Stoke City legend Denis Smith says he predicted the Potters’ performance against Plymouth Argyle having witnessed the progress being made by Steven Schumacher’s men.
Speaking at the Club’s latest invitational Season Card holder event in Ricardo’s, the 1972 League Cup winner addressed how he is pining to see the lads in red and white kick-on during the final two matches of this season and beyond.
“I was delighted we performed like we did,” said the former central defender.
“You could see it coming. The players are improving all the time and are getting to know each other.
“A lot of players were brought in during one summer and it does take time to get to know each other.
“When you are out on the field, you haven’t got time to think ‘oh, that is so and so over there’, you need it to be automatic, and that is what we are starting to see now.
“I wasn’t surprised by the result and hopefully that can continue between now and the end of the season.
“I have been saying since Christmas that this team would be fine because I have seen the gradual improvements.
“In February, you would have taken 50 points and thought you would be safe.
“We are not, though, there is still work to do. Another win will do it, so let’s get it on Saturday.”
With City having seen material improvements since the return of Sporting Director Jon Walters ten games ago, Smith recalls getting an earlier glimpse than most of the qualities that would help the former striker thrive at the bet365 Stadium on and off the field.
“I signed Jon at Wrexham at the start of his career,” said Smith.
“He was always first to turn up in training and his work rate in everything was first class.
“He understands this area and that Stoke fans will forgive mistakes if you give 100%.
“He would run through a brick wall for you and Stoke fans saw both his work rate and goals from him as well.”
Smith, whose managerial career spanned over 1,000 matches, also had words of support for Potters’ Head Coach, Steven Schumacher.
“I look at what he’s doing and I like it. Don’t get me wrong, I always say things I would do differently and I know as a manager myself that everyone thinks they can do the job better than you can!
“It’s a mentality thing, consistently driving internally that you have to train hard and put the graft in to perform well.
“He has got broad shoulders and I know he will have used this period to put the platform down to have a better season next year.”
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