Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates says Tony Puils' managerial record will help them survive in the Premier League

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is confident manager Tony Pulis's record of never being relegated can help the team to survive in the Premier League.

In 16 years of management with Bournemouth, Gillingham, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Stoke, Pulis has always avoided relegation.

Coates told BBC Radio Stoke: "Tony's always turned out competitive and well organised teams.

"They're fit and strong and thats no bad thing. It's a proud record."