http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-coach-steve-bould-surprise-1843349? Steve Bould has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Tony Pulis at Stoke. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may face a battle to hang on to his assistant if Pulis leaves the Potters. Pulis is under mounting pressure as Stoke battle against relegation from the Premier League, and could walk away if he is not sacked. Other than highly-rated Bould, Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet would be considered as potential replacements. Bould was born in Stoke and made over 200 appearances for his hometown club before joining Arsenal in 1988. Despite his close relationship with Pulis, Potters owner Peter Coates is being urged to take the club in a new direction. Other than wanting to evolve the brand of football, Stoke insiders are keen for more young players to be used in the squad with a greater emphasis placed on developing homegrown talent from the Academy. There is also a desire to extract better value from the transfer market. Although he has no senior managerial experience, Bould started as head youth team coach at Arsenal, overseeing a youth cup success and consecutive FA Academy Premier League titles. He was promoted to become Wenger’s No.2 last summer, but the Frenchman was forced to deny claims that there have since been problems between the pair. Bould has been touted as a future Gunners boss, but it is unclear whether the 50-year-old has immediate ambitions to move into full management – particularly with Wenger’s deal due to expire next year. Wenger is already on the lookout for a new man to succeed Liam Brady as the head of Arsenal’s youth academy. And as we revealed two weeks ago, the favourite for the post is Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who is currently technical manager at Ajax Wenger will also consider appointing another keeping coach after problems in that department resurfaced this season. Pulis has done a superb job during his seven-year second spell in charge of Stoke, but there is a growing feeling his reign may be reaching a natural conclusion. Last December, Stoke appointed Mark Cartwright as their new technical director to head scouting and player recruitment. The January signing of 20-year-old goalkeeper Jack Butland, who is completing the season on loan at Birmingham, was further proof of the direction Stoke want to head. A report released last week showed Stoke spend 75 per cent of their turnover on their wage bill, but a number of the club’s recent signings have not provided value for money.
I thought that too Jowler but tbh I used to work with a couple of Liverpool fans who really rated him... and he does not suffer fools. Would not mind if we appointed him personally. He knows the game inside out! I guess as fans we won't have any say in that department. Then again, Pulis has not left YET! Ma Missus reakons he will still be here next season... and won't walk. She also said " Mr Coates won't sack him" Is she right? I for one bloody well hope she isn't.
I hope your Mrs is wrong Potts, and i'd have Rafa any day over Pulis but i don't know what it is about him that doesn't gel with me.
I agree with you JM. At L'pool he was always moaning about the owners, blaming them everything.that went wrong. All will be revealed
I suspect, Nick, that if TP does remain in charge next season then we WILL go down next season anyway then he will go
