Pulis - Pressure takes its toll

Pulis: Tough job

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Tony Pulis admits managers in the modern game are under more pressure than ever to deliver results.

The stresses facing club bosses have been highlighted this week with the news that Blackburn coach Sam Allardyce is set to undergo heart surgery on Friday.

Tests have revealed that the 55-year-old Rovers boss, who has complained of chest pains in recent weeks, requires an angioplasty to widen a narrowed coronary artery.

Allardyce is expected to be back in work as early as Monday, but will again leave first-team duties in the hands of his assistant Neil McDonald when Blackburn entertain Stoke on Saturday.

Potters boss Pulis has offered his support to Allardyce's cause ahead of the trip to Ewood Park, and admits that managers must be wary of the implications their job can have on their health.

"There is more pressure now than there has ever been on managers in respect of getting results," Pulis said.

"The media now has become an absolute monster.

Debate

"Whether it's the internet, radio, television, there are always areas of debate, but you have to accept it.

"We know where we are and what job we are doing and we know that all the experts are sitting in the stand."

Pulis looks to keep himself in the best possible shape to help aid against any health issues, and successfully completed the London Marathon earlier this year.

"You never like to see anybody in Sam's state, having to go in and having an operation," he said.

"I'm sure the people that are working with Sam are decent people.

"I work hard fitness-wise, try to keep myself as fit as I possibly can in the time that I get."