Tony Pulis has revealed that victory over Birmingham has lifted a 'massive weight' off Stoke's shoulders.
Stoke boss also pleased to see Whitehead break scoring duck
Manager Tony Pulis has revealed that victory over Birmingham has lifted a 'massive weight' off the shoulders of the Stoke squad.
Dean Whitehead's first Premier League goal for the club snatched a
late 3-2 victory at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday after the Potters' had thrown away a two-goal lead.
It appeared that the match was destined to be a disappointing draw for Stoke on the back of a five-game losing streak, including four league fixtures and a Carling Cup defeat at West Ham.
Pulis was therefore understandably delighted to grab a welcome win, although the Stoke boss has maintained that results do not paint the full picture of what has been a tricky list of fixtures.
"I think people don't realise that in our last five games, we have played four away from home and the one we had at home was against Manchester United, so it has been a tough run for us," Pulis said.
Missed chances
"When you are on a run like this you need a result and it's important that the players stick together and you see it through.
"There was relief in the dressing room afterwards. It will take a massive weight off their shoulders."
Pulis was also pleased to see Whitehead net the winner for his first league goal since joining from Sunderland in the summer of 2009.
"It's about time that Dean scored!" Pulis said. "If you are really being critical, he could have four or five goals already this season.
"He's been in there and just missed chances or things haven't dropped for him, so I am so pleased he has scored."
