Stoke City’s academy coach Danny Pugh has praised Tommy Simkin, Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe for their attitude and potential after their recent loan spells.
Who is Danny Pugh and what did he say?
Pugh, a Stoke City legend who helped the club win promotion to the Premier League as a player, has returned to the academy staff to coach the under-18s. He worked with Simkin, Tezgel and Lowe during his previous stint from 2021 to 2023 and believes all three have the right mindset to succeed.
“One hundred per cent,” Pugh said. “I think Emre had been pinpointed for several years before that. Lowey probably a bit later but you could see the talent and potential. But all three of those lads have great attitudes and work rate. They are really good lads as well and deserve the success they are getting.”
What did Pugh reveal about Simkin’s early struggles?
Pugh recalled Simkin’s loan spell at Hanley Town, then managed by Carl Dickinson, when the goalkeeper was just 16. Simkin faced abuse from fans behind the goal and had to adapt quickly to a different footballing environment.
“He was brilliant,” Pugh said. “That world of football would have been alien to what he was used to. He was coming for crosses and he was getting abuse from about ten people behind the goal! It was a great learning curve for him. I think the handful of games he played there were an eye opener to him but he came through that test with flying colours and he has really kicked on from there.”
How have Simkin, Tezgel and Lowe performed recently?
Simkin, 21, and Lowe, 20, have both secured loans for the upcoming season, with Simkin heading to Hibs and Lowe to Doncaster. Tezgel, also 20, scored 15 goals on loan at Crewe last season despite missing three months with an ankle injury, and is now attracting interest from other clubs.
Pugh played alongside Simkin during his time at Hanley Town and has seen the youngster grow into a more confident player. “He has really kicked on from there,” Pugh added.
What’s next for Stoke City?
Mark Robins’ side finished 17th in the Championship last season with 55 points from 46 games and a goal difference of -5. The club has been active in the transfer market this summer, signing goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, defender Luke Graham and midfielders Svante Ingelsson, Djibril Soumare and Ethan Galbraith.
Stoke’s pre-season starts on Saturday with a trip to Crewe Alexandra at 3pm. They then head to a training camp in Austria before hosting Everton on July 28 and Valencia on August 1. The season kicks off with the Carabao Cup against Oldham on August 8 and the Championship opener against Swansea on August 15.
League standing: Stoke City sit 17th in the Championship with 55 points from 46 games, five behind Coventry in the title race and on a recent run of four losses and a draw.
