Stoke Fan View: Win imperative for Hughes and Stoke

Manager finally under pressure from the men above

For the first time under his tenure, Mark Hughes is under severe pressure from not just the fans but the board. There are so many different rumours circulating around the manager it’s hard to believe which is one true, but one thing that is for sure. The board aren’t happy with the current direction in which the club is going.

Months of a bad football and a place in the bottom three have meant it might be curtains for Hughes who in my opinion, is incredibly lucky to still be in a job. In the last two years, we’ve seen a change in the style of football which he originally implemented, the possession-based style is now gone.

Coventry v Stoke – how the match unfolded

He’s resorted to the old Pulis tactics of long balls up to the big man, a style which we as Stoke fans were incredibly happy to leave behind originally. He needs to either get backed and bring more flair players in or be sacked and replaced promptly while the window is still young. Regardless of the result, the board has a few massive decisions to make.

Tom Edwards is an example of why more youth should play

Edwards was one of a few players who left the Newcastle game with any credibility left. His youth and exuberance since coming into the team are one of the few things that have kept the fans uplifted.

His energy going up and down the pitch is something we’ve needed on that right-hand side for a long time, his delivery from the wide position is as good as I’ve seen in a long time. I’m hoping his success in the role will encourage the manager to play other young players.

Ngoy and Verlinden are two players who have been knocking around the first team squad for a long time, now with the success Edwards could we be seeing them get their chance on the main stage.

With respect to Coventry, playing league two opposition has to be the perfect opportunity for these young players to get a chance. If they’re not going to play now, when are they going to play?