Stoke manager Tony Pulis says Bolton's Gary Megson is a "quality guy"

03 March 2009 23:10
Megson has come in for criticism from some of Bolton's fans this season but still has the backing of the club's board, who recently handed him a new rolling contract. [LNB]Pulis played a part in getting Megson the manager's position at Bolton, after tempting him back into the game with a coaching job at Stoke two years ago. [LNB] Related ArticlesVilla rue missed opportunity[LNB]Portsmouth focus on task at hand[LNB]Newcastle edging towards exit[LNB]Benitez gives nothing away[LNB]Megson signs new contract[LNB]Top 10 football superstitions[LNB]He now wants Megson to buy the drinks after their Premier League match on Wednesday. [LNB]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. [LNB]"Sometimes managers get pigeonholed because of how they come over in the media, but anyone who really knows him will tell you he's a quality guy. [LNB]"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."[LNB]Pulis is considering whether to reward Ricardo Fuller and Glenn Whelan for their Villa Park heroics at the weekend with starting roles against Bolton. [LNB]Both were inspirational substitutes as struggling Stoke staged a magnificent fightback to claim an unlikely point in a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday. [LNB]Fuller's lung-busting cameo turned a dramatic match on its head, while Whelan cracked home a 20-yard shot for Stoke's 90th-minute equaliser. [LNB]Pulis said: "Ric and Glenn were tremendous and they've given me a nice problem to sort out. [LNB]"Whether Glenn starts or not I don't know because Amdy Faye has been playing well, especially at home. [LNB]"Ric has made a miraculous recovery from a dislocated shoulder and I will also have to decide whether he is ready to start a game. All I do know is I expect it to be a very tough game. Bolton are strong and well organised and it will be a battle."[LNB]Pulis accepted Sunday's 2-2 result has given Stoke something to build on, but he added: "It was a smashing result, particularly as we've been kicked in the proverbials a few times this season by conceding late goals. [LNB]"People are saying what happened could be a big turning point, but I don't know about that." [LNB] 

Source: Telegraph