The Pulis Plan — How to beat the drop

HE’S never been relegated after more than 900 matches with seven clubs as a manager. Here’s his five-point plan to save a club from the dreaded drop:

DETERMINATION

YOU have a clear target to stay up — and don’t stop trying until you achieve it. A relegation fight is no place for people who give in, so everybody has to keep believing.

ABILITY

THAT’S not only about playing the game but buying into the system. If you are down near the bottom of the table it suggests you are in the lower range of technical ability, so you have to have everybody in the group backing what you are trying to do.

DISCIPLINE

GOOD habits mean everybody is on time, in the right gear, ready to train or play when they are supposed to. You need the group to ensure everyone follows the rules.

ORGANISATION

PEOPLE like to know what their jobs are, what they are expected to do. That only comes if you spend time working with them so they understand it.

SUPPORT

FROM the boys who aren’t playing — only 11 can be on the field but you must keep the others happy, and that’s the manager’s toughest job. Experience teaches you how to get the best out of those who may have to step in next week.