90 Miles Comment

Promotion Joy!

Well what a roller coaster ride it is being a Stokie. At the start of the season I was dreading any participation in the play-offs and prayed Stoke would make it up via automatic promotion. Gudjon assembled a strong squad and the early part of the season promised much. The now infamous collection of injuries eventually helped snuff out that dream of automatic promotion, and we were left facing the dreaded play-off lottery for the third year running.

In the few games running up to the play-offs I didn't rate our chances much, and felt we'd only have a chance against Reading or Huddersfield in the semi final. The one team I wanted to avoid we got - Cardiff! However despite the disappointment of a first leg defeat at the Brit, I felt unusually optimistic and fancied it to be our year. I paced around the flat listening to the webcast from Ninian Park, but something told me we would produce an unlikely win.

The final was an incredible day out and the scenes that followed the victory over Brentford will stay with me all my days. Well done to the lads for finally getting us out of the 2nd Division hell hole. In many ways the excitement of winning in the play-offs might make it better than automatic promotion. I used to dread them, but I wouldn't mind a similar climax to next season!!

Hello, Goodbye

I have always been a Gudjon Thordarson fan, and I was delighted that he finally took Stoke to promotion this season. I hoped that this would produce his reward, a new contract from the Board. When he was sacked, I was filled with utter despair. The promotion joy evaporated. I wondered what the Board was playing at. However as time went on and new evidence came to light (and we will never know the whole truth) it seemed the Board had taken a huge decision and not one they could have made lightly. Were they doing right? I have to conclude that they were. For so many of Gudjon's former allies to vote against him, something must have been greatly amiss. To sack a man who has won you promotion is not a decision you make in a hurry or without a decent reason.

The Board moved quickly and have got their man. In Steve Cotterill they have a young talented manager whose current CV looks very impressive. I am delighted with his appointment and think he could be the man to take Stoke even further. He is ambitious, and we need that at Stoke, so sadly lacking in ambition over the last 20 years or so.

So to Gudjon, many thanks and goodbye. You will always have a special place in the hearts of Stoke fans for bringing the Icelandic revolution to Stoke, and getting us promotion. You have become a Stoke City hero. To Steve Cotterill we say hello, and wish you all the best for the future. Lets hope you're a Stoke City hero in the making!

AndyP 05/06/02

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