Former Stoke City goalkeeping coach, Andy Quy, who served the club devotedly for 12 years, has hailed the Potters' commanding performance in their opening match of the Championship season. Stoke City faced off against Derby County and clinched a convincing 3-1 victory, a result that stirred excitement and optimism among fans and pundits alike.
Quy, who parted ways with the club in early 2019, remains a keen follower of the team. His recent comments reflect his professional insight and continuing affection for the club. According to Quy, Stoke City's "intensity" from the very beginning of the match was pivotal and truly "set the tone" for what was a dominant display.
He was especially taken with the team's attitude and conviction, noting how these qualities effectively overwhelmed Derby, putting them on the back foot for much of the game. This display is not just a single match win but a standard the team has set for the remainder of the season. With 45 games still to go, Quy emphasised the challenge lies in maintaining this high level of performance consistently.
It's moments like these that remind one of Stoke City's revered fighting spirit. Echoes of the 1972 League Cup victory resonate when witnessing such thrilling performances, stirring memories of when Stoke City are not just competing, but setting benchmarks.
This splendid start is only the beginning. While the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, this initial victory lays down an emphatic marker for the standard Stoke City aims to uphold throughout the season. If they manage to maintain this initial fervour, perhaps the echoes of '72 might turn into the roars of 2023.
To wrap up, here’s a cheeky jest for our neighbours: How many Port Vale fans does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, unless it's changing something back to how it was, which they never seem to manage, especially not returning to their 'glory' days any time soon! Stay bright, Stoke!
