new album and career

The Songwriters, Sunday 14:00

17 October Eleanor McEvoy

David Randall talks to the Irish singer songwriter about her career

24 October Judie Tzuke

David Randall talks to the singer songwriter about her career

Loic Remy flys in…then he’s off!

Peter Coates laid on his private jet this morning as Nice striker Loic Remy flew in for a look around Stoke (lucky man!) and many Stokies were get all excited he would sign (myslef included) but he wants to see two other clubs next week, West Ham and Liverpool. Ah well time to push on…

Kenwyn Jones seems more likely now plus no other club seems interested in him. Ipswich turned down our bid for Jon Walters with their manager Roy Keane hinting Walters will leave but there is some way to go yet in haggling over a fee etc.

Kevin Prince-Boetang is also rumoured to be lined up but again no firm evidence of talks with the player.

One good piece of news is Portsmouth getting a successful hearing today and avoiding going out of business.

Echelford school summer fair 9th July

Heskey to Stoke?

Various papers are linking us with a move for Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey. Would be much better than having players around who can’t be bothered to play for us, although him and Big Mama upfront would hardly be prolific!

Through our exit door there is a mini-stampede as Teamtalk reports that Liam Lawrence has handed in a transfer request and the same site says ’100%’ Danny Pugh will leave us. That will be a sad loss as he has a great character and fits in well in many areas on the pitch. Wouldn’t surprise me if Blackpool took him on.

James Beattie could be West Brom bound but only if they pay a fee. Ryan Shawcross to Man  Utd rumours still lurk but hopefully we can hang onto him for a while yet.

RIP – Ronnie James Dio

Sad news that the legendary rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio has passed away aged 67 after battling with stomach cancer.

I first saw Dio at Donnigton Monsters of Rock and he was superb. Since then I have seen Dio  (the band) three more times including a rammed London Astoria where he performed all of the classic ‘Holy Diver’ album. The Birmingham NEC gig  was also memorable if only to witness guitarist Vivian Campbell battling with a dragon robot (nicknamed ‘Denzil’ if I remember correctly). This was a real Spinal Tap moment! I was also lucky enough to catch him fronting Black Sabbath on their ‘Dehumaniser’ tour which also featured the late, great Cozy Powell on drums.

I always remember ‘Kerrang!’ interviews with him back in the 80′s gave the impression he was a prickly character but that is far from the real Dio who got together the Hear ‘N’ Aid project for charity and ran a charity with his wife Wendy Dio to help get children out of prostitution. We have many great songs to remember him by from his days in Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio.

Below is a video for ‘Push’ featuring big Dio fans Tenacious D…

Eden’s Curse charity single

Top, top band and a very worthy cause…

Eden’s Curse have released a digital single of their ballad “Man Against The World” with 100% of the profits being donated towards two charities – shelter.org.uk in the UK and feedthechildren.org in the USA.
Songwriter Paul Logue commented “We receive emails from our fans time and time again, but none moved me more than the one I received from Jared Hochstettler. He put together a montage on You Tube featuring some really powerful images of homeless men, women and children. It stopped me dead in my tracks and made me think about how fortunate I am. Right there and then I decided to do something about it and I’m delighted to gain the support of my band mates, record labels and Music By Mail in Germany, who assisted us with launching the track onto the worldwide portals, with a view to raising some money to help Shelter and Feed The Children”.
“I urge everyone to simply watch the video and if you feel as moved as I did buy the download and do your bit to help ease the suffering of those less fortunate than ourselves” Logue added.
“Man Against The World” is available to buy NOW from all major digital retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, Napster and also the popular rock digital download site www.MusicByMail.com.

To watch an updated version of Jared Hochstettler’s video click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=40zu-AOcCb4.

Thank you all :)

Thanks to all the people and bands/musicians who have been supporting my fundraising for the Macular Disease Society this year. Be it via a donation, signed item for an auction, message of suport or simply spreading the word you’ve all been stars and I can’t thank you enough.

It was 25 years ago that I started doing runs for charity and like many who do charity fundraising you are often motivated by causes close to yours and your families hearts. Since 1985 I have run and raised funds for many charities, trying to opt for the local or less well known ones wherever possible but behind each one has been the kindness of sponsors and those who help spread the word. I can’t thank you enough and it just proves that there are some great people out there who help support  charities and fundraising naturally, who don’t make a big fuss or do it for some other gain but because they care and are selfless. Give yourselves a big pat on the back

To leave a message of support and/or abuse Port Vale…

http://stokieboy.wordpress.com/the-wall-of-hurt/

Quick thanks as well to FM and Robin George and Angel Air, both of whom have donated signed items and CD’s for my charity auctions. They can be seen here..

