“Last season some of their football was thoroughly entertaining.” - Southgate defends Stoke's style

Gareth Southgate has praised the methods with which Tony Pulis has brought success to Stoke, and insists that the manager's style of football does not conflict with the technical development he is seeking to bring out in youngsters across the country.


The former Middlesbrough manager is now the FA’s head of elite development, and is in the process of trying to revolutionise the way children play and learn the game at grassroots level, following widespread criticism of the technical deficiencies of senior English players.


“I have known Tony Pulis a long time. His football is geared to getting results. It's all about winning football,” Southgate told The Sentinel. “Who can argue with what Stoke have achieved over the last five years – promotion, Premier League stability, an FA Cup final and now Europe?”

The former England international also defended the technical abilities of the players at Pulis’ disposal, refuting criticism of Stoke as too direct a team.

“I know players here at Stoke such as Robert Huth, who I had at Middlesbrough, who is very comfortable coming out with the ball. And then there's Ryan Shawcross, who is very well thought of at the FA.

“Tony has put all these talents together and made the best of what they have. He has produced a winning style which suits this club down to the ground.

“Their style has developed, and at times last season some of their football was thoroughly entertaining. In Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant they have arguably the most exciting pair of wingers in the country.”