Stoke players came close to quitting under Pulis

Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones has confirmed he was looking to leave the club last season and suggested several of his team-mates were too, such was the dissatisfaction in the squad at life under then-manager Tony Pulis.

During Pulis’ time as Potters boss, which came to an end this summer, the Staffordshire outfit were widely regarded as playing a direct, unattractive brand of football.