Stoke City's 2017-18 Season: A Detailed Recap

The 2017-18 season was a tumultuous and ultimately heartbreaking one for Stoke City fans. Marked by inconsistency, managerial changes, and a failure to secure Premier League survival, it remains a season etched in the memory of Potters supporters. Let's dive deep into the various aspects of this campaign, analyzing the key moments, players, and decisions that defined Stoke City's fate. The season began with cautious optimism. Under the management of Mark Hughes, Stoke City aimed to build on their previous mid-table finishes, hoping to push for a spot in the top half of the table. However, early results were mixed, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by defensive frailties and a lack of consistent goal-scoring. Key players like Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen showed moments of quality, but the team struggled to find the right balance and rhythm. As the season progressed, the inconsistency continued to plague Stoke City. Wins against strong opponents were often followed by disappointing defeats against teams in the lower half of the table. The team's defensive vulnerabilities became increasingly apparent, with individual errors and a lack of cohesion leading to costly goals conceded. The pressure mounted on Mark Hughes, and despite repeated assurances from the club's hierarchy, the writing was on the wall. The January transfer window offered an opportunity for Stoke City to strengthen their squad and address their weaknesses. However, the club's recruitment was underwhelming, with new signings failing to make an immediate impact. This lack of investment further frustrated fans and added to the growing sense of unease around the club. Ultimately, the lack of significant reinforcements proved to be a critical factor in Stoke City's downfall.

The Mark Hughes Era: High Hopes and Disappointing Reality

When Mark Hughes took the reins at Stoke City in May 2013, replacing Tony Pulis, there was a sense of cautious optimism amongst the supporters. Hughes, a former Manchester United and Barcelona striker, had a reputation for bringing a more attractive and attacking style of football compared to his predecessor's pragmatic approach. The initial seasons under Hughes saw Stoke City gradually evolve their style of play. The team moved away from the direct, physical football that had characterized their time under Pulis, and instead, Hughes sought to implement a more possession-based game. Players like Bojan Krkic, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Marko Arnautović were brought in to add creativity and flair to the team's attack. In his first few seasons, Hughes successfully guided Stoke City to three consecutive ninth-place finishes in the Premier League. This period was seen as a relative success, with the team playing some attractive football and achieving a level of stability in the top flight. However, despite these positive results, there were always underlying concerns about the team's defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of consistency. As the 2017-18 season approached, there were expectations that Hughes would continue to build on the progress made in previous years. However, the team's performances began to decline, and the early optimism soon faded. The team struggled to find consistency, with wins often followed by disappointing defeats. The defensive frailties that had been a concern in previous seasons became even more pronounced, and the team struggled to keep clean sheets. One of the main criticisms leveled at Hughes was his tactical inflexibility. Despite the team's struggles, he often persisted with the same formation and approach, even when it was clear that it wasn't working. This lack of adaptability frustrated fans and contributed to the growing sense of discontent. Another factor that contributed to Hughes's downfall was his relationship with the fans. While he was initially popular, his communication with the supporters became increasingly strained as the team's performances declined. He was often accused of being aloof and out of touch, and his failure to address the fans' concerns only exacerbated the situation. Ultimately, the combination of poor results, tactical inflexibility, and a deteriorating relationship with the fans led to Hughes's dismissal in January 2018. While he had initially brought a sense of optimism and progress to Stoke City, his failure to address the team's weaknesses and adapt to changing circumstances ultimately cost him his job.

Paul Lambert's Attempt to Salvage the Season

Following the sacking of Mark Hughes in January 2018, Stoke City turned to Paul Lambert in a desperate attempt to salvage their season and avoid relegation. Lambert, who had previously managed clubs like Norwich City and Aston Villa, was seen as an experienced and pragmatic manager who could potentially bring stability to the team. When Paul Lambert arrived at Stoke City, he inherited a team low on confidence and struggling for form. The Potters were languishing in the relegation zone, and the atmosphere around the club was one of despair. Lambert's immediate task was to lift the players' spirits and instill a sense of belief that they could still avoid the drop. One of Lambert's first moves was to try and tighten up the team's leaky defense. He implemented a more organized and disciplined approach, focusing on improving the team's shape and reducing individual errors. He also emphasized the importance of hard work and commitment, demanding that every player give their all for the cause. While Lambert did manage to improve Stoke City's defensive record to some extent, the team continued to struggle for goals. Their attacking play lacked creativity and penetration, and they often found it difficult to break down opposition defenses. The lack of firepower upfront proved to be a major obstacle in their battle for survival. Despite Lambert's best efforts, Stoke City's form remained inconsistent throughout the second half of the season. They managed to pick up some crucial wins against teams around them in the relegation battle, but they also suffered some damaging defeats. Ultimately, their fate was sealed with a few games to go, as they failed to secure the results needed to climb out of the bottom three. One of the main criticisms leveled at Lambert was his lack of tactical flexibility. Like his predecessor, he often persisted with the same formation and approach, even when it was clear that it wasn't working. This lack of adaptability frustrated fans and limited the team's ability to change games. Another factor that contributed to Lambert's struggles was the lack of quality in the squad. While he inherited some talented players, the team lacked depth and was short on game-changers who could make a difference in crucial moments. Ultimately, Lambert's time at Stoke City was unsuccessful, as he failed to prevent the club from being relegated to the Championship. While he did bring some stability to the team and improve their defensive record, he couldn't address the underlying issues that had plagued the club throughout the season.

