http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/stokecity/id/444?cc=5739 Despite Stoke only losing to a late, deflected free-kick, they never looked like threatening Arsenal in the latest of Pulis' 'bonus' games. A less than productive transfer window, coupled with baffling team selections and unparalleled negativity of approach sees the manager coming under real pressure for the first time since the club's return to the top flight. I don't think there was a single Stoke fan who expected a win at the Emirates, but once again it was the white flag waved before kick-off that frustrates the fans, who pay good money to watch the Potters on their travels. What rubs salt into the wounds even more are Pulis' words after such games and today; we heard the 'resources' card played again, even going as far as saying if he had more money he would play a more expansive game. I'm not sure many managers have had the luxury of the best part of £100 million to spend over the last five years. If they did, I don't think they would dare dream of using money as an excuse when their tactics are to blame. Having reeled out the resources card, Pulis went on to talk about the belief of the players and how it was missing. Pulis mentioned this twice in his Sky interview, going on to say how: "We're always good at our place... we always compete... we look forward to those games." How on earth can a manager expect his players to have belief away from home when it's clear he doesn't himself? He talks about how it's not a level playing field and infers Stoke don't compete or look forward to going on the road, then acts surprised as he extends his away record to one win in 22 games. His interview to the Stoke media was even more intriguing, talking in riddles about the disappointment of the transfer window and how things didn't drop, which given he waits until the final minutes (literally) to try and make deals happen, is hardly surprising. That the window saw deals that would have seen Peter Crouch, Charlie Adam, Michael Kightly and Wilson Palacios all move on, one has to wonder whether the powers that be have stepped in to take more of a role in the recruitment of playing staff given the delta between outlay and impact of recent signings. The appointment of Mark Cartwright and the signing of foreign players would certainly point to outside influences at play. Perhaps in the January transfer window the Coates family decided against giving Pulis more good money to throw after bad, limiting his guidance on proceedings. If there is indeed some unrest behind the scenes it will be interesting to see how that manifests itself over the coming weeks, especially with games against Stoke's immediate peers on the horizon, where points are there to be won. The fans will be hoping there will be less excuses and more positivity to push the club on to a strong finish to the season. And it may not just the supporters that Pulis needs to convince. Vis Unita Fortior
Wow! I know alot of us have thought this for a while, but seeing it written so constructively in an article like that really hammers it home. I am curiously interested to know who he wanted to sign, but the fact that they were open to offers on both KJ and Crouch, Adam is not in his long term plans and both Everton and Blackpool courted him and we have just bought an attacking left side player which devalues his purchase of Kightly 6 months ago - things dont look good!
Joking asided lads I DID listen carefully to TPs interview and I said at the time on here.. " He's bricking it" he sounded totally lost. This got me thinking on Sat night, now I've seen this? The only way he would be under pressure is if Mr Coates ran over him with a steamroller. I CARE NO MORE what the hell TP say's thinks or does tbh.
It will be interesting to see if the Sentinel pick up on this or bits of it get into Spink's write ups? I havent listened to P&G lately, whats the gist on there?
