Why Tony Pulis is the man who can save Palace?
The former Stoke manager’s experience can provide a long term solution to Crystal Palace’s problems after weeks of frustration for fans.
On the 23rd of October, boss Ian Holloway departed Crystal Palace following defeat at home to Fulham leaving his side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. Over four weeks and an international break later, Keith Millen prepared for his fourth as caretaker manager. During his four games in charge, Palace picked up four points as well as putting in some encouraging displays, especially at home. Four weeks without a permanent manager and being at the bottom of the league could have resulted in the opposite and a decline in morale, but just the opposite has happened and credit to Keith Millen for doing a great job.
Palace’s manager situation had been ridiculed by some and described as a farce. These things take time to negotiate and the right man has to be found. The club reportedly approached Pulis soon after Holloway’s departure showing the boards intention to hire him. Unfortunately an agreement was not reached and the board had to turn their attention to other possible candidates.
Steve Parish and the rest of the board have got the last few managerial appointments right and have gained the trust of the fans to be able to deliver again.
Pulis’ experience is something which will be key to Palace’s survival in the top flight of English football. Tony Pulis first took over Stoke in November 2002 following a disappointing start to the season leaving the potters already in a relegation battle. That season Pulis was clever in the transfer market and brought in good additions to the squad allowing them to avoid relegation on the last day. The Welshman rates Stoke’s survival in the 2002-03 season as one of his greatest achievements as a manager. He then went on to guide Stoke to a mid-table finish and following disputes with the chairman, parted company with the club in 2005.
Pulis wasted no time in returning to management and took over a floundering Plymouth Argyle team who were certain to face relegation. Through good signings he was able to guide ‘The Pilgrims’ to a comfortable mid-table finish.
On 14 June 2006 it was announced that Pulis would be returning to Stoke for a second spell in charge. In 2008 he successfully guided them to their first promotion to the top flight of English football in 23 years. Since then they have become an established side in the Premier League capable of comfortably beating teams.
He lead Stoke to an FA Cup Final which meant that Stoke qualified for the following seasons Europa League.
Former Bristol Rovers player Pulis has a proud record of never being relegated as a manager. This is perhaps why he initially didn’t join. Pulis has a reputation of playing direct football. This is something I feel, could work at Palace. The Eagles have got tall, strong strikers capable of holding up the ball after receiving it from a long ball. As well as having the strikers up front, Palace also lack creative players in midfield. Tony Pulis’ proud record of never being relegated will be strained this season.
If this record is broken and Palace are relegated to the Championship then Pulis is very capable of getting them back into the Premier League making him the ideal candidate.
Article written by Jack Watson
