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Matthew Etherington close to agreeing to new contract with Stoke City - Tony Pulis
Potters' Player of the Year could improve further, says boss
7 Jun 2010 11:57:00
By Adithya Ananth
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has revealed that Matthew Etherington is close to signing a new contract, to extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium.
The former West Ham United man had previously expressed frustration that an agreement did not appear to be in sight. But the Potters' gaffer insists that the negotiations are nearing an end.
"Matty and his agent have just had another meeting with [chief executive] Tony Scholes and from what I hear they are definitely getting closer," Pulis told The Sentinel.
"I'm obviously hopeful they can tie up the loose ends because I'm sure Matty just wants to get back to doing what he does best.
"Not that I think any of this would have any effect on Matty's commitment or anything.
"He's a great lad and you only have to look at his performances to see how well he's done for this football club."
Etherington had struck a rich vein of form as Stoke made sure they did not succumb to 'second season syndrome' in the Premier League, but the winger fell prey to injury amidst talk of a potential call-up to the England squad.
"Like Ryan Shawcross, he's bound to be disappointed, and rightly so because both were desperately unlucky," Pulis added.
"If they hadn't both got struck down by injury at just the wrong time earlier this year, who knows? But I'm confident that won't have any effect on them next season.
"They'll be just as keen to get out there and not only reproduce their best form from last season but improve on it.
"That's the challenge for both of them - and the rest of the lads if we are to build on our progress so far."
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The former West Ham United man had previously expressed frustration that an agreement did not appear to be in sight. But the Potters' gaffer insists that the negotiations are nearing an end.
"Matty and his agent have just had another meeting with [chief executive] Tony Scholes and from what I hear they are definitely getting closer," Pulis told The Sentinel.
"I'm obviously hopeful they can tie up the loose ends because I'm sure Matty just wants to get back to doing what he does best.
"Not that I think any of this would have any effect on Matty's commitment or anything.
"He's a great lad and you only have to look at his performances to see how well he's done for this football club."
Etherington had struck a rich vein of form as Stoke made sure they did not succumb to 'second season syndrome' in the Premier League, but the winger fell prey to injury amidst talk of a potential call-up to the England squad.
"Like Ryan Shawcross, he's bound to be disappointed, and rightly so because both were desperately unlucky," Pulis added.
"If they hadn't both got struck down by injury at just the wrong time earlier this year, who knows? But I'm confident that won't have any effect on them next season.
"They'll be just as keen to get out there and not only reproduce their best form from last season but improve on it.
"That's the challenge for both of them - and the rest of the lads if we are to build on our progress so far."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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