Stoke’s Vokes
Striker Sam Vokes has today joined Stoke City from Burnley for an undisclosed fee, bringing to an end a six and a half year stay at Burnley since signing from Wolves in the summer of 2012.
It all seems to have happened quickly but he’s signed for the Potteries club on a three and a half year deal and could go straight into their squad for their game at Hull City this weekend.
Given his contribution to our club, helping us win two promotions as well as staying in the Premier League for the past three seasons, his departure is one of those that comes always with a bit of sadness.
He came on as a late substitute in the last home game against Fulham, replacing Chris Wood with just around three minutes of normal time remaining. I don’t think any of us could have imagined that it would be the last time we would see him in a Burnley shirt.
Sean Dyche said after the deal had been completed: “Stoke expressed an interest in Sam about a week ago and that built considerably. Then you have to factor in the business side of the club. We know there is an ongoing business model here and it is tricky to work with, but it is there. It’s a challenge and I’ve always said that; to find the right amount to stretch, the right time to hold back and the right deals that have to be done, regardless of timings. They have to be done because they are the right deals and this one is, financially, a very good deal for the club.”
He continued: “Stoke’s interest quickly got to a level where it was serious, and we also had to look at the player too. Sam has been an absolutely fantastic servant, not just as a player but as a person around these parts. When players get to that level, you have to factor them in, so I had a good chat with Sam on Wednesday night. There was a bit of frustration that he hasn’t played as much as he’d like and this presents a fresh challenge, so with all that factored in it became a win-win deal.
“We feel we’ve got a good deal financially for the business and Sam has got a fresh chance somewhere different, which he wanted in the end. I think in the end it’s one of those deals that is quite balanced and worked out in a pretty simple way, and that’s rare. Sam has earned the right to be remembered here for a long time because he’s done brilliant for this club and himself. I think he’s become a far better player each year he’s been here and I’m sure the Burnley fans will always hold him in high regard.”
There is no doubt, we wish him well and over the next couple of days, I’ll write more about Sam’s time as a Claret.
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