Pulis still nervous about drop despite good run
WEST Bromwich might be flying Pulis remains the distant threat Albion yet Tony “nervous” of relega- about tion.
Albion saw off Hull at The Hawthorns on Monday to consolidate their position in the top half of the Premier League table – some 14 points clear of the drop zone.
Yet Pulis, who was tasked with leading Albion away from the bottom three when appointed as Alan Irvine’s successor two years ago, is still not comfortable.
“I’m still nervous about the place,” he said. “I’m still nervous about the situation, I’m still nervous about everything.
“I’m not sat here on a solid platform thinking we can forget about the bottom three.
“That’s going to take this (transfer) window and the next window – two successful windows before we can do that. That’s my aim.
“I don’t want to bring in a million players, throw mud at the wall and hope some of it sticks.
“I want players in that you know have that quality the club needs.”
The win against Hull was Albion’s second successive comeback success following their 2-1 triumph at Southampton on New Year’s Eve.
The manner of the victories prompted Pulis to hail the character of his players after such a quick turnaround over the festive period.
“It shows there’s a togetherness there that you want to promote,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been doing here for two years, so you want that togetherness, that spirit.
“The team’s always more important than the individuals, and we’ve got some very good individuals who are working so hard now, for the team, which is nice to see.”
West Brom are in a league of their own when it comes to West Midlands football. Not only are the Baggies proudly flying the flag for the region in the Premier League, they are doing it in some style. But the Welshman could not resist a little taunt towards Albion’s struggling neighbours.
“If you look around, some of our big rivals have been beaten in the Championship,” he said.
“Don’t take anything for granted – you’ve seen Hull come here and almost play us off the park first half.
“That’s what the Premier League is like – the Premier League is full of good teams who will have a go.
“Nobody gives up – it’s not the best league in the world for any other reason than every game is tough. You’ve got to be on it every game to get a result, and if you’re not, you’ll get beat.”