Pulis hails Coates contribution

Tony Pulis has lauded Stoke chairman Peter Coates for taking the club to a higher level, describing him as "a genuine football man". Coates' cash - the club have spent £27 million in the transfer market this season - resulted in their top flight status being secured with two games to play. Despite the credit crunch, the owner of online betting giant Bet365 has promised to continue to give considerable financial support to his hometown club. Stoke boss Pulis said: "The responsibility on a local man running a local club is enormous. Peter, to his credit, has shown his colours and has really come through for Stoke. He is a genuine football man and has turned everything around. "The Coates family have put money in, not only to keep the club going but to push it forward. Younger chairman out there should speak to him as he has tremendous experience. "His support when things are not going well is brilliant. Peter is at his best when things are not going right. I am very pleased for him that we are staying up."

Source: Eurosport