Source: Team_Talk
Kemp: Business as usual at Britannia
Assistant manager Dave Kemp insists it is business as usual at Stoke despite a difficult week which began with the death of Tony Pulis' mother.[LNB] Pulis watched the first half of Stoke's victory over Aston Villa on Monday from the stands having arrived late after spending the day with family in Newport following the bereavement.[LNB]However, he took his place on the touchline to help inspire the come-from-behind 2-1 win and he has been at the club's Clayton Wood training ground every day since.[LNB]Pulis has cut back on some of his activities, including his weekly press conference, but otherwise he is fully focused on preparing the side to face West Ham on Saturday.[LNB]"He is working as normal. He's been in every day since Monday and he will be here today, tomorrow and Saturday," said Kemp.[LNB]"That is the nature of the beast, that is what we do. He had a difficult day on Monday but he managed to get to the game and his instincts kicked in and he wanted to be involved.[LNB]"As manager of the football club it was important he did.[LNB]"Monday was a bit of a strain all round but the players coped with it very well and got three points against Villa.[LNB]"Now we are all geared up for Saturday and we are working towards another three points."[LNB]It is not the first time Kemp has been asked to shoulder the burden of extra responsibility as assistant manager.[LNB]"When I was at Wimbledon Joe Kinnear was taken ill and I got put in the position there so you have to be prepared for it," he added.[LNB]"Normally you are in the background, and that is where you should be, but in this instance you have to step in."
