Defeat. Humiliation. Proven managers reduced to helpless inadequacy and high-class players transformed into quivering wrecks.
Since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, the Potters have occupied an average position of 19th place in the second tier.
And this despite possessing players like Joe Allen, a semi-finalist at Euro 2016, Jack Butland, a goalkeeper with nine caps for England, and an international cast to rival the Eurovision song contest.
Why such a talented squad was so fragile is a question nobody has adequately answered, though a fractured dressing room certainly played its part.
Rumours of ructions and bad apples are overblown in football, but when members of the inner sanctum air their fury in public, it is fair to assume that the smoke is fed by a roaring blaze.
Attitude
Glen Johnson, who retired following the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 2018, told the BBC that the attitude of some players made him feel like quitting the game.
Denne historien er fra September 13, 2020-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 13, 2020-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.