The Stoke Times 17/10/05

Stoke have dismissed rumours that Carl Hoefkens will be allowed to leave the club in January. Johan Boskamp said 'The first time I heard about it was in the newspapers and that's the only time. We have close contact with West Ham because we have Luke Chadwick on loan here and they have not spoken to me about Carl.'

Assistant manager Jan de Koning says that 23 year old full back John Halls could still sign a new contract and stay at Stoke.

Jan de Koning has indicated that on loan Hammers midfielder Luke Chadwick may be signed permanently when the January transfer window opens.

De Koning is impressed with 21 year old Peter Sweeney's attitude in trying to get back to full fitness. 'Peter Sweeney has had a very hard week. He's been training hard and also had 60 minutes for the reserves. The day after we asked him if he just wanted to do some running but he said: 'No I want to train'. 'He's been fantastic and he's improving all the time.'

Stoke chairman Gunnar Por Gislason has indicated that the board might have to increase season ticket prices in order to bring in a much needed increase in revenue.

18 year old defender Carl Dickinson is gunning for a return to the first team after coming back from an ankle injury he picked up in July. Dickinson got through a full 90 minutes for the youth team last week and is now looking to build on his one senior appearance.

Stoke academy midfielder Matthew Hazley has been called up by Northern Ireland Under-19s.

Stoke's goalkeeping legend Peter Fox has given our keepers his seal of approval despite losing Ben Foster to Man Utd in the summer. Fox made 477 appearances for the Potters until 1993 said: 'I'm very happy with Steve (Simonsen) and I'm sure the fans are too. He's doing a good job. De Goey is fabulous to have as back-up, I saw him come in last season and he did really well.'