GOALKEEPERS
Name: Steve Simonsen
Shirt Number: 1
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 03/04/1979
Height: 6′ 2″ (188cm)
Weight: 12st 8lbs (79.9kg)
Position: Goalkeeper
Simo joined the club in 2004 after he was released by Everton. Once hailed a future England number 1, the England Under-21 international still holds the record for the British record transfer fee for a goalkeeper (£3.3m from Tranmere to Everton)
He was ever-present all last season (2006/7) during which he kept a club record 6 clean sheets in a row. This season he signed a contract to keep him at the club until 2010. It hasn’t been the best of seasons for him though, some poor performances have led to him being dropped, twice. Since the arrival of Carlo Nash, he has had to warm the bench.
Still a favourite with the fans though, who knows what next season will hold.
Name: Carlo Nash
Shirt Number: 36
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 13/09/1973
Height: 6′ 5″ (196cm)
Weight: 14st 1lbs (89.44kg)
Position: Goalkeeper
34 year old Nash joined the club on loan from WIgan at the end of February 2008. He was brought in to provide competition for Simo as the club push for promotion. His performances in training earned him a first-team place, which he has held on to with some great performances.
His kicking is a weakness, something that many Premiership club would surely cease upon. Will he be a summer purchase? I’d prefer to see Fulop or someone else but he is a good keeper so it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
DEFENDERS
Name: Andy Griffin
Shirt Number: 2
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 17/03/1979
Height: 5′ 8″ (173cm)
Weight: 10st 10lbs (68.1kg)
Position: Defender (Right/Left)
Griff is currently in his fourth spell with the club. Having started his career at the Potters he has been at clubs all over England. Last season saw his return to Stoke on loan from Portsmouth, his performances and amazing strike in the fog against Coventry nearly guided Stoke to the play-offs.
He decided against a permanent move to Stoke last summer in favour of newly-promoted Derby. When Paul Jewell arrived he found himself out of the first team, he made a £300,000 move back to Stoke where he was made club captain.
Name: Leon Cort
Shirt Number: 5
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 11/09/1979
Height: 6′ 3″ (191cm)
Weight: 13st 1lbs (83.08kg)
Position: Defender (Centre)
Leon came to the club as an emergency loan from Crystal Palace in November. He went on to break the club record for a transfer in January when he joined permanently for £1.2m. Since then he has scored an impressive 8 goals from centre-back. He’s formed good partnerships with Ryan Shawcross, and latterly Chris Riggott.
Leon boast the impressive record of having not been booked for over 140 games. He is strong defender who’s goals have been invaluable this season.
Name: Ryan Shawcross
Shirt Number: 17
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 04/10/1987
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 12st 0lbs (76.27kg)
Position: Defender (Centre)
Ryan joined the club for a record £2m in January following a successful loan spell. A product of the Manchester United youth system, that produced such players as David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, Ryan has shown maturity way beyond his 20 years.
He scored on his debut against Cardiff and has added another 7 in League and Cup competitions. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and despite being dropped when Chris Riggott arrived he will no doubt go from strength to strength as he gets older.
Name: Chris Riggott
Shirt Number: 32
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 01/09/1980
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 12st 3lbs (77.63kg)
Position: Defender (Centre)
Premiership defender Riggott, joined on loan from Middlesborough in February after being pushed out of the first team at Boro. His experience has sured up the defence and helped get Stoke to the position they are in.
His big game experience may well help Stoke across the finishing line and he could prove vital to any campaign in the Premiership next year.
Name: Dominic Matteo
Shirt Number: 16
Nationality: Scottish
Date of Birth: 28/04/1974
Height: 6′ 1″ (185cm)
Weight: 11st 10lbs (74.45kg)
Position: Defender/Midfielder (Left/Centre)
A player with Champions League semi-final experience, Dom has been unlucky with injuries throughout his career, something which hasn’t changed at Stoke. He arrived from Blackburn on a free transfer in January 2007 and was made captain in the summer.
He’s getting older and more injury prone, so will probably not figure much more. Good influence for the younger members of the squad.
