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Published: Wednesday 03 Sep 2008
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Sheffield Star reporter James Shield talks to Why Delilah about Stoke's new boy

Tonge tangles with Manchester City's Joey Barton in a Premier League clash

By Dave Knapper
dave.knapper@thesentinel.co.uk

JAMES Shield knows a thing or two about Sheffield United having spent the majority of his career reporting on the Blades.
Why Delilah’s Dave Knapper caught up the Sheffield Star’s Blades reporter to find out a little more about Stoke’s new signing, Michael Tonge.

SPORTS reporter James Shield has seen Sheffield United hit the heady heights of the top flight to more recently endure a disappointing time under ex-boss Bryan Robson.

One mainstay of recent years at Brammall Lane has been Michael Tonge.

Having signed up as a 17-year-old, Tonge spent eight years in South Yorkshire and went from
being the darling of the terraces to somewhat of a boo-boy when times got tough.

But in Tonge, James believes Stoke have signed a decent midfielder who can bring a new dimension to the way in which the Potters play.

“Michael is a cerebral player with a good footballing brain. He makes good use of possession
and, as he showed earlier in his career, is also capable of posing a threat along the flank.

“He probably enjoyed the best period of his United career out wide but, as he's shown later on, he also enjoys playing in a central role. The evidence throughout his career suggests he's more effective out wide but he'll tell you he enjoys being involved through the middle.”

Tonge once formed a memorable midfield partnership with Michael Brown before he departed for Tottenham Hotspur in 2004.

Blades supported cited Brown’s departure as one reason Tonge’s form stuttered, but James does not agree.

“I don't think he struggled when Michael Brown went but his role and the way he was viewed probably changed a little bit.

“He was seen as the man most likely to fill the void created by Brown's departure but they are very different players.

“Michael probably lacks a little bit of pace. But, to be fair, he makes up for that in other ways.”

Stoke supporters will no doubt be keen to see Tonge operate on the left-hand side to relieve an on-going vacancy on that flank.

James reckons the 25-year-old could offer a solution.

“He probably enjoyed the best period of his United career out wide but, as he's shown later on, he also enjoys playing in a central role. The evidence throughout his career suggests he's more effective out wide but he'll tell you he enjoys being involved through the middle.

“I wouldn't say crossing the ball is one of Michael's particular strengths but he does create space in which strikers can do damage in other ways. He's got a good touch and can stretch a defence in tight situations.”

Another question on most Potters fans’ lips is whether Tonge can step up to the Premier League.

The former Manchester United trainee appeared 27 times for the Blades during their one season in the top flight in the 2006/2007 campaign.

James said: “Michael did well in the Premier League. In fact, some would argue that is game is arguably better suited to the top-flight than it is in the Championship.

“Michael is a very hard worker and will put a shift in for the team. But, and this is my opinion, that doesn't play to his strengths. You want somebody around him doing the hard yards so he can do damage with the ball.”

His departure from Brammall Lane has left United short in midfielders and rumours are abound that Michael Brown is set for a return to South Yorkshire.

Tonge has been linked with moves away from United in the past, and is James surprised to see him leave now for a fresh start in the Potteries.

“Yes and no. United, as they've made clear, would have preferred not to lose him but obviously the draw of the Premier League is very strong.

“I think he's capable of bringing a different dimension to Stoke's play and so it doesn't surprise me that Tony Pulis has gone after him.

“Michael burst onto the scene in such a blaze of glory that he set himself exceptionally high standards. But he's always had a steady stream of admirers and so all those managers, including the ones who played him at United - Kevin Blackwell included - can't be wrong.”