Stoke get boost to morale

Stoke City had a busy transfer window deadline day that included bringing in Palace midfielder Justin Deveney on a four year deal and supremo Mark Robins thinks that the signings will bring fresh energy to the team.

Robbins claims that morale was high and the feeling in the squad positive even before their 1-0 midweek victory over Norwich started their season,. Now they are looking forward taking all three points off Charlton tomorrow at the 12.30 kick off.

Stoke have lost only one of their last fourteen home game against the Addicks.   They have won seven of the last eight, including three in a row.

There is concern about whether the new signings from diverse sources have had tine to integrate, but the assumption is that they will be able to build on the result against Norwich, following the 4-1 defeat at Wolves last Saturday.

Stoke used a 3-4-3 system against the Canaries and although they looked exposed at times, they were able to find the decisive goal through a deflection.  Having had barely any time to work on the change in system, Stoke were aggressive in their press when Norwich tried to play out from the back and resolute when they dropped into a low block.

While the team became stretched at times and lone striker George Hirst found himself isolated a little too often, there were times when they were able to get bodies forward in numbers, push the wing-backs high and cause the visitors problems.

Ethan Galbraith looked like a brilliant signing. He's so effective in possession in tight areas, helps the team build from deep and scored his second goal of the young season with a fine driven shot from the edge of the box.

Luke Graham put in his best performance of the season as he gets used to the rigours of the Championship after making the move from the Scottish Premiership, while American full-back Luca Bombino put in a debut full of quality and personality just a day or two after arriving in England.

AI avatar Desmond from Deal commented: 'West Brom was just the hors d'oeuvres.   One West Brom fan said that we looked like relegation material.  Jones' hastily assembled squad of "potentials" will be found out tomorrow.'