Name: Andy Wilkinson
Shirt Number: 28
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 06/08/1984
Height: 5′ 11″ (180cm)
Weight: 11st 0lbs (69.92kg)
Position: Defender (Right/Centre)
Academy graduate Wilko has been plaged by unfortunate injuries, that have hampered his development. When has has played he shown he is a strong, talented defender.
He may have to move on if the club get promoted, he probably wont be able to hack it in the Prem.
Name: Gabriel Zakuani
Shirt Number: 21
Nationality: Congo DR
Date of Birth: 31/05/1986
Height: 6′ 1″ (185cm)
Weight: 10st 10lbs (68.1kg)
Position: Defender (Right/Centre)
Gabby is a versatile defender who is on his second loan spell from Fulham. He went to Craven Cottage in 2006 from Leyton Orient, first team opportunites were limited there, so he came on loan to Stoke last season.
After a successful spell he returned this year where he is rapidly becoming a good sqaud player
Name: Carl Dickinson
Shirt Number: 31
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 31/03/1987
Height: 6′ 1″ (185cm)
Weight: 12st 0lbs (76.27kg)
Position: Defender/ Midfieler (Left)
Signed from Derby in 2005/6, Dicko is in and out of the first team. When he does play though he looks assured and confident. He’s physical and determinded and looks like a player of real quality.
He won young player of the year award last season and is probably a good bet for this year as well.
Midfielders
Name: Salif Diao
Shirt Number: 18
Nationality: Senegal
Date of Birth: 10/02/1977
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 11st 7lbs (73.09kg)
Position: Midfielder (Centre)
Salif is a well travelled midfielder who first came to English soil at Liverpool after the 2002 World Cup. He was part of the Senegal team who did so well. He ended up at Stoke last season on loan, where his strength and skill helped Stoke up the table.
He hasn’t been on top form this season. He has been injury plaged and has looked short of match practice.
Name: Rory Delap
Shirt Number: 24
Nationality: Rep of Ireland
Date of Birth: 06/07/1976
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 11st 10lbs (74.45kg)
Position: Midfielder (Right/Centre)
Long-throwing Delap is yet another Stoke player who has had major trouble with injuries. He joined Stoke from Sunderland last season. On his home debut, against Sunderland, he broke his leg. Since his recovery he has played a vital role in City’s league challenge this year.
His long throws have been compared to having a free kick instead of just a thrown-in!
Name: Liam Lawrence
Shirt Number: 7
Nationality: English/Rep of Ireland
Date of Birth: 14/12/1981
Height: 5′ 11″ (180cm)
Weight: 11st 4lbs (71.73kg)
Position: Midfielder (Right)
Probably the best £500,000 that Tony Pulis has ever spent. Since joining the club in January last year he scored over 20 goals for the club. He’s quick, hard working and passionate.
This season alone he has scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists. A regular man-of-the-match, he’s got to be favourite to be player of the year! Stoke might struggle to keep hold of Liam if he keeps improving. A good bet to be made club captain next season.
Name: Glenn Whelan
Shirt Number: 6
Nationality: Rep of Ireland
Date of Birth: 13/01/1984
Height: 5′ 11″ (180cm)
Weight: 12st 7lbs (79.45kg)
Position: Midfielder (Centre)
Glenn joined on deadline day this year for £500,000 from Sheffield Wednesday. He’s young and highly rated. Whelan has been capped by the Irish ‘B’ Squad and is surely not far off his first cap.
He is consistant, hard working and a great asset as Stoke aim high.
Name: Danny Pugh
Shirt Number: 14
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 10/10/1982
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 12st 0lbs (76.0kg)
Position: Defender/Midfielder (Left/Centre)
Pugh has yet to show the promise he showed at Manchester United, Leeds and Preston yet. He joined from Preston in November on loan before joining permanently in January.
He is versatile but his performance on the whole haven’t shone for Stoke just yet.
