Pulis not distracted by doubters

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says he is focused on keeping the Potters in the Premier League and is not paying attention to any doubters.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "Everyone is entitled to their opinion but we just need to stay concentrated on what we're trying to achieve.

"If we sign better players then I expect to evolve to the next level."

The Potters begin their first ever season as a Premier League club away at Bolton on Saturday.

Pulis has so far endured a tough summer in the transfer market with only Dave Kitson, Seyi Olofinjana and Thomas Sorensen arriving at the Britannia Stadium.

But he refuses to get frustrated with players turning down offers.

"At the end of it all, it comes down the players. They have their own reasons, their own responsibilities and their own outlook on life. It's not for me to tell them what to do and what not to do.

"Lots of players have big egos and others may not be willing to put their necks on the line.

"There're other situations where players are very comfortable at clubs, even if they're not playing."

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