I really think Stoke have backed themselves into a corner. If they get rid of Pulis and bring in a manager for a change of direction they'll have to overhaul most of the squad, and nobody will want most of their thugs. There's only Begovic, Shawcross and maybe a couple of others who have any sort of value, the rest are old, shit, or both. They have little choice but to stick with Pulis and play to their strengths, bringing in another manager to do the same thing would be a pointless exercise.
Next season in general presents a really good chance to improve because of all the change as mentioned by a few posters above. Add to that I think WBA will struggle - they'll lose Lukaku and they have a novice manager, and you quite often find sides who finish the season shoddily, like they have, struggle to pick it up the following year. Stoke have finally been found out and look dross, it will take some big money to make them any good. Fulham have a team of pensioners, which will be ok short term but what is the plan there? They can't keep playing 30+ year old's and not try and blood some younger players, surely. Add to that Cardiff, Hull and whoever comes up, either way I can't see any of the 3 promoted sides being any higher than about 14th, unless they spend daft money on good players, I think Cardiff have the best chance of that. I heard today Watford are transfer embargoed until September 1st? That'll be fun for them then.
On the flip side if Swansea get Lukaku that'll help them a great deal, their squad isn't big enough at present to handle the Europa League and compete well in the Prem but I assume they'll spend and with 3 or 4 extra bodies they'll be looking at top 8 I think. West Ham could also do well and capitalise on the sheer amount of shit by bulldozing them over at home, especially if Carroll stays. Their form in the 2nd half of the season suggests they have the tools to be a top half side.
Then there's the wildcards. Norwich have put a marker down by buying van Wolfswinkel, if they buy a couple of more of that ilk they won't go down, assuming RVW isn't a total fish out of water. I have no idea what will happen at Everton but unless they appoint Pardew they'll be in the top half. The mackems will be totally random with Di Canio in charge, absolutely no result will be a certainty, but I think that'll average out to leave them in the middle somewhere. I really fancy Liverpool to push for the top 4, even without Suarez, Coutinho has made a massive difference for them. Villa will still be relatively inexperienced but Benteke alone will keep them well above trouble. Southampton are a strange team too, they look excellent at times but they always seem to look great in defeat, I don't see enough of them to really judge but they impressed me a lot at SJP, except for their centre halves obviously. If they lose their manager a few might start to think "what the fuck is going on here" but they'll be fine.
Should be a really interesting season, I just hope we're in a situation to enjoy it and not suffering through it.
Harper's captain.