Stoke City Interview

How has your season gone so far – better or worse than you expected?

I don’t know what we expected at the start! With an unknown Dutch manager starting on 1st July and having only 10 full first team members. But things have definitely gone better than expected but there have been too many ups and downs for most fans.

Who are your dangermen?

Unfortunately our star striker, Sam Bangoura (signed from Standard Leige) is off at the African Cup. But Paul Gallagher (on loan from Blackburn Rovers) can be trouble as can Luke Chadwick

Who are your weak links in the team?

DEFENCE! Really needs sorting out. Boskamp keeps switching around Duberry, Hoekens, Buxton, Henry and Broomes but has not got it right yet.

Have you made any signings in the transfer-window?

Luke Chadwick (was on loan from West Ham the first half of the season, now signed permanently) He’s a big asset – but has some fitness problems. They are saying he may not play on Saturday.
Peter Kopteff (Finnish International from a Norwegian club) – seems ok, but not yet settled in.

Are there any other players coming in or rumoured to be?

Boskamp has threatened to quit in the summer if our director of football (John Rudge) does not leave (don’t ask!). This seems to be discouraging other players from signing

How do you expect the match to go on Saturday?

Our home form is dire. Anyone coming to the Brit this season is in with a chance.

Do you have a score prediction?

Got to forecast a Potter’s win (2-1)

Any helpful advice for Tigers fans travelling to the game?

The Brit is a dreadful place to park. South Car park is the main official car park, but you need a ticket before you get there (although I have seen them selling tickets on the gate). If you take a chance and park in the residential areas nearby – be careful, a lot of it is no parking on match days and the traffic wardens are very active. Otherwise, if you get there early, there is car parking at Power League, or the Harvester pub, both just next to the ground. Both should be ok for away fans to have a drink in.

Can I say thanks to Chris B for supplying the answers for the interview. I hope the Tiger fans find this information both usefl and interesting.