Tony Pulis makes a case for the defence

West Brom boss Tony Pulis doesn't mind being pigeon-holed as a defensive manager and accepts he will always be criticised for it.

Even though the Baggies started today in the top half of the Premier League, there are still detractors of the Welshman's style among fans.

It's something that's been levelled at the Albion chief before, but it's not something that worries him all that much.

He said: "I'm very fortunate to be in this position. People have their views and people can rightly criticise and you have to accept that.

"That's part and parcel of the job. Whether it's through supporters or through the media, you have to accept it.

"You get pigeon-holed but that's up to people to do that, it doesn't affect me at all."

Much has been made of Albion's ability to keep out the goals since Pulis took over on the first day of 2015.

His side have kept a league-high 16 clean sheets since then and the head coach freely admits he puts his focus first and foremost on building a solid defensive platform.

He said: "I think that's the basis that I've always managed on ever since I've started. A team has to have a foundation.

"If I was managing Real Madrid, it would be different. With all of their players you could outscore teams and not worry too much about being too defensive."