Kitson signs for Stoke for £5.5 million

[philM]

From 606...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kitson on train to Stoke this morning!!!
Premier League Stoke City
by toffeeman2004 (U4332395) 18 July 2008

I work in Reading, and my colleague who is a Reading supporter was this morning listening to Radio Berkshire and they were discussing Dave Kitson's proposed move to Stoke for around 5 million pounds.
When he got on the platform he saw no other than Dave Kitson on the platform, he then boarded a train to Crewe, which stops at Stoke.
So dont be suprised if the announcement is made this afternoon that Kitson is currently discussing terms or undergoing a medical at Stoke.
Im guessing he took the train as his car is so covered in advertisements he would have been spotted a mile off by the Reading fans (Not that his hair isnt a glowing beacon by itself)
Anyway, you heard it here first, Kitson is on his way to Stoke.
I know its not news that hes on his way to Stoke, but hes literally on his way on the train
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Focher]

From 606...

Kitson on train to Stoke this morning!!!
Premier League Stoke City
by toffeeman2004 (U4332395) 18 July 2008

I work in Reading, and my colleague who is a Reading supporter was this morning listening to Radio Berkshire and they were discussing Dave Kitson's proposed move to Stoke for around 5 million pounds.
When he got on the platform he saw no other than Dave Kitson on the platform, he then boarded a train to Crewe, which stops at Stoke.
So dont be suprised if the announcement is made this afternoon that Kitson is currently discussing terms or undergoing a medical at Stoke.
Im guessing he took the train as his car is so covered in advertisements he would have been spotted a mile off by the Reading fans (Not that his hair isnt a glowing beacon by itself)
Anyway, you heard it here first, Kitson is on his way to Stoke.
I know its not news that hes on his way to Stoke, but hes literally on his way on the train

he took the train because he is banned for drink driving

[Kitsondinho]

I see it in the same way as Sidders move to Chelsea....it just seems a bit counter-productive. Just like Sidders he won't be there this time next year.

"So Steve, where did it all go wrong?"

Sidwell should have stayed with Reading.

Must be gutted having to play for a shite club like Villa.

Er....thats not the point I made is it.......I was saying his move to Chelsea was counter-productive...thats why he has now moved to Villa, which is the sort of club he should have looked at to begin with. The same thing will happen with Kitson going to Stoke.

[Dirk Gently]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

[juanpablo]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

end of thread

stunning post

[starbug]

Dont forget that Stoke were "on the verge" of signing Carson but thats all gone quiet...maybe they're equally abusing Stoke to get some free publicity to prompt a bigger/better club to come in, you know like we do

[Focher]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

Dirk thats the best post ive seen in some time.

[rhroyal]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

It's attitudes like that from the players that accumulated in us going down too. Next season he won't be anything special for them, he has in his view already proved that he can play in the Premiership and it is his right, he doesn't have to show the world what he's capable of any more.

[Friday's Child]

Fair points Dirk. I was thinking a similar but not totally linked thought today on DK. He strikes me as the sort of player who is good when you are doing well, but is a nightmare to be around when doing badly. Our poor form, coupled with his "change of attitude" in January, and I can quite believe that his presence in a dressing room of players motivating each other to avoid relegation could be counter-productive. His performances of a defender at corners and striker did not always shine through towards the end of last season, to say the least. Hunt and Shorey likewise, Istarted off brightly, and good when you are doing well, but didn't have the right inclination and motivation to drag the club away from relegation.

Not backing this up with any evidence of course, just a perception based on his personal mannerisms, tone, and content of his interviews.

As much as I do not feel that Harper is always the player we need on the pitch sometimes - for particular games - his commitment and fight cannot be faulted. I for one would accept the right fee, but if he stays then his ethic is "generally" spot-on. Give me someone with the temprament and attitude of Harper, Duberry, Ingemarsson, or Murty anyday (a Murty of three years ago, of course!).

[Royal Rother]

Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews

He hardly played during the first season you reference and never looked fully fit (understandably). So let's say he was on his game for 5 months of the last 2 years... more than Lita but not as great as people like to think that's for sure.

But I liked his "holier than thou" interviews.

[readingbedding]

Dirk, of course is right.
I can count on one hand with some fingers chopped off whose opinions I respect on this forum in RFC and his is one of them.

It's a great deal for RFC, a good one for Dave Kitson, we'll have to see whether it's a good deal for Stoke.

[rhroyal]

Actually, we're kidding ourselves. That last post from me was trying to take some comfort in losing him, but lets face it, we've sold at least 20 goals in the Championship next season and we're losing a player who looked like he may crash the England squad at one stage. Forget all this hunger stuff, you won't get a better striker in the Championship even with £5mill to spend and he would have been capable in the Premiership if we went back up. You should remember that in a season with the midfield firing and creating chances Kevin Doyle got a lot of hype with 13 goals, well Kitson's 10 were in considerably harder circumstances and he didn't take penalties like Doyle did. We won't get a striker as good as Kits for years now, mark my words.

As for Kits' work rate and ethic, have you watched how much he tackles back and helps the midfield when they need help back there? Sometimes it frustrated me but he was a team player.

[Starry Blue Hooped Wonder]

Got to say that I agree with the last few posts. I certainly won't miss the Dave Kitson of the second half of last season - I lost count of the times I just had to scream at him to get in the box as he is supposed to be a centre forward.

