Francis tips Stoke to avoid drop

Francis managed Spurs between 1994 and 1997

New Stoke City coach Gerry Francis has said the Potters have what it takes to stay in the Premier League.

Francis has joined the coaching staff at the Britannia Stadium on a part-time basis having been out of club football since leaving Bristol Rovers in 2001.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "When you beat Aston Villa and Spurs and draw with Liverpool then you get the belief that you can stay up.

"We'll be giving it a good go and looking to prove people wrong."

The former Tottenham boss opted to join the Potters after being linked with a similar role at Newcastle United.

"It's been very enjoyable, I'm working with a great group of players," he said.

"It's been good to get back out there and get involved again and it will be even more enjoyable when we start picking up points consistently.

"I'm sure that the work that is going in will give us the results we need to survive."

Francis also said the support of the Stoke fans will be crucial in their bid for survival.

"The support at the Spurs game was tremendous and that will be a big help because we need to win our home games," he added.