Do the job or keep out if says Stoke City manager Tony Pulis

Sep 15 2008

STOKE boss Tony Pulis has challenged interfering directors of football to put their heads on the block and manage the team.

Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley have recently left their positions at Newcastle and West Ham respectively amid reports that decisions on the sale of players were being made without their knowledge.

Pulis insists the manager should be left alone to manage the team and has highlighted David Moyes’ success at Everton, Stoke’s opponents in the Barclays Premier League today, to illustrate his point.

“I believe you can’t have a director of football poking his nose in and making decisions that he shouldn’t,” Pulis said.

“If that happens then really he should be the manager and they should replace the manager.

“People talk about directors of football bringing players in and selling players and doing all sorts of things, if they are that good then why aren’t they doing the job?

“If they feel they are that clever they should put themselves out there and do the job.

“If they are that good they will get results.”

Pulis added: “Not many clubs actually employ a director of football and it is arguable whether they are needed.

“Everton, who we play on Sunday, are one of many examples of a well-run football club who let the manager get on with his business and David Moyes has done absolutely fantastic there.

“He is a good man and he works very, very hard at his job and it works. You only have to look at what he has achieved there. He is a very sound football man.”

Meanwhile, former Tottenham boss Gerry Francis is hopeful of joining Stoke as a coach on a part-time basis.

Over at Stoke’s opponents today, Marouane Fellaini insists being Everton’s £15 million record signing will not be causing him any sleepless nights.

Fellaini signed for the Merseyside club from Standard Liege on the last day of the summer transfer window and is desperate to play at the Britannia Stadium.

Pressure

And despite the price tag, he believes it is money well spent and that he is more than capable of repaying Everton’s faith in him.

“I don’t feel pressure, it is not for me to feel pressure,” he said ahead of a potential Premier League debut. “I will be out there on the field trying to do my best every time the manager decides to put me in the side – that is all I will be thinking about.”

Everton moved for the 20-year-old following his commanding performances for Liege against Liverpool in their Champions League qualifier last month and, although few Everton fans may be aware of the midfielder’s talents, he is more than ready to fill any gaps in the supporters’ knowledge.

He added: “When you see me on the field you will see what I can offer.

“I am young, I am really, really keen to succeed, I have a lot of enthusiasm and I will be trying my absolute best to make an impact.

“I feel very proud to be here, I knew Everton were a top-five club, so when I found out they were interested I wanted to come here.”