I respect the service he gave our club, particularly during the run up to our promotion. But if he hasn't got the hunger and attitude for the coming season then it is a good time to cash him in. That's one thing I totally agree with Coppell on.

[Royal Lady]

And it's also what i've been saying about Shorey.

[Dirk Gently]

Actually, we're kidding ourselves. That last post from me was trying to take some comfort in losing him, but lets face it, we've sold at least 20 goals in the Championship next season and we're losing a player who looked like he may crash the England squad at one stage.

With his PL attitude and his ego there's no way that I can see DK scoring 20 goals in the Championship. You must remember that players are real people - not players in a game of Championship Manager. As such, they've got real personalities which change - change with life, change with experience, by how they feel about their situation and how they feel about themselves. They also read newspapers and believe what's written there (and the more intelligent the player, the more they are likely to read!)

We won't get a striker as good as Kits for years now, mark my words.

You're right, we won't - but we didn't any longer have one in Kits.

[Big Ern]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

Great post


In response I can only say 'wibble wibble'

[Ian Royal]

This makes me very sad and more than a little nervous.

Dirk's post is excellent, but we'll need a very good player to come in and fill DK's shoes. Long is unproven and still needs to learn a lot. Outside League 1 Lita has a total of about 3 months of quality games and scoring so is not hugely proven. Doyle has managed one good season in each of the Chump and the Prem.

I'm sure Doyle has what it takes and will perform well. I know Lita has the quality, but I do fear whether he can actually produce regularly throughout the season. Long makes a good back up, but we need more than that. Illguson and Church don't sound ready. We need a quality striker to be brought in.

If Harper goes as well I will worry a lot. Time is starting to run out, we still have a big right wing problem, a potential central midfield, left wing and left back problem and now we're losing our best striker.

The surgery needed is getting more and more extensive.

[rotherwick_royal]

I'll hate to lose Kits but I'm trying to take some crumbs of comfort from it. If we do get £5m it's a good deal for an injury-prone 28-year old. Is Kits past his best as some suggest? I'm not so sure, but he has lost the hunger. Maybe a move is the best thing for him, but I still think he would have done a great job for us next year.

I'm wondering if all this talk of Marek being the main man and maybe building the team around him fits in with the departure of Kitson. MM excels in through balls behind the defence for fast strikers to run on to. I can see Long and Doyle, and maybe even Lita being able to take advantage of that. DK excelled when we had wide men providing, lets face it we don't play like that any more. Part of the problem with Kit's performances in the back end of the season was that he was roaming around everywhere looking for the ball and when he was needed in the box he wasn't there. That was only down to his frustration to his not seeing the ball enough if stayed in a central position.

[Friday's Child]

Ian - like you I am somewhat concerned about the repatching job to be done, but I am confident in our management having identified the players they are after as replacements, should our players move on at the right price.

My concern is that by leaving things late, as is always the case for buyers and for RFC (buying and selling), our "top targets" may have already moved on, we will be held to ransom because it is known how much we get for our sales (roughly) despite being undisclosed plus the parachute money, or we will be onto the "second best" list of players that the scouts/Hammond/Coppell have identified. How we get everyone and everything we need in such a short space of time, and expect the clichéd "gelling" to occur before kick-off, one has to wonder.

One striker out, one striker in is a simple and sensible theory, but it is exactly that - a THEORY. In practice things never quite transpire to go according to plan, such is football.

[Hoop Blah]

As I said yesterday in UR&G, it's all very well everyone eulogising about losing Dave Kitson. But the truth is that the Dave Kitson that everyone loves - the young, hungry, Dave Kitson who was so superb during the Championship season and the first one and a half PL seasons - has already left and he left us in January.

That was the time of the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews, the talk of a possible England call-up, the "don't you know who I am, I don't need to take a breath test" and so on. I'm convinced that it was around that time that DK decided he'd arrived as a PL player and lost the hunger - the fact that he is prepared to go to a team like Stoke, who will inevitably be fighting relegation all season just supports that fact that DK now believes he has a divine right to be a PL player. Don't forget this is a player who left his previous club by going into the Chairman's office and saying "Mr Chairman, I've decided I've taken Cambridge United as far as I can."

Yes, he was a wonderful servant for us, but don't for a minute that that the DK of the last half of last season (2 goals in 17 games) - or the DK of this year if we somehow refused to let him leave - would be anything like that player who had the hunger and was so superb for us. The turning point was the start of 2008, and this is a clock that can't be turned back.

So be realistic, and recognise that we had already lost him six months ago - being in the PL changes players and it's definitely changed DK.

end of thread

stunning post

Except that Kitson was always giving off the arrogant vibes and "the "holier than thou" newspaper interviews" ever since we signed him. Dirk even highlights that himself when he quotes his leaving message to the Cambridge Chairman.

He had a dip in form, which considering the team he was part of isn't too surprising. He was also thrust into the spot light a bit more because we were in the Premier League so his quotes were a bit more high profile.

I don't see why he couldn't have recaptured his form at Reading if we'd convinced him that this was the best place for him.

We obvioulsy haven't done so, maybe intentionally, but to throw your hands up and say well he's changed so we dont like him anymore seems a little childish and bitter to me.