West Brom V Gateshead at The Hawthorns : Match Preview

02 January 2015 06:01
West Brom V Gateshead - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Pulis kicks off with FA Cup clash

Tony Pulis will take charge of his first match against Gateshead on Saturday after being named West Brom's new head coach.

He could be without Victor Anichebe (groin) but is definitely without Jonas Olsson who is still recovering from an Achilles operation.

Georgios Samaras, Gareth McAuley, Jason Davidson and Brown Ideye could all start with Pulis ready to give his players a clean slate.

Pulis has dismissed any confusion over the hierarchy at the Baggies and insists his job is clear.

The former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss has been appointed as the new head coach on a two-and-a-half year deal to replace Alan Irvine.

The structure at The Hawthorns has come under fire with Terry Burton technical director and Pulis is the fourth head coach in just over a year.

But Pulis, who has predominantly been a manager, said titles do not matter as he bids to keep the Baggies in the Barclays Premier League.

Pulis said: "Someone said to me, 'do you mind being called head coach?' You can call me 'head bottle washer' if you want, it doesn't make a difference as long as I know what I'm in charge of.

"Everyone understands what we have to do. There's been a lot said about how the club has been run in the past and now with me coming in. The most important thing is everyone works together.

"Just because I've walked in the door doesn't mean we'll stay up. There's lots of work to do and for me it's the right club at the right time. I've got a decent record of helping places turn around, but there have only been four home wins at The Hawthorns in 2014."

Pulis will watch his first game in charge from the stands.

And he wants to make moves in the transfer window this month with the Baggies 17th in the table, a point above the drop zone.

Pulis said: "We hope to get the breaks so we can use the transfer window to our advantage. In every football club if there's players coming in, you might have to lose a few along the way. I understand you have to work hand in hand with your chairman. Have we got to do business? I think we have to.

"You have to find a way of winning and irrespective of the players and systems and what you believe in there's only one way - you have to find a way to win games with what you've got."

Gateshead boss Gary Mills has no new injury concerns ahead of his side's FA Cup third round trip.

Goalkeeper Adam Bartlett will once again deputise for injured number one Alex Baird while midfielder JJ O'Donnell is still expected to be sidelined with a foot injury.

Mills is likely to keep faith with the side that drew 2-2 with FC Halifax on Boxing Day, which would mean another start for Albanian Under-21 international Valentin Gjokaj in defence.

The Heed made it through to the third round by beating Warrington, who had dumped League Two Exeter out of the competition in the previous round.


Source: PA