Saturday 16 May 2015 20:21, UK
Mark Hughes expressed his delight after Stoke exceeded their record Premier League points total with a goalless draw at the home of relegated Burnley.
The Potters currently have 51 points and are guaranteed a finish of at least ninth in the Premier League after a season that has seen them get results while playing a brand of football perceived to be more attractive.
Hughes said: “The amount of points is a big achievement and we’re absolutely delighted. I’ve been pleased with the whole response to me and my staff since I’ve come to the club.
"The game today wasn’t a great game as the conditions weren’t conducive to a flowing game of football. And we had Jack [Butland] to be grateful for in the first half.
“But we managed the game really well in the second half and we haven’t had consecutive top 10 finishes at this level in 40-odd years."
Butland kept his second consecutive clean sheet after starting in the 3-0 win over Tottenham last week but Hughes revealed No. 1 Asmir Begovic would return for the final home game of the season.
"It's right and proper (that Begovic returns)," Hughes said.
“But Jack is an outstanding young keeper. It’s important for Jack to continue his development.”
Looking ahead to next season, the former Blackburn boss said he was not looking to make wholesale changes.
“We want to keep the group together if we can, we have a really great squad and we want to keep as many of the players as we can,” Hughes added.
Stoke end their season with a visit from Liverpool and departing Steven Gerrard on May 24.
