Mike. Knowing that you would be in for a relegation battle and the fact that we dont play what you would call attractive on the deck football, did our style of play ever cross your mind before you signed ? I know its been well publicised that we are not the best footballing team in the league, but I was wondering how players look at that and how it may effect their decisions to join us in the future. P.Coates Carnoustie, East Scotland

Hi, thanks for your question. I can only speak for myself because I don’t know about why other players make their decisions to join another club but for me, I wasn’t affected at all by the style of football Stoke play. My deal was very last minute and there wasn’t much time to think about it. I needed a change of scenery and I thought that Stoke would be a good move. After having my medical, speaking to the gaffer and seeing the facilities I was confident I was doing the right thing. In terms of style of football – when players move club I don’t think it worries them too much. I´m only speaking from my own point of view but you tend to concentrate on your own game and skills and hope that you can bring something different to the side, regardless of the type of football that is being played there already. Anyway, we are perceived as being ´direct´ but I think Stoke have a lot more in their locker than just rough and ready football. I hope that answers the question! Cheers mate, Michael.

12 Feb 2009 11:49