Key Players and Their Performances

Despite the overall disappointment of the 2017-18 season, several players stood out for their individual performances, showcasing their talent and commitment even in difficult circumstances. Let's take a closer look at some of the key players and their contributions:

• Xherdan Shaqiri: The Swiss international was arguably Stoke City's most consistent performer throughout the season. His creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to score spectacular goals made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Shaqiri finished the season as the club's top scorer, and his performances earned him a place in the Switzerland squad for the 2018 World Cup. His direct involvement in goals was crucial, and without his contributions, the season could have been far worse. Guys, he was a shining light in a dark season.
• Joe Allen: The Welsh midfielder was a tireless workhorse in the heart of Stoke City's midfield. His energy, tackling, and passing range helped to break up opposition attacks and launch counter-attacks. Allen's consistent performances made him a valuable asset to the team, and he was often praised for his commitment and professionalism. Honestly, his work rate was unmatched.
• Jack Butland: The English goalkeeper was one of the few bright spots in Stoke City's defense. His shot-stopping ability and command of his area prevented the team from conceding even more goals. Butland's performances earned him a call-up to the England squad, and he was widely regarded as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers. Seriously, he saved them from utter embarrassment on multiple occasions.
• Ryan Shawcross: As the club captain, Ryan Shawcross led by example with his commitment and determination. While the team's defense struggled overall, Shawcross consistently put in solid performances, battling hard and organizing the backline. His leadership was vital during a challenging season, and he remained a respected figure among the fans. You know, he always gave it his all.

The Aftermath and Rebuilding Phase

The relegation to the Championship marked the end of a decade-long stay in the Premier League for Stoke City. The club faced a period of significant change and upheaval as they prepared for life in the second tier. The immediate aftermath of relegation saw a mass exodus of players, as many of the team's top stars sought to continue their careers in the Premier League or abroad. Players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Jack Butland, and Joe Allen all departed, leaving a significant void in the squad. The club also underwent a change in management, with Paul Lambert leaving his post and being replaced by Gary Rowett. Rowett was tasked with rebuilding the squad and leading Stoke City back to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, the rebuilding process proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Rowett struggled to implement his style of play, and the team's performances were inconsistent. After a disappointing start to the season, he was eventually sacked and replaced by Nathan Jones. Jones, who had previously achieved success with Luton Town, was seen as a promising young manager who could potentially bring a new sense of direction to the club. However, he also struggled to turn things around, and Stoke City continued to languish in mid-table. The club's failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League highlighted the challenges of rebuilding a team after relegation. It also underscored the importance of making the right decisions in terms of recruitment and management. As Stoke City embarked on their rebuilding phase, they faced a number of key challenges. One of the main challenges was to create a new identity for the team. After years of playing in the Premier League, the club needed to adapt to the different demands of the Championship and develop a style of play that was suited to the second tier. Another challenge was to rebuild the squad with players who were both talented and committed to the club. The club needed to recruit players who were hungry for success and who were willing to work hard to achieve their goals. Finally, the club needed to reconnect with the fans and restore their faith in the team. After a disappointing season, the fans were understandably disillusioned, and it was important for the club to rebuild trust and create a sense of unity. In conclusion, the 2017-18 season was a painful chapter in Stoke City's history. The relegation to the Championship was a bitter blow for the club and its fans, and it marked the end of an era. However, it also presented an opportunity for the club to rebuild and create a new future. The challenges were significant, but with the right decisions and a renewed sense of purpose, Stoke City could eventually return to the Premier League and reclaim their place among the top teams in English football. The season serves as a stark reminder of the importance of squad cohesion, tactical flexibility, and effective leadership both on and off the pitch. It's a season Stoke City fans won't soon forget, and one that hopefully provides valuable lessons for the future. This detailed recap should help anyone looking to understand the complexities of Stoke City's ill-fated 2017-18 campaign. Remember this guys.