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Opinion

Surprising comments from Stoke Fans reacting to Newcastle interest in Ryan Shawcross story

7 years ago
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How have Stoke fans reacted to claims of a Newcastle move for Ryan Shawcross in the summer?

The Independent reported that their information was that the 29 year old was his top summer transfer target if Newcastle are promoted and that he wants to build his defence around him.

The bookies have Newcastle as 5/4 favourites to be the next club for Ryan Shawcross, with Brighton second favourites at 3/1.

The latest strand of the story has seen Mark Hughes follow up the speculation by insisting that Stoke City are going to try and get the defender to sign a new contract, with only one year remaining after this season ends.

We went to the top Stoke fans message board The Oatcake to see what they are making of the transfer link…

Surprising to see such a split amongst the Stoke fans,I thought they’d all be desperate to keep Ryan Shawcross.

One worry if Newcastle did go for him is that the supporters pretty much all seem to agree that he hasn’t been as good this season after injury.

‘He may or may not be the player he was in his first 7-8 seasons (but I don’t think he’s that far off it)

But with the uncertainty everywhere else in the squad, letting him go is the last thing we can do. It’s far from a done deal that BMI will be here and the rest of the defence is a mess.

To be fair, I don’t think we’d consider it and I don’t think he’d want to leave, for geographical reasons as much as anything else.

Odd that we haven’t yet offered him an extension past 2018 though.’

‘I’d sell him if the price is right, personally. No doubt he’d be a massive hole to fill simply by virtue of the position, but he’s not irreplaceable. Certainly not post injury. Sell him, put the money towards a better investment.’

‘Sell him and use the money to sign harry Maguire, job done. Bruno (currently on loan at Stoke from Porto) is now our no1 centre half, make him captain too.’

‘I’ve always loved Ryan from day one but it’s obvious he just ain’t the same player anymore. Bruno has been head and shoulders above him. It’s a tricky one, I think we should stick with him for another season out of respect as he’s been an excellent defender overall.’

‘You could understand why Benitez would want experience but other than this fact and our seemingly negligent management of his contract there doesn’t seem to a direct link anywhere in that story.

Perhaps we’re not being negligent though and we are prepared to lose him? Nothing would surprise me currently down there.’

‘At this stage in his career a long term deal on big wages will be of interest to any player . Newcastle have deep pockets.’

‘Never happening in a million years, hopefully with a new CDM infront of him and a good preseason he’ll be back to his best.’

‘Why would he want to go to a yo-yo club? having said that he has been here for an age i bet his agent is missing his 12%.’

‘I’m sure his agent has shared in the bounty of his wages going up from about 8 grand a week to 80 a grand a week in these past ten years!!’

‘Straight swap, Shawcross for Benitez…’

‘Hate to say it but if the money was right I’d be all ears. Sell whilst the value is there reinvest in younger.’

‘I can’t believe some fans are so quick and flippant to sell a player who has shown nothing but loyalty to this club. Ryan has been a servant to this club, and can quite rightly be considered a legend.

No he hasn’t had the best of seasons, but the club and fans should replicate the loyalty he has shown to us. And I am sure in time Ryan can re-find his form.’

‘Post-injury, he is not the dominant presence he once was. However, in a summer where we may be losing other stalwarts such as Whelan, Crouch and Walters (hopefully!!), we need him at the club for at least another season.

We should be looking to sign another younger centre half in any event, and also bring on young Sweeney, who looks full of promise, as well as Souttar (who is a bit behind him in development, but looks to have a bright future).

Ryan is a Stoke legend after 10 years of service – he deserves to be treated as such, with the utmost respect. A time will come when he is not worth his place (and should be let go on a free to find another club), but that time has not come yet.’

‘Bizarre that he hasn’t been offered an extension and equally as bizarre is the reaction of some fans! His renewal should be a priority IMO.

Perhaps he hasn’t reached the high standards he’s set in the past but he’s the club captain and modern day legend. If we let go of half the players some suggest on this board, we’d have no bloody squad!’

‘You do wonder if the reputed ‘match the top earner’ clause in his contract is a sticking point? At his age he would want a minimum of 3 years on the same terms I’d imagine.’

‘Money can buy most things, it can’t buy cult status or loyalty.

‘I’d personally like to see Shawx finish his career here with us. Even if in the end he’s sat on the bench and becomes a bit part player I wouldn’t mind.

Love the lad and the loyalty he’s shown to Stoke so would hate for us to sell him just to make a quick buck, especially when there’s so much money flying around in the premier league, let’s face it we wouldn’t get a break the bank fee for him anyway.’

‘More importantly, how many of our core players will even want to stay if Hughes keeps his job.

They aren’t daft, they can see the omnishambles Hughes has created.’

‘Bruno may not be with us next season (hope he is). No Shawcross and no Bruno plus possible interest in Shaq and Arnie ?

Could be a total collapse and into the downward spiral. ‘

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