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EPL: Welcome Back West Brom and a Big Hello to Stoke City!

Senior Writer Written on May 06, 2008

(Page 2 of 2)

These days Stoke don't rely on one superstar player but on coach Tony Pulis moulding a work man like squad. He is now though, prepared to spend big, to keep his side in the top flight.

They have three former EPL goalkeepers on their books. Russel Hoult (Derby County among others) who only played one game this season and got sent off, Carlo Nash (Manchester City and Middlesbrough) and current number one Steve Simonsen (once signed by Everton for 3.3 million pounds).

The defence has some familiar names too with Dominic Matteo, Andy Griffin, Danny Higginbottom, Marlon Broomes and Chris Riggott all having had top level experience. Ryan Shawgrass was Stoke's best defender this season and the youngster looks EPL class, so watch out for him!

In midfield again the names pop out at you, with the likes of Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence in the engine room for stoke.

Upfront, former Southampton and Hearts striker Ricardo Fuller, along with Richard Cresswell lead the line in an attack that will have to be strengthened.

Sadly I think they will struggle badly next season but I do honestly hope I'm wrong as it's great to see new blood in the EPL. This is a big name club who are reaching the pinnacle of football in England once again with top flight football returning to the Britannia Stadium.

The upshot is that WBA need a few players to aid the squad next season. Stoke City need, well, to put it nicely, half a side, if they are to have any chance of retaining their EPL status!

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