Source: Team_Talk
Pulis outlines Megson respect
Megson has come in for criticism from some of Bolton's fans this season, despite leading them to 10th in the Premier League, but Pulis believes his good friend suffers from an unfair perception.
Pulis played a part in getting Megson the Bolton job after giving him a coaching job at Stoke two years ago and he now wants his former colleague to buy the drinks after Wednesday's game at the Britannia Stadium.
Pulis joked: "Meggy didn't buy a drink the whole time he was here, but he should now have enough money to put his hand in his pocket.
"Seriously though, I've got a lot of respect for him. He's a genuine and honest lad and has a nice family. He is down to earth and has good values.
"Sometimes managers get pigeon-holed because of how they come over in the media, but anyone who really knows him will tell you he's a quality guy.
"There are other managers who come over as nice people when they are anything but, and that annoys me. It's all about perceptions and perceptions can be wrong a lot of the time.
"Gary is a genuine kid that understands you've got to get the best oiut of the players you can afford and bring into your football club, and he's done that.
"He's done well wherever he's been and apart from on Wednesday night, Bolton are a club that I hope do well because of him."
Stoke's physical style has seen them likened to Bolton at times this season and Pulis admits they have players - Matt Taylor and Gary Cahill - he has tried to sign himself in the past.
However, the Welshman believes the Trotters are ahead of his side in their development and is under no illusions as to how difficult Wednesday's game will be.
He said: "Bolton are a little bit respect of us in respect that they've got players who've played a lot of Premier League football and have that experience, knowledge and know-how.
"(Kevin) Davies is a handful up front, (Johan) Elmander can score the goals given the opportunity and I like the lad Taylor. Matty is a player who we really liked when he was at Portsmouth but unfortunately we weren't in the picture at all (to sign him).
"I've always liked (Gary) Cahill at the back too, I was interested in him when he was at Aston Villa but unfortunately he went to Bolton instead of coming to us.
"I have to see they've got a very good goalkeeper too so they've got decent players and very good Premier League experience.
"On the other hand we're very green at the moment and at times that has shown that season, but we're learning and we must learn quickly, especially over these last 11 games."
