Express & Star

Tony Pulis hails West Brom season as 'unbelievable' success

Tony Pulis says finishing in the top half of the Premier League is an 'unbelievable' success.

Published
Last updated
Tony Pulis (AMA)

Despite finishing on a nine-game winless streak, the Baggies ended the season in 10th place.

And Pulis, who oversaw an electric four months between November and February, described it as a fantastic achievement.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "For the smallest squad in the Premier League with one of the smallest budgets to finish tenth in the Premier League is fantastic.

"The disappointing thing is we've had the opportunity to finish as high as eighth.

"I know it sounds greedy but I wanted it for the players more than anything else. They've really worked hard this year."

The Baggies boss has promised to play his promising youngsters throughout the run-in, but while Sam Field got two starts against Burnley and Chelsea, Pulis has since turned away from the youth.

Jonathan Leko was given a few seconds on the pitch towards the end of Sunday's game with Swansea but it wasn't enough time to make an impact.

Pulis said he couldn't risk giving them more minutes with £1.9million of prize money up for each place.

"I'm disappointed that I've not been able to give them more minutes," said Pulis. "Why? I think the chairman would say about four million pounds worth why. That could add to help us bringing players in for next year.

"The kids who have not played, they'll definitely be out on loan next season gaining some experience.

"If we had no positions to gain then maybe (they would have played), but when you've got two positions to gain there is a lot of money at stake and I think it's my responsibility to make sure the club gets as much money as I can."