GIBB HIM TIME
PREMIER LEAGUE Pulis backs Kieran to be Baggies hit
TONY PULIS believes defender Kieran Gibbs WILL get better at West Brom after quitting Arsenal.
The left-back returns to the Emirates tonight for the first time since joining the Baggies in a £7m deal last month.
Despite Gibbs winning three FA Cups and 10 England caps during 13 years with the Gunners, Pulis reckons Albion can get even more from him – even though Arsene Wenger claims no one improves when they leave Arsenal.
“I think he’s got a lot left in the tank, he’s only 27,” said Baggies boss Pulis (right).
“He’s been very good around the dressing room and the players have taken to him.
Focus
“He’s got a little bounce about him. He has really mixed in with the group which is important.
“His focus now should be on trying to improve and to become a very good player for West Bromwich Albion.
“I have been pleased with the games he has played. He has done really well. I still think there is a lot more to come as well.
“We think it is a good deal but I’ve signed players who have started well and faded and I have signed players who have started really poorly and grown into it.
“But it looks a great deal and I think he has taken to the mental side of it as well, in respect of avoiding injuries and preparation for training.
“He felt personally it was time to have a new challenge, which was great.
“We are fortunate enough to have got the deal done. Now it is up to all of us, him and ourselves, to make sure we try to get the best out of him.”
Pulis has enjoyed memorable home victories against Arsenal with Stoke and West Brom, including a 3-1 win at The ® Hawthorns in March. But he has lost all nine of his Premier League games as a manager at the Emirates.
“My record with Arsenal coming to the clubs I have managed is fantastic, but my record there seems to be chalk and cheese for some reason,” added Pulis.
“My records against other clubs aren’t as black and white. Let’s hope it changes in this game.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Barry admits he could play on until he is 40.
The Baggies midfielder is set to break the Premier League appearance record of 632 he holds jointly with Ryan Giggs.
Barry, 36, said: “It’s definitely a possibility. I was 32 when I signed for Everton and (the manager) Roberto Martinez said, ‘You’re style of game, you can play until you’re 40’.
“I’m sitting there laughing at him but he was deadly serious and I still laughed.
“It’s still going to be tough but for a manager to tell me that four to five years ago is a good compliment, which was nice to hear.
“I’m immensely proud to get there. Whether it will stay around for long I don’t know.”