Source: SKY_Sports
Pulis - We have proved a point
Stoke manager Tony Pulis believes his side have proved a point after guaranteeing a place in next season's Premier League.
The Potters were expected to suffer immediate relegation from the top flight after winning promotion from the Championship last term.
However, Saturday's 2-1 victory at Hull City guaranteed survival in England's pinnacle division, while pushing the Tigers further towards the drop.
And - after watching Ricardo Fuller and Liam Lawrence score at the KC Stadium, while Andy Dawson responded with an injury-time free-kick - Pulis feels his side have underlined their status and ability.
"It has been a tough season for us but we have kept going. We have been battle-hardened," he said.
"We have got a little bit more than people have given us credit for, and I can talk about that now we have stayed up."
He added: "It is the first time I have managed in the Premier League. To prove a lot of people wrong is nice.
"I have worked very hard in my career as a player and a manager. I always get up every morning and try and do my best.
"That is what we have all tried to do and every game the players have been smashing.
"The most important thing is yourselves. It is not proving other people wrong, it is proving we can do it. That is the big thing.
"Until you do, you can talk all you want, but you have to do it. We have done it and it is a lovely badge that they (the players) can wear.
"They have been rank outsiders at the beginning, in the middle and right at the end."
But Pulis insists that, with games against Wigan and Arsenal still to come, he will not be getting carried away.
"A big thing in football is that you have to keep your feet on the ground. As soon as you start getting carried away it will kick you right in the backside," he said.
