On the eve of the Premier League season, Stoke currently lie 4th favourites to go down just in front of the three recently promoted clubs Cardiff, Hull and Crystal Palace.
There has been discontent within Stoke’s own supporters upon the appointment of Mark Hughes with the comical ‘Hughes Out’ van parked outside the Britannia.
This all before Hughes had even been appointed.
As many say “the Bookies don’t often get it wrong”.
However on this occasion they have. And I will put my neck on the line by tipping Stoke for a top half finish.
And before the abuse start flying, let me back it up why Hughes is the perfect fit for Stoke.
Mark Hughes’ first dip into management was with Wales, taking over a country whose footballing team was at a point of crisis and going through a bad patch (albeit one of many). However in his 5 year reign Sparky rejuvenated the national side and would have taken the team to a major championship had it not been for a playoff defeat to Russia.
Wales finished second in their group behind the Italians who they actually beat along the way.
His performances as Wales’ manager convinced Blackburn to offer him the manager’s job at Ewood Park. And this is where he made a name for himself as one of the brightest young managers in the game.
In his opening season at Rovers, Hughes was tasked with keeping them away from any relegation trouble, which he did.
In fact he guided them to an F.A Cup semi-final for the first time in 40 years.
This was then followed up by a top 6 finish and a place in the European Cup
And for all Hughes’ criticism at QPR for his transfer dealings, at Rovers Hughes signed David Bentley for a fee in the region of 500k, Ryan Nelson on a free transfer, Roque Santa Cruz for a mere £3.5 Million and Christopher Samba for just £400 k.
In return for these signings alone, Blackburn got a profit of almost £40 Million.
David Bentleys form earnt him recognition as the answer to England’s next David Beckham. Roque Santa Cruz repaid Blackburn with 23 goals in 57 games. And Ryan Nelson and Christopher Samba formed one of the more respected and strong centre back pairings in the English Premier League.
Not to mention other reputable signings such as Benni Mccarthy and Stephen Warnock.
His tag as one of Britain’s best young managers then convinced Manchester City to lure Hughes away from his Ewood Park hot seat and into the cauldron of the Etihad stadium
His tenure only lasted a year. Many people criticise Hughes’ time at City, but unrealistic targets were set for such a short space of time.
He spent big money on big players, some were flops which many people like to talk about, however Hughes brought in arguably 2 of City’s most instrumental players at the current day, Vincent Kompany for just £6 million and Pablo Zabaleta for close to £7 Million. Also long serving players Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott were brought in and both played instrumental roles in their cup and title winning seasons.
Hughes was sacked in December, despite only losing 2 games (one of them to rivals Manchester United in the last minute).
After his dismissal from City, Hughes spent 7 months out of football before joining Fulham. Again a club similar in stature and ambition to Stoke. And again, Hughes was a success.
Whilst at Craven Cottage Hughes guided Fulham into Europe and showed his eye for talent by singing Mousa Dembele for a bargain £5 Million and leaving Fulham with their highest points total since they were promoted back in 2001.
His journey at QPR is already well documented; Hughes himself knows he failed miserably at Loftus Road. Like at City, he was given plenty of money and failed to handle and manage the big players and as a result failed to meet the boards high expectations.
At the Britannia, Hughes will be given money, but nothing like the amount he spent at City or QPR.
Instead he is going back to what he does best, spending money wisely, making his teams organised and hard to beat whilst having an attacking threat. Basically trying to copy what made his times at Blackburn and Fulham so successful.
And if he can get the Stoke faithful behind him I would tip Stoke for a top half finish.
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