Name: Stephen Pearson
Shirt Number: 33
Nationality: Scottish
Date of Birth: 02/10/1982
Height: 6′ 1″ (185cm)
Weight: 11st 1lbs (70.37kg)
Position: Midfielder (Left/Centre)
Pearson was part of the Derby sqaud that won the play-off last season. He featured regular for the Rams this season before coming on Loan Deadline day in March to Stoke.
He can play left of centre midfield and there are rumours that he will sign permanently in the summer.
Name: Paul Gallagher
Shirt Number: 19
Nationality: Scottish
Date of Birth: 09/08/1984
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 12st 6lbs (79.0kg)
Position: Midfielder/Striker (Right/Left/Centre)
Gallagher is in his second spell at the Britannia after he signed on Loan from Blackburn in January. Many fans had a romantic idea that Paul would score something like the 11 goals he did in his last spell, but unfortunately he has been on the bench
Unlikely to join permanently as he has reportedly fallen out with Pulis.
STRIKERS
Name: Ricardo Fuller
Shirt Number: 10
Nationality: Jamacian
Date of Birth: 31/10/1979
Height: 6′ 3″ (191cm)
Weight: 12st 5lbs (78.54kg)
Position: Striker
Well travelled striker, has won over the hearts and minds of Stoke fans with his fantastic performances for neigh on two seasons now! He was top scorer last season and is set to be the same this year
Reowned for his pace, skill and firery temprement Fuller would be a good signing for many Premiership clubs.
Name: Mamady Sidibe
Shirt Number: 11
Nationality: Malian
Date of Birth: 18/13/1979
Height: 6′ 4″ (193cm)
Weight: 12st 2lbs (77.18kg)
Position: Striker
Not a natural finisher, Sidibe is a player who can link the midfield to up-front. He signed from GIllingham in 2005. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
He doesn’t score loads, but is loved by Tony Pulis and the fans alike.
Name: Richard Cresswell
Shirt Number: 9
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 20/09/1977
Height: 6′ 0″ (183cm)
Weight: 13st 0lbs (82.63kg)
Position: Midfielder (Left/Right)/Striker
A natural goal poacher, Cresswell has had to battle his way on the left wing this year. He signed from relegated Leeds in the summer on the cheap and is a great asset for the squad
His most successfull spell of his career was when he was at Preston and partnered Ricardo Fuller up-front.
Name: Jon Parkin
Shirt Number: 8
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 30/12/1981
Height: 6′ 4″ (193cm)
Weight: 13st 7lbs (85.8kg)
Position: Striker
Nicknames ‘The Beast’ because of his imposing figure, Jon Parkin is very strong and has a good eye for goal. A successful loan spell with Stoke last season saw Parkin sign from Hull in the summer.
He’s struggled to make an impact this year, something with Tony Pulis puts down to his laid back attitude.
Name: Jay Bothroyd
Shirt Number: 29
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 05/05/1982
Height: 6′ 3″ (191cm)
Weight: 13st 0lbs (82.63kg)
Position: Striker
Former Serie A player Bothroyd has never really found a suitable home. He started his carrer at Arsenal before moving to coventry. His big move came in 2003 when he went to Perugia in Italy. He failed to make much of an impact and returned to England
He’s on loan from Wolves and is unlikely to make his move permanent in the summer.
Name: Shola Ameobi
Shirt Number: 12
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 12/10/1981
Height: 6′ 2″ (188cm)
Weight: 12st 0lbs (76.27kg)
Position: Striker
On loan from Newcastle for a fee of £675,000 Shola is likely to become a full time POtter should promotion happened. He struggled to cement a first-team place at Newcastle, where he’s fallen behind Owen, Viduka and Martins.
Yet to make much impact at Stoke as yet, although his potential is there.
Good point about Liam Lawrence, a snatch at £500K. Would be well suited in any of the Premierships midtable teams.
I agree with Steve. Liam Lawrence is a fantastic player – very passionate and dedicated. I’ll never forget the screamer he scored against Ipswich in March!
Looking at the squad here it looks pretty good for Stoke. Second best squad in the league? I think so behind West Brom, good strength in depth all over the pitch with a sprinkling of premiership quality- Lawrence, Fuller, Ameobi.