Jack on attack over Stoke flops

TEARFUL Jack Butland slammed the “farcical” decisions which have helped seal Stoke’s relegation.

The £50million-rated England goalkeeper ripped into the club’s seemingly shambolic recruitment policy and says while those in the dressing room accepted their part in a horrid season, missing players had cost them dear.

He criticised the process which allowed big-money players to

STOKE C PALACE

disappear off the radar. Record signing Giannelli Imbula (£18.3 m), Kevin Wimmer (£18m) and Saido Berahino (£12m) have all flopped along with Jese and Ibrahim Afellay.

“I think the whole recruitment process needs looking at,” said Butland. “We’ve gone into a game today – and over the last few months – with half the squad dotted around the world not even involved. Some are on loans. But then there’s been players who aren’t even part of the squad for all kinds of reasons, whether it be discipline or lack of performance.

“Too many of the recent investments have been completely unused and that’s unacceptable. It’s been farcical really.”

Butland, 25, looks certain to be off this summer with Wolves, Liverpool, Arsenal and a string of top clubs ready to try to land him.

James McArthur equalised for Palace after Xherdan Shaqiri had given Stoke hope, then Patrick van Aanholt sealed the win.

McArthur said of manager Roy Hodgson, who engineered Palace’s survival: “The job he has done has been remarkable.”

REMAINING GAMES – Stoke: C Palace: