STUBBORN Stoke City boss Johan Boskamp insists his team will not move away from the style of football he demands and results will follow, despite slumping to three defeats within a week.

By Derek Davis

STUBBORN Stoke City boss Johan Boskamp insists his team will not move away from the style of football he demands and results will follow, despite slumping to three defeats within a week.

The Potters have lost to Burnley, Leeds and, on Saturday, a last-gasp goal at Sheffield United but the Dutchman is staying true to his playing philosophy.

Boskamp said: “We have a great group of players here, they work hard for each other and play good football.

“They like it and the fans like it, but we have to start getting results to match the way we play.”

As happy as Boskamp is with his players, that will not stop him getting in new ones and Finland striker Peter Kopteff is eligible for today's game against Ipswich but is unlikely to command a starting place.

The Potters have also been linked with Leeds United midfielder Sean Gregan, while they also want another striker to cover for when Guinea international Sammy Bangoura goes off to the African Nations' Cup, with Neil Mellor and Ricardo Fuller linked.

Bangoura is likely to continue his partnership up front with on-loan Blackburn Rovers' forward Paul Gallagher and Mamady Sidibe, the former Gillingham marksman who scored the consolation at Bramall Lane.

The Potters are hoping to secure former Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick on a permanent move from West ham after he impressed on loan and have agreed a £100,000 deal with the Hammers.

Stoke are ready to up their offer by an extra £1,000-a-week in wages for the 27-year-old, who is also in talks with Watford.

City have the tough-tackling Dave Brammer in central midfield and former Norwich City winger Darel Russell on the left, although Karl Henry is pushing for a start, while Hans Sigurdsson and Peter Sweeney are pressing for starting roles up front.

The Potters have not been too hot at home this season, losing seven games and drawing one of their 13 matches at the Britannia Stadium.