A View From The Potteries

Last updated : 28 September 2006 By @pnemad
How has the season so far gone?
So far its been extremely poor, we started off fairly well with good performances against Birmingham and a very good win over Derby, but since then the level of the players has dropped dramatically.
What is the expectancy now at the club after changes in all areas of the club?
I think most people would be fairly happy with a top 10 finish, although there are now quite a few queuing up to protest against Tony Pulis who seems to be able to make a complete Public Disaster of everything he says, the latest incident is dropping your only current international player in the shape of Carl Hoefkens for the 'more typical' right back Andy Griffin who is here on loan. The excuse? Carl is tired, which we all know is just plain lies.
Who should we look out for this Saturday?
Ricardo Fuller, who will be making his home debut after completing the first 70 minutes last week in our loss against Wolves. He knows a lot rest on his shoulders, and hasn't had the best of starts to his Stoke career after nicking a hamstring in training.
How is Preston old boy Ricardo Fuller settling in?
Several of us have seen Ricardo training and he looks sharp, he seems happy enough and although he is still living in a hotel, seem to have settled in well with the rest of the lads.
Which team has impressed you most so far this season?
Cardiff have done really well, Dave Jones has bought well and their start I think has surprised quite a few people. the downside is that they ahve spent a lot of money, and the common feeling is that if they don't get promoted this season, then they could do a Leeds or Leicester.
Finally a prediction for the match?
You have had a good start and currently sit in the top 6 while we languish in the bottom three, the next five games for Tony Pulis are critical and he needs to start getting points on the board. I personally think the best we can hope for is a draw, but feel the worst and think that Preston could nick it 1-0.