If West Brom sack Tony Pulis and they end up in a relegation battle isn’t he exactly the sort of manager they would then want in charge?
Tony Pulis, manager of West Bromwich Albion, looks on before the Premier League match against Southampton.
In the Baggies’ last 22 Premier League matches in 2017, Pulis has guided them to 13 defeats, six draws and just three wins – with their last victory coming back on August 19.
Gareth Barry looks dejected during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion.
As a result the West Midlands club have dropped to 15th in the table and currently sit just two points outside the relegation zone ahead of a weekend trip to newly promoted Huddersfield Town.
Some fans have grown frustrated with the perceived negative tactics of Pulis that focuses more on avoiding defeat than actively seeking a win and the Welshman is not viewed as an exciting coach.
Yet if West Brom are dragged into a relegation battle, if the 59-year-old were not already at the Hawthorns he would probably be one of the first names linked with the job. Why? Because of his impressive record of avoiding the drop.
West Bromwich Albion fans during the Premier League match against Stoke City at The Hawthorns.
In 25 years in management Pulis has never been relegated despite being at several struggling clubs. In the top flight alone he kept Stoke City in the division for six years after achieving promotion from the Championship and later took Crystal Palace from rock bottom in November to 11th by the end of the season, earning him the Premier League manager of the year award.
With Pulis at the helm it would be difficult to imagine Albion going down when it came to the crunch and by dismissing him that safety net disappears. Perhaps it could be a case of being careful what you wish for?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
