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

ben.hogan1

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

Hi Michael i am a stoke fan,been impressed with your performances so far and think you should start regulary, one question in your opinion who do you think is the most influencial player in terms of encouragement in the stoke team? cheers GS

seanjennings

Alright GS, thanks for your e-mail. I hope I´m starting regularly in the future too! In answer to your question, if I compare Stoke to Sheffield United we aren’t the most vocal of teams. I don’t know if perhaps that’s because there are so many different languages spoken in the team, but it is a bit quieter. I don’t say that as a bad thing though because everyone knows what their role in the team is and they always go out and do their jobs well. Griff (Andy Griffin) is the team captain and he talks a lot, he is very good at encouraging the lads. Thomas Sorensen, though, is probably the best - if he´s not happy he´ll voice his opinions and he´ll always gee the lads up by chipping in with things in the changing rooms. I´d have to go with him, it´s good to have a vocal keeper and he does his job very well. Take care, Michael.

12 Feb 2009 11:48

Hi Michael, I thought you were a good buy when you came over from Sheffield and reckon you´ve made a decent impression when you´ve come on. I would like to see you given a bit of a run in the side. I know you´re a bit of a free-kick expert and I was wondering if you had any advice because I take them for my Sunday side. Cheers from Trev

The Editor

Thanks for that Trev. I´ve enjoyed it at Stoke. It´s a great club and the lads have made me feel really welcome. The thing about taking a free-kick is that it has to be done in a way that suits you. I think too many people try to copy famous free-kick experts and it just isn´t right for them. What´s needed is a bit of trial and error to work out your own technique. The basics are all about timing and concentration. Don´t just try to hit the ball as hard as you can because it´s more important to strike the ball cleanly. Practice on your own and don´t worry about hitting it hard at all. Relax and you´re less likely to miss hit it.

12 Jan 2009 17:54

I was really sad when you left Sheffield and we all loved you there. Hope you do great at Stoke. Do you still look out for United´s results? Stephanie x

The Editor

It was difficult to leave Sheffield and I always look for United´s results. I keep in touch with a lot of the lads there and Sheffield will always be close to my heart. I made my breakthrough at Sheffield and I´ll always be grateful for that. In some ways Stoke is a similar sort of club, friendly with very loyal fans and that´s one of the reasons I feel very comfortable here.

12 Jan 2009 17:53

I heard you could have made it as a pro-BMXer if you hadn´t been a footballer. Is that true? Tabitha

The Editor

Well Tabitha, I don´t think I would have been a professional but I did enjoy it as a kid. My mates and I would do a lot of BMXing and I loved it. We were well into it before I started playing football professionally. I can´t do it now because I don´t think any club would be very happy if I injured myself on a BMX bike.

12 Jan 2009 17:50

Hello. I am a student doing a dissertation on what motivates footballers. If you could tell me what the main motivators are it would be most appreciated. Kathryn.

The Editor

I´m motivated by the players I´m playing against. I want to do better than them, and help my team to win. Also, I´m motivated by trying to become the best player I possibly can. I hope that helps. Cheers, M.

27 Oct 2008 17:24

I am a Cardiff fan, although I´ve always had a soft spot for Sheffield United. I was there when you beat us 5-3 at Bramall Lane and I thought it was a brilliant game to watch. What was it like to play in? Did you enjoy it? Rachel Thomas.

The Editor

I remember that game really well because it was actually 0-0 at half time. Then in the second half, the floodgates just opened and it was real end-to-end stuff. It was probably one of the most enjoyable games I´ve played in and it was great to get on the scoresheet as well. Obviously winning a match like that was great for us but even if we´d lost it, I think we´d have still come off the pitch feeling happy with the way that we played. Both teams just went for it and there were some very good goals scored. It was a really open game and great to play in. For there to be eight goals scored in 45 minutes is incredible and it was great entertainment for the supporters. Thanks for your e-mail, Michael.

27 Oct 2008 17:23

Hi Michael. I am a big fan of yours and was wondering if you could tell me how you keep the ball so close to your feet and control it so well? Craig, 14.

The Editor

I think the most important thing is not to try and go too quickly. Dribble at a pace that allows you to keep the ball where you want it to be at all times and build up your confidence. Then you can increase your speed. I concentrate hard on keeping the ball under close control, even if it means going a little bit slower. It´s also crucial that you know what´s going on around you when you are running with the ball so always try to get your head up and make yourself aware of where players are. Playing in my position, dribbling is a big part of my game and fortunately it is something that comes quite naturally to me. But it´s important to practise these skills whenever you can because every player can always improve their control. Even Ryan Giggs! Cheers mate, Michael.

27 Oct 2008 17:22