Source: Team_Talk
Delap: Pulis lifted Potters players
Rory Delap has credited manager Tony Pulis for Stoke's come-from-behind defeat of Aston Villa in the Premier League.[LNB] Pulis travelled back from south Wales after spending the day with family following the death of his mother earlier in the day, arriving just after kick-off.[LNB]However, he did not take his place on the touchline until the second half, when his side were already losing, but witnessed a character-filled comeback with goals inside the last 10 minutes from home debutant Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth.[LNB]Delap said: "I thought he'd have to come and have his say. I don't think anyone was too surprised he turned up because everyone knows the character of the man.[LNB]"We should be able to do without him but great credit to him for turning up. I think the half-time talk was what we needed.[LNB]"That's why these people are successful managers. He knows when to say the right things and what to say and that was the case last night. I think it showed he proved his point in the way we played in the second half."[LNB]Midfielder Delap continued on BBC Radio Five Live: "He's not the first to give the lads a lashing at half-time and he won't be the last. Sometimes it's the kick up the backside you need.[LNB]"He swore a lot but he always does - and he's not called me anything I've not heard before."[LNB]The victory gave Stoke their first points of the season and former Republic of Ireland international Delap believes the result was significant.[LNB]He explained: "It was a must-win game - I think that's probably a big reason why he (Pulis) turned up and came into the dressing room at half-time.[LNB]"I think in the end we deserved the win - it should kick our season off now."
