Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has praised manager Tony Pulis after a difficult week.
Potters chairman did not expect manager to attend Villa match
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has praised manager Tony Pulis after a difficult week.
Pulis' mother died on Monday and he was therefore expected to miss the Potters' Premier League match against Aston Villa later that evening.
But, having spent the day with family in Newport, the Stoke boss watched the first half of the game from the stands before moving to the touchline after half-time to inspire his side a late 2-1 win.
Coates has paid tribute to Pulis as a result, telling
The Sentinel: "It was a very difficult day for Tony. He wanted to make sure he was with his mother when she was very ill, and of course we understood that.
"It is always sad when you lose a close friend or family, but your mother is special.
"Tony is very close to his family and was particularly close to his mother. He was able to be with her and he did the right thing.
Right attitude
"You have to put your family first, as Tony did. That's the right attitude to have."
Coates was not expecting Pulis to attend the match, but he received a message just three hours before kick-off.
"We had kept in touch during the day and I knew his mother was seriously ill, so I didn't expect to see him at the game," said Coates.
"I knew Tony had discussed the match with (assistant manager) Dave Kemp and I expected Dave to be in charge.
"But I got a text from Tony just before 5pm to tell me he was coming to the game.
"From my point of view, I just wanted him to do what he felt was best for him and what he felt comfortable with."
