Reports in Monday’s papers suggest that Stoke boss Tony Pulis could leave the club in the near future.

There were suggestions that Pulis might get the sack if Stoke lost heavily to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The Potters lost 2-0, but their performance was again disappointing.

Close

Stoke are just three points above the relegation zone in the Premier League, but 18^th place Wigan have two games in-hand.

Should Wigan win those games then the Potters could find themselves in big trouble this season.

Style

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is coming under-pressure from his own supporters for the first time. The football Stoke play is not exactly pretty on the eye. However, that style of play has kept Stoke competitive in the Premier League.

Stoke’s physical style of play has brought the results that have kept the Potters away from trouble in the top flight. However, their style is no longer getting results and Stoke now look like a team bereft of confidence.

Achievement

Tony Pulis has done a good job at Stoke. Stoke is a relatively small club and have done well to progress in the manner they have done in recent years. It is a big achievement that the Potters have been so competitive in the Premier League in recent years.

Backwards

For all Pulis’ hard work Stoke seem to have gone backwards this season. This season could be the biggest test of Tony Pulis’ managerial skills. With just five games remaining this season he needs to re-instil confidence within his squad. That could be a difficult task.

Summer

I think regardless of what happens until the end of the season the Stoke board will look at whether Tony Pulis is still the right man for the job in the summer. The team has not moved forward this season and that lack of progress could mean a change of boss at the Britannia Stadium this summer.

Could Tony Pulis be leaving Stoke in the near future?