Hughes backed by Stoke in face of Pulis return talk

Ian Watson

Mark Hughes still retains the support of the Stoke board, despite an alarming run of results that leaves the Potters hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone.

Stoke sit just one place and a single point above the bottom three after a run of five defeats in six matches culminating in Saturday’s 3-0 thumping at home by West Ham on Saturday.

Reports on Tuesday morning had linked Tony Pulis with another return to the Bet365 Stadium, but according to Sky Sports, there are no plans to reappoint the Welshman, who guided the club to the Premier League in 2008.

Their story reports: “The Stoke hierarchy are concerned by recent results, but it is understood the club currently have no plans to approach Pulis.”

Stoke host Pulis’s former side West Brom on Saturday with Alan Pardew’s side dwelling in 19th place.