Pulis begins hunt for new players

Tony Pulis has guided Stoke to their best league finish since 1980/1

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has already identified a list of targets he feels can help to build on an impressive season back in the top tier.

Stoke finished 12th in their debut campaign in the Premier League - their best top-flight finish for 28 years.

But Pulis, 51, told BBC Radio Stoke: "This team has to improve if we're going to maintain Premier League football next year.

"There's been a lot of flying and bombing around already."

Stoke went into their final game at Arsenal knowing that a win could be enough to lift them into the top 10 for the first time this season.

However, a 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, coupled with Wigan's victory against Portsmouth, ruined their chances.

"It's disappointing that we haven't finished 11th, but it's been a magnificent season for everyone involved with the football club," said Pulis. "But we have to drive forward next season, so changes will be made."

Arsenal scored three times in the opening 20 minutes of their match against the Potters, and Pulis said it was a blow from which his team never recovered.

"The goals we conceded in the first half were very sloppy and very unlike what we've been doing lately.

"When you come to Arsenal, you've got to be right on the mark. We can't be a percentage off, in the first half we were, and they punish you for it."