Friday 21 October 2011

Stoke and Charlton, like ships that passed in the night.

I saw Stoke City's great result in the Europa Cup/League last night.

My biggest memory of seeing us play Stoke was the "last match at the Valley" back the good old dark days (as opposed to the good old bad new dark days).

As we've not really met them too much in the 21st century I thought I'd take a look at the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs since the 2000-2001 season.  What it shows us is that everything, both good and bad is possible in the beautiful game.  After all who would have thought back in the heady days of the Addicks enjoying plying their trade at places like Old Trafford whilst Stoke languished in the third division, that now Stoke would be playing in the Uefa Cup (still can't get used to the Europa League over the Cup Winners Cup and Uefa Cup) whilst we were contesting the Johnston 'watch paint drying' Trophy.
It took Stoke since their relegation from England's top flight in 1985 twenty three years to return, but return they have, and contrary to a lot of opinion with some style mixing it with the big boys and now becoming an established mid table premier league side.

I think it just goes to show, unless you are one of the big four or five, lots of things (not anything) are possible. Which is why our game is so great, and the idea of a 'closed' top flight that has caused such a stir over the last few days is a complete nonsense.

I don't think we're going to romp our way back into the top flight 1930's style, but will not be surprised to see us back up there in a few years time with the seemingly sensible backing we are currently enjoying.

2 comments:

  1. I think the problem teams like Stoke have is that as they become more established in the Premier League they increase their wage bill to the point where they can no longer afford to sign new players each season.

    I don't think it's a coincidence that teams seem to take three or four seasons to really stablish themselves and then three or four years later they fall out of the league.

    I don't wish it on Stoke, but I suspect that they will follow in our foot steps, rather like Wigan and Bolton look like doing this season.

    In the end the money just runs out.

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  2. Or a mad rocket scientist comes along and spanks it all in one go.

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