Key Highlights
- Stoke City are expected to make changes in the January transfer window.
- Ben Gibson is likely to be moved on due to lack of game time.
- Jamie Donley’s loan from Tottenham Hotspur will end, returning to Spurs.
- Stoke City have a settled squad under Mark Robins but face challenges with certain players’ roles.
Stoke City Struggles with Player Rotation in the Championship
Stoke City, currently vying for a top finish in the Championship under manager Mark Robins, faces internal challenges within their squad. The club is considering moves to address the lack of meaningful game time for certain players during the upcoming January transfer window.
Ben Gibson: A Fallen Star
The article highlights that Ben Gibson, a 32-year-old center-back who joined Stoke City last summer on a free transfer from Norwich City, has failed to secure any significant playing time. With only three games started this season across all competitions and no appearances in the Championship league, Gibson is seen as surplus to requirements. He was initially a regular under previous managers Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach but his game time drastically reduced after Mark Robins took over.
Jamie Donley: Rising Prospect Falls Short
Jamie Donley, an 20-year-old Northern Irish midfielder who joined Stoke City on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, has also struggled to establish himself. His only starts have come against Walsall and Bradford City in the EFL Cup. Despite his promising debut with an assist against Derby County, Donley’s limited playing time at Stoke City suggests he may need a fresh start elsewhere.
Stoke’s Stability and Future Challenges
Under Mark Robins’ leadership, Stoke City has maintained a stable lineup, particularly in their back five. Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, along with Ashley Phillips, Aaron Cresswell, Ben Wilmot, Junior Tchamadeu, Sorba Thomas, Million Manhoef, and Divin Mubama, have shown consistent performances. However, the club faces pressure to manage the limited playing time for players like Gibson and Donley effectively.
Stoke City’s current position in third place with the best defensive record in the Championship highlights their potential for a successful campaign. Nevertheless, addressing the situation of players who are not contributing at the expected level is crucial for maintaining team chemistry and ensuring that those who play have a clear path to success.
Expert Perspective on Stoke City’s Winter Window Plans
Pete, a fan pundit from Football League World, suggests that Ben Gibson should be moved on. He states: “One player I almost certainly needs to move on now is Ben Gibson. I don’t think he has started a game this season.
He’s way down in the pecking order, not even making the bench, so I would strongly suspect that, maybe if they could send him out on loan for the rest of the season or move him on, then he would probably be the obvious candidate.” Pete also believes Jamie Donley will return to Tottenham Hotspur.
While Donley’s loan has not worked out as expected, his limited appearances suggest that returning him to Spurs could provide a fresh start. This move is seen as more of a personnel adjustment rather than a major transfer, aligning with the club’s strategy to manage costs and ensure the best possible outcomes for their squad.
Looking Ahead: January Transfer Window Dynamics
The January transfer window offers Stoke City an opportunity to refine their squad. The club must navigate the balance between maintaining stability in core areas while addressing underutilized players. As the window approaches, fans and analysts will be closely watching how these decisions play out.
Stoke City’s upcoming challenges highlight the ongoing need for flexibility and strategic decision-making in modern football management. By making informed choices during this crucial period, the club aims to solidify their position within the Championship and set a strong foundation for future success.
