TONY PULIS has stressed that Stoke City must stick to the basics which have got the Club where it is today . . . as the focus of attention now switches to two important home matches in the Barclays Premier League following all the transfer activity.
While City's manager shares the excitement and anticipation generated by the capture of five major signings and the return of an old favourite, he has stated that a lot of hard work now lies ahead in order to overcome a tough start to the season.
Although the Premier League is currently in the middle of an international break, Pulis already has his sights set on those two crucial home matches against Aston Villa and West Ham United which fall within the space of five days on their return to action.
"The hard work has paid off in terms of new players which we have brought in, work that has been going on for three months to strengthen the squad," he said. "It wasn't just the hectic activity on deadline day, but a lot of work through the summer.
"But now we have to reproduce that hard work on the training pitch and then in the important games that lie ahead to get some points on the board.
"That goes for the new players too. They have to show the same attitude as the rest of the players and they will also have to work as hard as them."
He added: "It is that work ethic and togetherness which has got us where we are today after two successful seasons in the Premier League. It will be that same work ethic which will be the key to us getting over a very tough start to the season."
Pulis signalled his intentions immediately after transfer deadline day by starting Eidur Gudjohnsen and Salif Diao on a mini pre-season and the international break presents a chance to assess the fitness levels of his other new players over the next week.
"This does give the lads chance to settle in, especially as we don't play Villa until the Monday night which is still another 10 days away," added City's manager.
"Although Eidur has a bit of catching up to do, he is a fantastic professional. You have to be to play at the highest level and enjoy the success he has achieved.
"It will depend on the amount of work we can do with him which will determine whether he starts the Villa match or whether we put him on the bench."
Pulis also hopes that tremendous togetherness extends to the supporters too as he looks for two big performances from the fans in the home matches.
"Tickets have been selling fast for Villa since transfer deadline day and it is important that we have a great atmosphere to get behind the lads in those games," he said.
Tickets for the Villa match on Monday 13th September are now on general sale and can be booked online at scfcdirect.com by clicking on the link below.
