Pulis and Potters come out fighting

They’re circling the wagons at the Britannia Stadium.

After Stoke came under renewed criticism for the robust approach of their players, manager Tony Pulis launched a stringent riposte to their many detractors, insisting others, for whatever reason, including their beaten opponents, have equal need to get their houses in order. You might describe him as refusing to pull any punches, but given his side’s unwanted reputation, it’s perhaps best not to.

Andy Wilkinson, the Stoke defender, has been dealt with ‘in house’ for his fearsome challenge on Fulham’s Mousa Dembele in midweek, but after climbing out of the bottom three with their first victory at St James’ Park for 35 years, Pulis took the siege mentality to new heights.