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/jr-68/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Man Utd 4-0 Stoke City

Chelsea won the title with an 8-0 drubbing of Wigan. We did our best to let Man Utd pass and even Man Utd old boy Danny Higginbotham chipped in with an own goal.

A good season overall – more points than last season and we finished one place higher in 11th spot. Now its time to seriously look at the squad, especially as the limit is 25 next season. Beattie and Kitson need to go ASAP and we need at least two strikers in to replace them. We have a glut of average defenders and midfielders like Andy Griffin, Sonko, Andrew Davies, Tom Soares, the injury prone Amdy Faye, Michael Tonge…a long list! Hopefully we can keep hold of Tuncay although I do think he will leave as he wants to start every game.

Incoming could be any number of players although Jermaine Pennant is again being linked with us as well as Newcastle Utd’s striker Andy Carroll. An interesting summer lies ahead…

The papers pick their parties…

No surprise that ‘The Sun’ switches back to the Conservatives after a fling with New Labour and Tony Blair. Murdoch’s other newspaper ‘The Times’ has also switched back to its traditional party the Conservatives. ‘The Economist’ backs a Tory government and the ‘Financial Times’ is expected to follow suit next week.

But the big blow for Labour is ‘The Guardian’ today backing the Liberal Democrats. This leaves just the ‘Daily Mirror’ backing Labour. Other newspapers will announce the parties they are backing this week although don’t expect any surprise backers for Labour…

Newspapers don’t have votes but they can influence some of their readership especially those still undecided how to vote.

Stoke City 0-0 Everton

Last home game of this season and a hard fought nil nil. Doubtless the last game for some of the current squad and farewell for certain to the Ginger Ninja, Tuncay, Andy Griffin and James Beattie. I am sure others will follow out as well as we had eight players on loan to other clubs at one stage of the season. Be interesting to see who we bring in but already rumours are out that both the Ginger Ninja and Sonko are to link-up with their former manager Steve Coppell at his new club Bristol City.

Big game tomorrow as the loser between Crystal Palace and Sheff Wed gets relegated to League One and could Leeds mess it up and miss automatic promotion next weekend? Mind you Millwall losing to Tranmere today means it still open for the final promotion spot in League One.

Chelsea 7-0 Stoke City

Nothing to say

Apart from the Ginger Ninja looks to have played his last game for Stoke after telling Pulis to go and do something rude to himself. I think he will go in the summer (Bristol City with new manager Steve Coppell one possible move), Tuncay and James Beattie will all be gone in the summer.

Sorry to see Burnley relegated today and Hull gave gone as well. You can’t see either club challenging for promotion again soon like Newcastle and West Brom this season.

Stryper gig – they were superb!

Stryper were awesome last night at the Islington Academy. You’ll be hard pushed to see a better melodic metal band out there and their vocal harmonies are spot on. Result in that I didn’t get hit by a bible coming from the stage! Spotted in the audience was former Journey/Talisman singer Jeff Scott Soto who seemed to be loving every minute of the show.

Check out Dave Ling’s glowing review

Patsy Matheson (Waking The Witch) gig

 Patsy will be playing a one off very special Leeds A one -off show at the New Roscoe in January (Monday 25^th), where she will be appearing with US based singer songwriter, Jason Feddy.

 

Originally from Harrogate, Jason moved to California several years ago and this will be his first Leeds appearance for some time.

Before moving to the States, he and Patsy played several shows together throughout Yorkshire and in London. They each will do a solo set, and then plan to finish the evening by playing some songs together.

If you’re not already familiar with Jason’s music, have a look at this clip of his song, Blood is Blood on You Tube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGQ8MQANEV8

and for other song samples, visit his website, www.jasonfeddy.com

For tickets and info, contact jfk@LiveInLeeds.com

Patsy has just completed a series of shows throughout the UK, along with Clive Gregson, who accompanied her on electric and acoustic guitars, accordion and mandolin.  She thoroughly enjoyed touring with Clive, and the concerts were a brilliant success, so they plan to do another run of shows in autumn 2010, starting at Otley Folk Festival in September, where she will release her new album.

Details will appear later in the year on Patsy’s website www.patsymatheson.co.uk or on her Facebook and Myspace pages.