Narrow (shrunken) pitches

Should Stoke be allowed to kill the great game with their downsizing of the pitch against certain teams?

For the good of the game, the pitch should be kept the same size for every opponent. Playing to a teams strengths is one thing, but I feel that should be done by formation tactics rather than affecting the pitch size. It will only be a matter of time before majority of teams make their pitch too small for the good players to show their skills. Going to the Britannia must be like going to watch a team in the Ryman league.

I didn't think Stoke altered their pitch for any premier league games, I know it's extended for the Europa league because their are different regulations.

Stoke play a version of 'football' that is easier on a smaller pitch.

They basically clout or throw the ball into the 18 yard box and hope one of their athlete fumble it over the line.

Should be really be surprised in Stoke doing this. They stitch towels in players tops.

I remember when Sam Allerdyce (sp?!?) took over Newcastle and he basically ruined my enjoyment of watching football. I wonder how long Stoke fans will put up with them almost playing Rugby.

That's such an old viewpoint on Stoke City, I suggest sitting down and watching them as they do play some decent football now. When they came up they did what they had to do so they could survive.

Every season their football has become a little easier on the eyes and this year with the use of two wingers they are actually not a bad team to watch, certainly not the most exciting team to watch but every player gives 100%.

If you asked their fans would they rather play like Barcelona and get relegated, or play the style they do and stay up, and get passed the group stages in europe, most fans will say the second option.

I went to Stoke to watch Newcastle play them earlier in the season.

The non-hostile Stoke fans who were wanting to talk football (rather than fight) seemed to be getting a little sick of the rugby they play. Questioning the athletes (his words) Pulis is signing. The ironic thing was when Newcastle wasted time using the towels, Pulis was going mad.... so they stitched them into football tops.

They really are a team I would like to see the back of.

I can remember Glasgow Rangers making their pitch as small as possible for European games way back in the Souness days.