Friday 17 November 2017 10:42, UK
Tony Pulis has launched a staunch defence of his West Brom record amid rumours that his job is under threat.
The experienced manager took charge of the Baggies in 2015 and has led them to Premier League finishes of 13th, 14th and 10th.
However, despite some new signings this summer, West Brom have only won two games so far and are 16th in the table, just a point above the drop zone.
In total, the Baggies have won two of their last 20 top-flight games and it has been reported that Pulis needs a result against Chelsea on Saturday or Spurs next week in order to save his job.
Pulis told the media on Friday: "Last year we were one result worse off than we are this year (at this stage).
"We stayed eighth more than any other position last year and ended up finishing 10th.
"It was only the third time in the club's history that this club has finished 10th in the Premier League and it is only the second time since 1967 that this club has finished top Midlands club.
"We have played kids in this group since I have come in - they have made 89 appearances, the youngsters. Again, nobody else has done that.
"The record goes on and on and on. I understand the more you give, the more people want."
Pulis also pointed out that his efforts this season have been hampered by injuries to key attacking players.
"We have been unfortunate," he said. "(Nacer) Chadli, (James) Morrison and (Oliver) Burke are all players who can create and score - and we have not had them.
"Like every other team, if you don't have your best players, especially at the top end of the pitch, you are going to struggle.
"People say the football has been boring - the last two home games at The Hawthorns have seen nine goals scored (2-3 v Man City, 2-2 v Watford).
"People tell me we are this, that and the other. You look at the league and you can pick four or five teams who have scored less goals than us.
"One of those teams is Bournemouth and everyone tells me what great football they play."
Nonetheless, Pulis says he will have no complaints if a failure to turn things around leads to his dismissal.
He added: "If the club decide what they decide, I have got great respect for everybody at the football club, from the supporters to the chairman, to the board.
"It is just life, it is the way it is. If you don't get results, then you are under pressure."
