Pulis: Promoted trio make Premier League tougher

Stoke manager Tony Pulis believes all three promoted sides will make the Premier League campaign more difficult.

The former Bournemouth manager has earned plaudits for the job he has done with the Potters, establishing them as a secure Premier League team after they gained promotion in 2008. Many have stated how Brian McDermott should follow a similar structure to Pulis, following investment from new owner Anton Zingarevich.

Speaking to This is Staffordshire, Pulis said: ‘Next year will be tougher. Southampton have shown their intentions by going for Jay Rodriguez at Burnley and Jack Butland at Birmingham. Everybody knows Reading have got money to spend and West Ham will spend anyway.’

The 54-year old added that: ‘Southampton and West Ham have both had longer in the Premier League than Stoke, while Reading also had a taste of it for a couple of seasons not long ago. It also looks like all three have the potential to go out and build strong squads.’