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Stoke Home and Dry Sunday 10th May 2009
Stoke City guaranteed their Premiership survival with a 2-1 win at Hull yesterday and manager Tony Pulis believes his side deserves a big pat on the back.
The Potters triumphed at the KC Stadium thanks to goals from Ricardo Fuller and Liam Lawrence to move them out of reach of other clubs in the relegation zone.
Many pundits tipped Stoke to struggle in their first season in the Premier League but an excellent home record and some gritty away performances have ensured a place in next year’s top flight.
The two other sides that were promoted from the Championship last year ¬– Hull City and West Brom – are still embroiled in the relegation dogfight but Tony Pulis’ side have performed admirably to steer clear from the drop zone.
It’s been a long season, but rewarding in the end and I think the lads really deserved it today,” he told BBC.
“People talk about players of the year, managers of the year and everything else but the season goes on - wait until it’s over and then judge people.
“We’ve managed to stay up, so now give my players the credit they deserve. I’ve got a group of lads that work very hard. We’ve had to battle right through from the first game to this game.
“The players have been smashing and the football club has as well. The chairman’s been first class, the supporters have really taken to the Premier League and I’m really pleased for everybody connected with the club.
“It’s been new and fresh, and it’s the first time I’ve managed in the Premier League. I’ve now been promoted out of every league and I’ve not been relegated, so I’m absolutely delighted to keep that sequence going.”
Fantasy Stakes players may want to put Stoke players in their team now they are home and dry.
With two games to go the Potters can enjoy the remainder of the campaign and will be able to play with no shackles or fears of relegation.
