MILLION WANTS TO CASH IN
MILLION Manhoef is ready to knuckle down to build on the strong finish to his first half-season in England.
The 22-year-old right winger signed off with a brace in Stoke’s final day thrashing of Bristol City but he sees areas in his game he knows he must improve if he is going to deliver consistently in the Championship and beyond.
He has enjoyed his first taste of life away from the Netherlands, where he had been a first-team regular after coming through the ranks at Vitesse Arnhem, but it is clear he is determined that the best is yet to come.
“It was nice, it was new, getting to know the league and everything and where I can improve,” he said.
“It’s very physical and I need to get more fit and stronger to win more duels. There is a lot of room for improvement and that’s what I like and why I came here. I’m very excited to go into next year.
“I came here because I want to improve my game and be a better player. I think I can do that here and help the team through next season. When you see the quality we have in this team we shouldn’t be so low so hopefully we can show that next season and aim high.”
Stoke ended with three straight wins to secure their status in the division and Manhoef scored in all three of the last home matches. He has been embracing his linkup play with Bae Junho too and is looking forward to working in tandem again next term.
He said: “(Junho is) an amazing player, everyone can see it. He’s causing so much threat on the left side and I try to do the same thing on the right side. I think a lot of teams are going to have problems with that if you can have a lot of threat on both sides. For next season it’s going to be even better.”
Junho, aged 20, has arrived back in South Korea after finally bringing his marathon personal season to a close. He has been playing without a proper break since March last year, appearing in 76 match day squads for his country at various levels, Daejeon Hana Citizen and then Stoke, who he joined in August.
He was crowned supporters’ player of the year and wrote on social media: “Thank you to all the fans who supported my first season in England. And I was happy to be with great teammates. It was a happy season thanks to you guys.”
Fellow summer signing Wouter
Burger, aged 23, was a contender for player of the year too.
He went into the close season with the message: “Thank you Potters for your support during my first season in England. I’ve felt welcome and at home from the start! There’s been ups and downs but I’ve enjoyed the whole ride.”
Ben Wilmot, last year’s player of the season, has had to overcome another freak injury this time around after colliding with a post back in October. He came back into the starting XI for the final four matches and ended with three successive clean sheets.
He said: “A stressful season to say the least. Glad we could put on a show for everyone on the final day. Enjoyed playing with this group.”
Jordan Thompson, who has had a 12-month contract extension triggered, said: “Big thank you to our fans who have stuck with us. We know it’s not been good enough but we’ll be ready for next year.”
Blondy Nna Noukeu, who has been a backup goalkeeper this season, has confirmed he is leaving the club.
“I wish all the very best in the future with more successful moments to everyone at the club,” he said. “It’s been an honour and a pleasure to represent Stoke City.”