Meet a Stoke Fan

Zidane : Who are you, where are you from and how long have you supported Joke City?

I'm James, I'm from Stone (about 5 miles from Stoke). I have supported Stoke forever but started going regularly when I was about 14.

Zidane : What was your first game?

A league match between Stoke and Bradford in the old first division. Stoke lost 3-2 and Ormondroyd was one of the scorers. I still have the programme at home.

Zidane : Ian Ormondroyd!! Theres a blast from the past alright!! So whats the most memorable game you have seen and why?

The most memorable game would have to be the last ever game at the Victoria Ground. It was really emotional and the crowd stormed the pitch at the end of the game. Then when everybody was leaving the ground you could see that everyone had a chunk of pitch in there hand or a toilet seat or something else to remember the Vic by. My cousin came home with a 6 foot sign from one of the betting shops in the ground.

Zidane : Typical Stokie!! Do you consider Walsall and Stoke to have a local rivalry?

No, Walsall might like to think there is one but the fact of the matter is that
Stoke are much to big a club. Other than the Vale (scum), the only other
rivalries are with local teams of similar size like wolves and brum.

Zidane : Yeah well we beat you 4-2 twice in the last five games, i remember a 3-0 in 2000 too!! It must be embarrasing keep losing to a small club!! So as you are a big club you must be used to seeing class players, who are the best players you have seen?

Too tricky to answer that one as most of the players I’d choose are special because of goals they've scored or matches they've been involved in. I loved the old Overson and Cranson partnership from the Joe Jordan days but I also loved seeing Hoekstra turn the Everton defence inside out a few years ago. Not really special players but special moments.

Zidane : And of the current crop? Who are the players we should look out for?

Even though Stoke have been shipping goals of late Simonsen and Duberry are a class above. With the exception of Bang Bang we are completely toothless up front!!

Zidane : Ahh but I hear Bangoura is at the African Cup of nations! Gutted!! haha

True, and he netted the in there opening game. Remind me, When was the last time Walsall were represented at a major tournament??

Zidane : When was the last time had a player in Uefa's top 10 to watch!? We had one in the summer!! Shhh! So Bangoura's not playing and Stoke have a terrible home record, Walsall dont have the greatest away record. Draw likely?

Definitely, It has nil nil written all over it!! Neither team will want to gift it to the other with the potential for a pay day in the next round.

Zidane : Since you have mentioned the next round!! Should you progress (Unlikely but I have to ask) Who would you like next?

Newcastle or Cheltenham. Newcastle would be a good payout but there would still be the chance of a victory while Cheltenham would represent a chance to go the 6th round.

Zidane : Yeah good shout. So what sort of line up can we expect from you?

Doesn't matter it'll still be a draw. If they play defensive it'll be a draw and
if they attack they can't score!

Zidane : Like the Tamworth game, You were lucky!!?

You can only beat the team in front of you!!!

Zidane : Walsall lost in a penalty shoot out in the week. It doesnt mean the best team won though!! You were lucky!! Anyway changing the subject before we fall out ... What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Mid table mediocrity. I'm a stoke fan and as such I have learnt never to get
my hopes up. I'm sure Walsall fans must feel the same!!

Zidane : Too true, but we dream of a new striker to give us a bit more to dream about! Which brings me on to food for thought!! What are the Britannia stadium delicacies?

All Walsall fans should try Wrights Meat and Potato Pies. Easily the best pies
in football. They are a stoke institution but have only been available at the
match for a few years. If you are getting the train get one from the town centre as they are £2 at the match but less than a quid everywhere else!!

Zidane : I have made note! So finally heres a question for you! ... If Stoke were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

Obviously the Icelandic connection brings me to Bjork!! Not only Icelandic but
many of Stoke's signings border on madness a bit like her.

Zidane : Mad signings i can definately relate to being a Walsall fan - Broad, Dakinah. Brewers, Andre, Bica, Abou ... I could go on!! BUT Bjork, she sung its oh so quiet didnt she!? Just like the Brittania on Saturday when Walsall silence you!! hahaha

Many thanks to James for taking time out for this. much appreciated. We wish you all the best for the rest of the season (FA Cup excepted!!!).