‘Underwhelming – in window which might prove crucial in relegation battle’

On Tuesday we asked what you made of Stoke City’s business in the transfer window.

The Potters signed Ipswich forward Ali Al-Hamadi on loan to plug the gap left by Tom Cannon’s loan spell being ended early by Leicester, while 19-year-old forward Nathan Lowe was recalled from a prolific spell at League Two title-chasers Walsall.

Stoke also signed left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand from Manchester City on loan for the rest of the season while midfielder Lewis Baker was recalled by Mark Robins from a loan spell with Blackburn to help try to steer the Potters away from trouble at the wrong end of the Championship table.

Here are some of your responses:

Callum: Mark Robins has loaned, sold and had recalled, too many strikers this window while only bringing in Al Hamadi, Wilson-Esbrand, and Lowe. This is good but there being no defenders is a concern, and honestly it’s our defence that’s letting us down this season.

Keith: There is a lack of desire and passion for the fight which is required EVERY WEEK! There are some average players who show intent but every match, every week, I’m sorry but they don’t want promotion. In the boxing world they would be classed as journey men. Get paid, go home, not a cat in hell’s chance of winning anything. Every week I hope to see change, up for the 12 rounder but most times even with the odd win it’s more about the mistakes that the opposition made rather that the creative genius of this squad.

William: Well done Stoke City, two quality signings plus I hope Nathan Lowe continues to impress, plays and scores goals.

Paul: The fans deserve more from the club after so many years of watching doom and gloom football, but with John Coates involved this is what you get, all he deserves is to be relegated. What a poor transfer window. I hope it comes back to bite him.

Darryn: Lets be honest, it’s an abject failure after years of failures. Each year is worse and to bring in no one to give a glimmer of hope is depressing, but unfortunately disappointment is expected nowadays.

Adrian: It isn’t any more signings we need, it’s grit and determination. Mark Robins will demand that commitment and will get the best out of the squad to move us away from the “drop zone”. After that it depends on that bit of luck!

Oli: Underwhelming, the club’s need for a consistent centre back on a permanent basis has been apparent for over a year now, not only did they not sign one, they failed to sign a permanent first team player at all, only signing one 19 year old midfielder, who will join the U21 team for the rest of the season, as well as two loan players, who I’d be surprised if either one surpassed five appearances for the club, given that Al-Hamadi is cup tied and Wilson-Esbrand has already been named as a substitute since his debut.

Whilst clubs also at the bottom end of the Championship table secured deals for top quality, Championship-level players such as Louie Barry, Matt Crooks, Aasgaard and Aouchiche, Stoke City have failed to secure a single marquee signature, in a window that may well prove crucial in this year’s relegation battle.

Paul H: Poor recruitment, the club is crying out for a big centre forward and strong defensive midfielder due to Walters signing injured players in Gallagher and Lawal. If Robins keeps us up with this squad then he really is a good manager. Here’s hoping Coates sees the light and dismisses Walters before next season.

Joe: Needed to sign a centre half and send a couple of young players to Walsall on loan to get experience and game time. A solid winger would have been nice too. UP THE POTTERS

Paul I: Wish I understood financial fair play as some teams spend millions and others, including Stoke, spent barely anything. How can we have fair play in football when teams can spend so much more than others? The term fair play should never be used as its pretty clear there is nothing fair about it.