Iancransonsknees

I have been a reader of World Soccer Talk (formerly EPLTalk) for around the last 4-5 years and during that time have been one of a privileged minority. As a season ticket holder to Stoke City, I am on the British side of the pond, from a footballing perspective. I’ve learnt over this time that culturally […]

Saturday ‘s match against Aston Villa marks the start of Stoke City’s 2014/15 Premier League season. Pre-season matches have been more about fitness than flash, with results being draws or close defeats, and a solitary victory against Real Betis at the Britannia Stadium. Squad changes have been swift and significant this pre-season, which is something […]

As a Stoke City supporter, I was initially quite despondent when Mark Hughes was appointed manager to replace Tony Pulis. Hughes switched Stoke's style practically overnight to one that focused on playing the ball out from the back, passing for passings sake, becoming slow and ponderous, and pretty much inviting the opposing team on and […]

I’ve reached an age now where I shouldn’t really have English football heroes; I should have grown out of it by now but English football gives you the excuse to behave like an eight year old, not an adult. Every now and again, you’ll spot a player at another team and take an interest in […]

There are often people at different football clubs who play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of the business who are often overlooked by the average football supporter. One example of this is the kit man, the person responsible for ordering, sorting and maintaining all of the kits and equipment for the playing staff. […]