‘No problems’ for Pulis as he eyes extended West Brom stay

Matthew Briggs

Tony Pulis has said he wants to stay with West Brom and will discuss a new contract in the summer.

The head coach, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal when he replaced Alan Irvine in January 2015, will hold talks with chairman Jeremy Peace at the end of the season, with fresh terms on the agenda.

The former Stoke gaffer, who left Crystal Palace on the eve of last season after less than a year in charge, has guided the Baggies to safety this season with the club 14th in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Pulis said: “Yeah of course, I’ll speak to the chairman as soon as the season finishes.

“We’ve got two weeks to go, two important games, and then we’ll have dinner and sit down and we’ll talk about things. I should imagine we’ll be okay.

“I like the football club, it’s a good football club, there’s no problems for me in any shape, ways or form.

“There’s lots of improvement that has to take place but it takes time, it’s a good football club.”

Nick Hammond also joined last week from Reading as technical director, replacing Terry Burton who left last June, and Pulis believes his appointment is key to the Baggies’ long-term plans.

“He’s got a very important role to play. He’s the club’s man. I’m just subservient to this football club,” Pulis said.

“I’m manager here for maybe another year or two, or maybe just a month or two weeks. He’s working for the football club.

“The club is more important than any individual. Nick will cover things he’s been used to working with and dealing with.”

James Morrison is battling to play after a hamstring injury which has kept him out since January while Chris Brunt is out until next season with a knee injury.

Teenager Jonathan Leko, who made his full debut last week, could start again while young striker Tyler Roberts is also expected to be involved.