SCFC @ Wembley | Blog - What Would Victory Mean?

What Would Victory Mean?

By reholmes27 (@reholmes27)

In a week that that demonstrates just how far Stoke have come in the last 4 years, it's lead me to wonder just what victory would mean. There is the obvious first ever FA cup final and possible place in next years Europa league, which was a distant dream when Tony Pulis returned for his second stint in charge, but would this new chapter in Stokes history also see bigger changes for the club. My main consideration here, is whether there will be a new manager leading us during our 4th season in the Premiership.

I must state that I am a big fan of Tony Pulis and what he has done for the Stoke community and would not wish him to leave. That doesn't mean he hasn't frustrated me with tactics and line-ups, like everyone else but the biggest credit I can offer TP is to say I have never once doubted that every decision he has made, and will make, is with the best interests of the club in mind. It's for this reason the notion that Pulis may not be our manager next season becomes all the more real, in my mind.

This season, more than any, I have been troubled with the thought that it would be difficult for any manager to step in to TP's shoes, and do what he has achieved at the club. Everything has been built around his philosophy and beliefs and I've feared that relegation would be a real threat when that time comes. The chairman / manager relationship is quite unique at Stoke which also begs the question how would he leave as and when the time comes? Sacked? Not likely. With the personal relationship the two families have it's likely 'mutual consent' will never be more accurate but what would need to happen for this decision to be made? In February of this year I read several rumours that Pulis would go in the Summer with several names mentioned to take over. At first I ignored these rumours but day by day I found more and more reason to believe it, culminating, in my opinion, with Sundays game being quite pivotal in any decision that's made.

Despite the majority of the national media turning a blind eye to it, Pulis has always stated we have a 3 year plan to establish ourselves in the Premiership. At time's it's felt like a slow building process but to date, we can say that plan is very much on track, each year tangible progression has been made on and off the pitch. Although no Premiership fan, outside of the top 6, can ever say their side will be safe each year I do believe we have every chance of remaining in the top flight for many years to come. I believe the 3 years of establishing ourselves has been as much about the long term as it has about the short term. So what now?

Here is my evidence as to why I believe victory on Sunday will see Pulis step down in Summer. We have never heard about what the plan is after the 3 years in the Premiership. Pulis, in my opinion, is a planner and I see no reason why it couldn't be public what he'd like to do. It may simply be that the 3 year plan is not yet complete and he would seem complacent by talking about the next step, something you could never accuse Pulis of being. However could it also be the case that he believes this is his limit and this would be the way to leave the position keeping his relationship with the Coates family in tact? Europe must be part of the next 5 year plan but is that a challenge too much for Pulis? Does he not believe his style of play can compete in Europe and would rather let a more high profile name take on the solid foundations he's built? I, of course, have no answers to these but it could be an explanation as to why we haven't heard about the next plan.

So where would he go? For me there is no way TP could go to another club, whether that be in the Premiership or Championship, he's given his soul to our club and I just don't believe he would ever find that same motivation anywhere else, which leaves just the Wales job, in my opinion. Currently unavailable but who's to say that won't change? My opinion of TP is such that I can't see him leaving Stoke mid season, he doesn't come across as the sort of manager to leave a job half done and I can only see him stepping down during the season break. By going this Summer he gives the Welsh FA something to think about whilst he sits in the directors box at Stoke, undertaking an advisory or ambassador role.

It's easy to twist speculation and belief in any direction, to the point I've convinced myself Sundays result will have a big impact in any decision, but if I'm right, then a cup final will be a 'triffic' final bow for a manager who has sincerely made dreams come true for the Potteries.

Created on 12/04/2011.