Michael Tonge

[Mad Mick]

Apparently lined up for a loan move to BDTBL as we only have 13 fit players.
Not that fussed misen, but you never know it might be the second coming.
According to this mornings Mail.

 

[Ollessendro]

I thought better of you than to be reading that gash paper Mick!!??

As for Tonge coming back. Same as you Mick, not so fussed. I am always a bit sceptcial about players returning to clubs. There is a reason why we shipped him on in the first place. However, with Monty out how about a Harper and Tonge midfield partnership? Could work. Sceptics would say both has (or never) beens, but with Harper sitting back and Tonge's flair then you never know. It would be a good business move to bring him in on loan after getting 2 mill for him.

Is match fitness not going to be a problem. He hasn't played any matches for Stoke as far as I'm aware. With Monty out, Harper still looking not fully match fit, Quinny frustrating and Williamson training light (and of course he'll need time to get to match fitness!?) it looks a little bleak. But having Harper and Tonge blowing hard in the middle doesn't seem like it's the answer!?

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I thought better of you than to be reading that gash paper Mick!!??

As for Tonge coming back. Same as you Mick, not so fussed. I am always a bit sceptcial about players returning to clubs. There is a reason why we shipped him on in the first place. However, with Monty out how about a Harper and Tonge midfield partnership? Could work. Sceptics would say both has (or never) beens, but with Harper sitting back and Tonge's flair then you never know. It would be a good business move to bring him in on loan after getting 2 mill for him.

Is match fitness not going to be a problem. He hasn't played any matches for Stoke as far as I'm aware. With Monty out, Harper still looking not fully match fit, Quinny frustrating and Williamson training light (and of course he'll need time to get to match fitness!?) it looks a little bleak. But having Harper and Tonge blowing hard in the middle doesn't seem like it's the answer!?

It's a funny one isn't it with Tonge. I certainly wouldn't the tonge we shipped out. Far too inconsistent, and didn't get invlioved enough. However a spell warming Stoke's bench could have done him the power of good, and we could be getting a player back who is motivated to succeed.
Or we could be getting a player that has been warming Stoke's bench for a bloody good reason.

 

[TonyAgana]

Motivation and confidence were definitely two of Tonge's biggest problems. Monty said in an interview a few months ago that Tonge's experiences left him well aware that "the grass isn't always greener". If he comes back determined to rebuild what's left of his career then we could be onto a winner.

Ever the optimist.

 

[jodman]

Motivation and confidence were definitely two of Tonge's biggest problems. Monty said in an interview a few months ago that Tonge's experiences left him well aware that "the grass isn't always greener". If he comes back determined to rebuild what's left of his career then we could be onto a winner.

Ever the optimist.

I have to agree; Tonge was a victim of his own success following on from what was a pretty sensational start to his career at BDTBL. I would imagine he was desperate to recapture that form and this probably lead to his inconsistency during subsequent seasons.

A few years older and wiser, perhaps a little humbled by his lack of success at Stoke, he could well prove to be a good signing.

I always liked him and would be very happy to see him return, even if it were for just a short period of time.

 

[Ollessendro]

If's and buts then.

Agree with Agana and Jodman that a motivated Tonge could be a real asset. He played some of his best football in the promotion season (after early doors in 02/03) and this was after Warnock dropped him. Warnock dropping him for the start of 05/06 really seemed to stick a rocket up his arse and he came back to play very well after.

Maybe he would seize his chance? Or maybe (as highbury says) there is a good reason why he has barely pulled on a Stoke shirt!?

 

[clashing blade]

Another step backwards imo. he was shipped out for a reason.

 

[JJ Sefton]

Is Tonge the new Geoff Salmons?

 

[TonyAgana]

Another step backwards imo. he was shipped out for a reason.

Not really. Played every game of the season until a midnight offer came in from Stoke.

 

[Toronto Blade]

The Tonge that left only showed up every four or five matches as others have said hopefully time away will have taught him something.

 

[Mad Mick]

I thought better of you than to be reading that gash paper Mick!!??

As for Tonge coming back. Same as you Mick, not so fussed. I am always a bit sceptcial about players returning to clubs. There is a reason why we shipped him on in the first place. However, with Monty out how about a Harper and Tonge midfield partnership? Could work. Sceptics would say both has (or never) beens, but with Harper sitting back and Tonge's flair then you never know. It would be a good business move to bring him in on loan after getting 2 mill for him.

Is match fitness not going to be a problem. He hasn't played any matches for Stoke as far as I'm aware. With Monty out, Harper still looking not fully match fit, Quinny frustrating and Williamson training light (and of course he'll need time to get to match fitness!?) it looks a little bleak. But having Harper and Tonge blowing hard in the middle doesn't seem like it's the answer!?

I don't read the Mail m8, I just look at the pictures.

 

[boo radley]

Most players who come back to the lane realise what they had and try to do the best for the club. I'd rather remember a player for the good times not the bad.(liverpool goals free kick against piggies etc). I'm sure someone will try to say thats all he gave but most clubs in the championship would take him if they had chance, we have so lets hope if he comes he becomes a hero.

 

[Blade]

there was a reason he left. predominantly money on the table. Many people believe we are incapable of turning down offers.

I don't buy this 1 good game in 6 rubbish either, he was far better than what we've had for some time both before and after when he was just being his usual self. For me he'd always show that extra class we've missed so dearly, kept possesion well, looked for intelligent passes even when all those around him were stood still and i'd take him back tomorrow as I said a few weeks ago.

I'd be surprised if the rumours are substatiated. I think it's much more likely this has all come about after we signed Cresswell and started talking about whether we'd rather have taken tonge back. Surprise surprise the next week there's an international break not much to talk about in the local press aside from our injuries and Shield comes up with an article on the very subject, a few days later and it hits the nationals. In my view it's another Terry Henfleet example of rubbish and lazy journalism that has broken through to the headlines.

I know that might sound a bit uberparanoid and I hope I'm wrong and there is something in it, only time will tell.

 

[Gin&Juice]

unfinished business, what’s he up to nowadays? Get him back I say.

 

[Sportbilly /Detroit Blade]

unfinished business, what’s he up to nowadays? Get him back I say.

Stan Laurel impressions so I heard.

 

[MKY]

16 years…… that’s quite the resurrection!

 

[BalticBlade]

unfinished business, what’s he up to nowadays? Get him back I say.

Fits the 'profile'

 

[Whitby-Blade]

Playing just around the corner from me on 3rd August against Whitby Town at the Turnbull ground, Paddy and Killa too.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

That's a pretty impressive line up. I can remember when we were linked to David Norris at one point when he was playing for Plymouth. Quality Championship player.

 

[Moan? Nope-I saw Longhorn]

Playing just around the corner from me on 3rd August against Whitby Town at the Turnbull ground, Paddy and Killa

Aye
Wonder if Bruce partakes in a conversation with Bridges role in his da’s (enforced )retirement.
In 57 years of attending ‘t’Lane, without doubt the best opposition player performance I’ve ever seen, with the added bonus of it humiliating the cricket loving cabbage