Post by unkownperson on Oct 24, 2007 10:13:15 GMT -1
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is remaining tight-lipped on reports linking Stoke with a big-money offer for Coventry defender Elliott Ward.
Pulis, a long-time admirer of the 22-year-old centre-half, pictured, once hired him successfully for 16 appearances when Plymouth manager.
But hopes of making him one of his first permanent signings when returning as Stoke manager 16 months ago were dashed when Coventry splashed out £1m to West Ham.
Stoke would take him on loan initially before making the move permanent in the January transfer window, while Coventry might be susceptible to an offer after suffering a recent cashflow crisis.
Stoke's makeshift defence did Pulis proud again last night as City romped to a 3-1 win courtesy of a Richard Cresswell double.
Cresswell was switched from the left flank to a more central role and scored twice in the second half to propel his side back into the top six.
"I thought Richard was the most outstanding player on the pitch," Pulis enthused. "He covered every blade of grass in his favourite position and got two great goals for us.
"He's been helping us out on the left all season and hasn't complained once - that's typical of the team spirit we have going here.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the players and the position they've put us in. It was a great response after losing against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
"When you think the oldest player in our back four is what, 23, 24? It was always going to be difficult with it being (Neil) Warnock's first home game, but the response was terrific.
"One or two are disappointed not to have scored more goals, but we let ourselves down on occasions with the final ball."
Stoke, who are still awaiting news of Vincent Pericard's fate in prison, are hoping Ricardo Fuller doesn't join the suspended Cresswell on the sidelines at Bristol City on Saturday.
"He came off with a sore ankle he got early on and a dead leg that came later," added Pulis. "We just hope he recovers in time."
Pulis, a long-time admirer of the 22-year-old centre-half, pictured, once hired him successfully for 16 appearances when Plymouth manager.
But hopes of making him one of his first permanent signings when returning as Stoke manager 16 months ago were dashed when Coventry splashed out £1m to West Ham.
Stoke would take him on loan initially before making the move permanent in the January transfer window, while Coventry might be susceptible to an offer after suffering a recent cashflow crisis.
Stoke's makeshift defence did Pulis proud again last night as City romped to a 3-1 win courtesy of a Richard Cresswell double.
Cresswell was switched from the left flank to a more central role and scored twice in the second half to propel his side back into the top six.
"I thought Richard was the most outstanding player on the pitch," Pulis enthused. "He covered every blade of grass in his favourite position and got two great goals for us.
"He's been helping us out on the left all season and hasn't complained once - that's typical of the team spirit we have going here.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the players and the position they've put us in. It was a great response after losing against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
"When you think the oldest player in our back four is what, 23, 24? It was always going to be difficult with it being (Neil) Warnock's first home game, but the response was terrific.
"One or two are disappointed not to have scored more goals, but we let ourselves down on occasions with the final ball."
Stoke, who are still awaiting news of Vincent Pericard's fate in prison, are hoping Ricardo Fuller doesn't join the suspended Cresswell on the sidelines at Bristol City on Saturday.
"He came off with a sore ankle he got early on and a dead leg that came later," added Pulis. "We just hope he recovers in time."