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Stoke City pull out of Carson hunt

Premiership newboys Stoke City have dropped out of the hunt for Liverpool’s goalkeeper Scott Carson. The two clubs had agreed a fee of £4 million for the player, but the deal now appears to have collapsed.

There are two other clubs looking at Carson however, Blackburn Rovers and West Brom. Blackburn will most likely need a replacement for rad Friedel, who looks bound for Aston Villa, who Carson was on loan with last season… this is getting complicated.

The deal between Stoke and Liverpool appears to have collapsed over personal terms with the player.

Stoke announced to the media:

Stoke City can announce that we are no longer pursuing Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The club will continue to look to improve the squad and remain hopeful of closing in on several new signings ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign.

Villa were expected to sign Carson themelves, but now look to be targeting Tottenham’s Paul Robinson and Blackburn’s Brad Friedel.

Stoke up up as Leicester are relegated

The final day of the Championship had a twist as Leicester were relegated as Southampton beat Sheffield United 3-2. Leicester could only manage a draw at Stoke, a result which saw Stoke promoted in second place.

West Bromich Albion secured the title beating QPR 2-0. The goals came from Do-Heon Kim and Chris Brunt, Albion who were the best side all season lifted the trophy in front of their traveling supporters.

Hull could have nipped ahead of Stoke to secure automatic promotion, they went 1-0 down to Ispwich. They now face Watford in the play-off who drew with Blackpool. That draw secured Blackpool’s status in the division. Sheffield Wednesday beat Norwich 4-1 to secure their status, but with Leicester drawing at Stoke means the Foxes are relegated to the third tier of football for the first time in their history.

Stoke pegged back again by Palace

It’s the league that no one wants to win as Stoke went down to Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium, the result sees Palace nip above Wolves in the play-offs. Neil Warnock’s tactics were spot on and the win moved them from 10th in the league to 6th, the top of the table is so tight West Brom can go from 5th to top tomorrow night with a win over Blackpool.

The away side went ahead against the run of play when Tom Soares headed in Scott Sinclair’s cross. The away side doubled their lead just before the break another loanee Jose Fonte volleying from the edge of the area with his first goal in England.

Stoke put the away side under real pressure in the first half, even hitting the bar with a throw in. They did grab a goal really late on a great strike from Glenn Whelan. Once again Stoke have stuttered but can WBA get back on the trail for the Premiership?

Stoke go top as Bristol City lose to Plymouth

Stoke City went back to the top of the Championship after a three match spell at second after hanging on for a 0-0 draw at Watford, Bristol City were knocker off the top after losing at home for only the third time this season by Plymouth.

It was another interesting day in the Championship which is set to have an exciting end due to a lot of teams being very close in the table, top and at the bottom. Eyes were on the top of the table as two of the top three met at Vicarage Road, Watford had former Stoke midfielder John Eustace sent off in the first half for a high tackle, on second inspection it was a poor decision by Rob Styles who went on to have a poor game.

Despite being one man down Watford were awarded a penalty in the second half, a somewhat dubious decision from Mr Rob Styles. Darius Henderson effort from the spot was saved by Carlo Nash in the Stoke goal much to the delight of manager Tony Pulis.

Stoke were able to go top as leaders Bristol City lost at home to Plymouth 2-1. A Rory Fallon brace either side of half time gave the away side the lead. Lee Trundle grabbed a goal with 15 minutes to go from the spot after Jermaine Easter handled.

The shock of the day came at the Hawthorns as third placed West Bromich Albion went down 4-1 to Leicester. Koren had given the home side the lead but loanee Luke Moore was sent off which opened the flood gates for McAuley to equalize and then Brian Howard to grab his third hattrick of his career.

Stoke seal Bothroyd signing

Championship promotion hopefuls Stoke City have signed out of favour Wolves striker Jay Bothroyd on loan for a month.

The Potters face a real six pointer at Watford tomorrow and the 25 year old is expected to make his debut at Vicarage Road.

Bothroyd has netted four times in twenty five appearances for Wolves this season but has been out of favour since mid February. His arrival at Stoke could not come at a better time as forward Mama Sidibe is struggling to be fit for this weekend’s clash with a hamstring strain.

Boss Tony Pulis could favour Jon “The Beast” Parkin to start the match but it is thought that Bothroyd will be involved at some point.

Pulis calls for Stoke promotion push

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has challenged his side to recreate the form which took them to the top of the Championship as the season enters the final third.

The Potters have struggled slightly since claiming top spot and last nights one nil win at Norwich City helped to settle everyone’s nerves at the Britannia Stadium. This represented their first win in four games since climbing to the Championship summit and has seen them slip to second place although Watford, currently in third do have a game in hand.

Giant forward Mamady Sidibe emerged from Carrow Road as the hero last night as it was his strike from Rory Delap’s long throw in which gave Stoke maximum points.

City certainly rode their luck at times during the second have with Jamie Cureton in particular missed some glorious chances for the home side. But it is one of the traits of champions that you win the matches which you don’t perform in and Stoke certainly look destined for the Premier League.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Pullis reflected –

“We’ve got eight games left and if we can do what we did a little earlier in the season we’ll be right up there. We know it won’t be easy but that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Wise words Mr Pulis – I am pretty sure you will be celebrating come May!

If you a Stoke fan who has an opinion on this season’s promotion push – let us know by adding your comments!

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