Pulis warns against complacency

Potters boss wants to avoid Championship return

Last updated: 19th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pulis warns against complacency

Pulis: Wary of complacency

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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis uses former Premier League clubs languishing in the Championship as inspiration for his squad.

The Potters defied the odds last season to retain their top-flight status and the Britannia Stadium outfit are a good bet to secure a third season of Premier League football this time around.

Pulis is taking nothing for granted and insists his squad will keep their eye on the ball between now and the summer to ensure there is no let up.

The experienced manager sees the likes of Middlesbrough, Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship and does not want Stoke to lose their top-flight status.

Exciting journey

"The last 19 months at this club have been brilliant and it has been an exciting journey but we mustn't take our foot off the pedal," said Pulis.

"The club and supporters have to recognise you can soon slip.

"You only have to look to the Championship to see a lot of clubs who have spent a lot more time in the Premier League than we have.

"They have taken their foot off the pedal for one reason or another and they are in real dire situations.

"It is a job you have to keep pushing and driving forward."

Stoke entertain Tottenham this weekend and Pulis is expecting a tough clash despite securing a fine 1-0 win at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.

Tough nut

The north Londoners are looking good for the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot and Pulis knows Redknapp's in-form side will be a tough nut to crack.

"It will be one of our toughest games because they are flying at the moment," he continued.

"Harry has put a very competent team together who are in pole position for fourth place in the league and in pole position for an FA Cup semi-final.

"He has bought top players and with that comes that bit of quality you need.

"They are very dangerous, are good at set-plays and attack the ball well.

"The important thing is we give the supporters something to get their teeth into."