Pulis looks to move on from Berahino saga

Matt Stead

Tony Pulis has urged all parties to move on from the saga involving Saido Berahino after the striker made his first appearance for West Brom since the transfer window.

Berahino’s protracted move to Spurs collapsed on deadline day, causing the forward to vow that he would never again “play Jeremy Peace”.

The 22-year-old came on as a substitute against Southampton on Saturday, but, along with the rest of the players at The Hawthorns, failed to break the deadlock in the 0-0 draw.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pulis admitted that Berahino had made “mistakes” in seeking a move away from the club, but urged all parties involved to “move on” from the saga.

“The lad has made mistakes and I think all of us have made mistakes in our lives. I think you look back at times, and I’m sure Saido will look back in a few years time and think what he did and the way he did things was not the right way, especially for everybody connected to West Brom.

“However, he’s a young lad and hopefully he will learn by his mistakes and move on. We all have to move on as well.

“You’ve seen what he can do,” he added. “Second-half he made a difference when he came on. Now we need to get him fit and up and running. He will be important for this team this year.”

Pulis addressed West Brom’s shout for a penalty in the first half, with Calum McManaman falling under the challenge of Southampton defender Matty Targett. The Baggies manager appeared to want a spot-kick for what he adjudged to be a foul during the game, but insisted that he will be talking to the winger about diving having seen the incident since.

“I think Callum’s thrown himself to the floor before the lad’s even touched him.

“I just can’t understand why he’s done that because he’s knocked the ball past him.

“I’ll be having a chat with him there. It’s a really good decision by the referee and the linesman and well done to them.”