Source: Daily_Mail
Tony Pulis has faith in Stoke signing Jonathan Woodgate
Whatever the physical condition of defender Jonathan Woodgate, there has never been any doubt about his quality. [LNB]Stoke manager Tony Pulis is the latest to hope the 31-year-old's perennial battle with injury will not stop him making a valuable contribution to his team's cause. [LNB]Pulis has offered a pay-as-you-play deal to Woodgate, who will be hoping to stay fit for a few more years after being released by Tottenham. [LNB] Fresh start: Jonathan Woodgate will attempt to relaunch his career at Stoke[LNB]Just 49 Barclays Premier League appearances in three seasons shows how injuries have blighted a player whose transfer fees total ?37.4million.[LNB] 'Hopefully, I can stay fit now,' admitted Woodgate, who will have an early chance to shine on television with Stoke's opening match against Chelsea live on Sky on August 14. [LNB] Lifeline: Jonathan Woodgate has a chance to resurrect his injury-plagued career[LNB]'I feel I still have a lot to offer at this level. I was thrilled when Tony Pulis asked me to come and join the club. With the back-up from the medical and sports science department which they have here at Stoke, that can only help my prospects of doing that.' [LNB]Pulis is delighted to have signed the former England player on a one-year contract with a 12-month extension option. [LNB]'The lad is a top-class player. He has had his injury troubles but we believe that if his fitness is managed properly he will play games for us,' he said. [LNB] Carling Cup winner: Woodgate scored the winner in the final against Chelsea in 2008[LNB]Another centre back, Roger Johnson, is on his way to Wolves from Birmingham in a ?7m deal. Johnson hopes to complete the formalities on Tuesday.[LNB] The Championship club have also agreed compensation with Aston Villa for manager Alex McLeish. The compromise, believed to be around ?2m, includes McLeish's right-hand man Peter Grant and Dr Ian McGuinness. [LNB] Crock Woodgate vows to put career back on track after signing one-year deal at StokeCountdown to kick-off: Our guide to all the Premier League pre-season fixturesClub-by-club guide to all the Barclays Premier League summer transfersAll the latest Stoke City FC news, features and opinion[LNB]
