Stoke City - The 20 Question

My name is Mark Holmes and I’m originally from the wonderful world of Stoke-on-Trent although I’m currently living in Liverpool studying for a degree. I was dragged along to the Victoria Ground at just three and have been an avid supporter ever since (17 mainly upsetting years in all!)

What was your first game?

My first ever game was a Division 2 match (0r is it League 1?!) versus the might of Stockport County and I spent most of the time underneath my seat but I seem to remember I enjoyed myself!

Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?

My most memorable match without a doubt was our play-off semi final win away at Cardiff. We really didn’t stand a cat in hells chance but 700 of us made the journey just out of blind hope and it turned out to be the best night of all our lives I’m sure. We took the lead (and levelled the tie) in the 89^th minute of the match and I’m pretty sure it was the best ‘mental’ EVER seen at a football match! The PA announcer had already announced Cardiff’s lap of honour for Christ’s sake! We knew then it was our night and we got the winner in extra time thanks to the bottom of completely unknown Souleymane Oulare, never to be seen again, but always to be remembered!

The match that really broke my heart was strangely enough an Autoglass Trophy match (I know, tin pot or what!) .It was the area semi final and against our arch rivals Port Vale. I was so sure we would win and go on to win the cup but alas it wasn’t to be. Its quite a strange match to choose considering the countless play-off defeats and regular maulings by your very own Millers team (!) but it always stuck in my mind and I don’t think I ever really got over it!

Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?

Contrary to what Crewe may think, they are not our local rivals but with Vale being down in ‘League 1’ there isn’t too much rivalry at the moment. I always love beating Wolves to be honest, so imagine the smile I’ve had all this week!

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

Unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to see Stoke’s real heroes such as Matthews, Conroy, Greenhoff, Banks, etc (The list is endless) but I have seen some brilliant modern day heroes. I think Mark Stein would have to rate as my all time favourite but Nigel Gleghorn, Wayne Biggins and Mike Sheron were all fantastic. The Stein and Biggins combination was unbelievable until Judas Biggins left us. Peter Hoekstra who retired at the end of last season was probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen at the club and is a real legend.

The list for worst players really could take up pages but Keith Scott, Gerry McMahon, Dave Bamber and John Clarke certainly deserve a mention!

Mark Robins was always a hell of a player for you but I’ll be watching out for Stockdale, Proctor, Swailes and Butler out of your current crop.

How did you fare last season?

We finished a very respectable 11^th last season after just escaping relegation the season before.

How do you think you'll do this season?

This season we have a good, possibly very good team but a paper-thin squad and we will struggle if we have injuries. However, if we can get in a few more bodies and avoid injury, a play-off push really could be a realistic aim.

What's the local drink and snap?

Wrights Pies are a delicacy in the Potteries and are easily the nicest pies in the country. You must find a shop in Stoke on your next visit, they truly are fantastic! You will also find oatcakes appearing on many breakfast tables over Stoke, another local delicacy.

If Stoke were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

Davina McCall- Bloody annoying!

So what do you think of Rotherham?

As usual you have been tipped to battle relegation but I was quietly impressed with your pre-season signings and think you might just surprise a few people.

Is your manager barking mad?

Pulis is without a doubt barking mad. He loves giving it some on the touchline and is just as entertaining as any football match!

Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

I don’t think anybody is ever truly happy with the board unless you’re spending millions. We’re on a tight budget but they are only being sensible and are doing a reasonable job at the moment. As long as they back the manager when they need too, you won’t hear any complaints from me.

Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?

Wolves were one but now they’re out of the way, it has to be Burnley. Steve Cotterill is in charge there and suffices to say, he is not the most popular man in Stoke-on-Trent after he left us just 13 games after taking over as manager

What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

We will line up with a 4-4-2 formation with a very solid back line. We then have a good midfield, which admittedly lacks a quality winger, but up front we have the ability to be awesome if Ade Akinbiyi is on form. Watch out for Ade!

Predicted score?

Not many happy memories from Milmoor I’m afraid but surely the jinx has to end sometime so I’ll stick my neck out and go for 2-1 Stoke. I’d be more than happy with a point though.

Who's going up?

Leicester, West Ham, Sunderland and possibly Wolves will be up there but the play-offs are anybody’s guess-I just hope we can sneak in through the back door!

Who's going down?

I think Crewe look certain for the drop and I think Watford and Rotherham could join them but to be fair, both look stronger than last season so anybody could get roped in with a few bad results.