Simonsen has started three Premier League games for Stoke City

Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen says team spirit is the secret behind the club's Premier League success last season.

Despite being tipped to go down the Potters finished 12th in their first Premier League season, 11 points above the relegation zone.

"I don't think there are many dressing rooms better than ours at the moment," Simonsen told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We all work so hard for each other, we're all friends, everybody gets along and there's no quarrelling."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be looking to strengthen his squad in the summer, but Simonsen thinks it will be difficult for the club to attract the right type of player to the Britannia Stadium.

"The manager is very choosy on who he brings in to the squad. He goes through all kinds of checks to make sure that the players he brings in will improve the squad," added Simonsen.

"We don't want players who are going to disrupt the squad or make cliques in the dressing room.

"We need more players who will fit into the squad, because team spirit is what we've based our success on this season."

The 30-year-old has already stated that he would like to stay at the club to fight Thomas Sorensen for the number one goalkeeper's jersey next season.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version