Blog
It's not the Winning but the Taking Part
By reholmes27 (@reholmes27)
On reflection, both in the immediate aftermath and since, the actual defeat hasn't been a consideration, the frustration lies in the performance and the fact we didn't take part. This cup final was our opportunity to show the world the new, energetic, invigorated Stoke City. The one that 6 days earlier had convincingly brushed aside Arsenal, the one that weeks before had demolished Bolton on the very same pitch. I can't remember the last time I read a post match interview from a manager that was as honest and gracious as Tony Pulis's and I think he summed up everyone's feelings when he states 'I don't know why we under performed, if I did, I'd be a genius'. This is football, there are no guarantees, there are no gimmies and sometimes we have to accept no explanation.
I am not pointing the finger or making any sort of criticism towards anyone. I can't fault the players for their effort or commitment on the day and I know the coaching staff will have done everything necessary to have the players prepared for the day, sometimes you have a bad day at the office, you just hope it's not in a cup final!
I must congratulate Man City for the victory, they were the team that deserved to win and their fans have been very supportive towards us in everything I've heard and read since. I believe there is a mutual respect between the two sets of fans as we are both a passionate bunch and have been through plenty of lows, sometimes together! Good luck to them in the future.
One of the things I was looking forward to was taking in the enormity of the occasion and seeing the build up first hand. This is a memory I will never forget. The intensity before the game was far greater than the semi-final and must have affected all 22 players. Whether this contributed to the performance, particularly in the first half, or not, I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and in this case I believe the result can only make the players stronger. They're not players used to playing in such occasions and you will see, in every sport, examples of inexperience, in such circumstances, causing a negative display. Just ask Rory Mclroy!
I have no doubts plans have already been laid for next season but Saturdays result highlighted just what is required for the next step in our development. There is no doubting a fit first 11 will give anyone a game but the lack of depth in our squad became apparent when we're using players who are clearly not 100% fit. With Europe next year too we need to address this issue during the Summer and I for one am looking forward to seeing the names Tone is going to attract., on top of seeing some of the produce from the academy.
Stoke fans can be very proud of themselves yesterday. You can guarantee had we won, you wouldn't have found one Stoke fan outside Wembley when the cup was lifted. Let's take yesterday's result as another step in our progression and not let it deflect from, what has been, a remarkable season. If we had been offered a top 10 finish at the beginning of the season we'd have taken it. If we had been given a top 10 finish and 2 trips to Wembley, one with a 5-0 performance, we'd have thought it was Christmas. To be given a top 10 finish, an FA cup final, 2 days at Wembley and a spot in the Europa league it's not all bad is it?
Created on 15/05/2011.
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by reholmes27 on 15/05/2011
Thanks. I think yesterday was a feeling of disappointment but today there's a general feeling of proudness amongst all.
The future's bright, the future's red and white!
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by stokieadam on 15/05/2011
Excellent account! I too have been reflecting on what might have been. Lets put the two teams into context. Manchester City are a side assembled on absolute millions, a team which on their day can compete against all the teams in the league. This Man City team were a far better outfit than the Bolton team we had faced 4 weeks previous. They didnt allow us any time to settle, the large Wembley pitch didnt allow us to play our usual high intensity game.
We also have to consider that the size of our squad has been left wanting at a crucial time of the season, something that will obviously need addressing with so many more potential games next season if we qualify for the Europa League. The very fact that we had to play injured Etherington and Huth, we had already lost Fuller and Higginbotham, shows the depth of the squad isnt good enough. The gamble to play Etherington didnt work, but was it a risk worth taking??
It has been a fantastic season - 2 Wembley visits, a top 10 finish and European Qualification is a remarkable achievement - its a pity the media and pundits alike dont recognise it!
Well done to everyone involved in Stoke City Football Club, its a special club, with special fans, and it absolutely makes you immensely proud to support a fantastic club!