British BulletinBritish Bulletin
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
What's On

Keir Starmer warned he’s ‘lost the country’ as Labour MP demands PM set out ‘timetable for departure’

10 May 2026

Princess Eugenie ‘reached out to King Charles after Zara Tindall’s advice’

10 May 2026

Business success story: How Champions Speakers was crowned Britain’s number one SME

10 May 2026

Tories are still biggest party on the right, claims James Cleverly | UK News

10 May 2026

Sean Strickland issues apology to ‘American and Muslim fans’ after beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

10 May 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Web Stories
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
British Bulletin
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
British BulletinBritish Bulletin
Home ยป Tony Pulis column: ‘You have to convince players your way will work’ – The mentality of winning a relegation battle
Sports

Tony Pulis column: ‘You have to convince players your way will work’ – The mentality of winning a relegation battle

By britishbulletin.com13 March 20263 Mins Read
Tony Pulis column: ‘You have to convince players your way will work’ – The mentality of winning a relegation battle
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Most pundits are convinced that Wolves and Burnley are down, and they would both need something spectacular to stay up from here.

Burnley conceded the fewest goals in the Championship last season, but this season they have the worst defensive record in the Premier League. Wolves have improved under Rob Edwards, but I believe they have got too much to do.

That leaves four other teams in my view – West Ham, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds – trying to avoid the final relegation spot.

So, how do I think this will unravel, and what would I suggest these clubs try to avoid finishing 18th?

For starters, home form is absolutely vital and an extra emphasis must be directed at your club’s supporters on this single point.

I can recall an early conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson in my first season in the Premier League with Stoke City.

His assessment was that our slim chances of survival would be determined by our home form, or in his words ‘you are not going to get many points away from the Britannia Stadium’.

He told me our best chance of staying up was making it a place no-one wants to go. He said that if any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right. I took that on board and I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and the team were so together.

It helped us that a gambling company paid punters up who had bet on us going down after our first game of the season, a 3-1 defeat at Bolton.

I responded by positioning their assumptions as a direct affront to not only the football club but the city as well.

From that moment onwards, clubs turned up at our stadium and faced a team which was 30,000 strong, and which no doubt played an enormous part in us successfully staying up that season.

It was a remarkable achievement, but only made possible because of our supporters. One great example of that was at the Brit against an emerging Manchester City side at the end of January.

We went into that game without a win in nine league games and in the relegation zone, and went down to 10 men in the first half but then scored just before half-time.

In the second half, whatever we did, every tackle, pass or interception was greeted with unbelievable acclaim from the stands. We went on to win 1-0 and afterwards I was asked about my tactics, to which I remember saying no team could have beaten 30,000 of us today, because that’s what it felt like.

That game was the start of a run of four wins and two draws at home, which took us to safety by the end of April.

But as much as a positive atmosphere can get you over the line, if the fans are not behind you then playing at home won’t help you – it can hinder the players instead.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Keep Reading

Sean Strickland issues apology to ‘American and Muslim fans’ after beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

UFC 328: Sean Strickland upsets Khamzat Chimaev to win middleweight title

Adam Yates: Injured British cyclist out of Giro d’Italia after 30-rider crash

North West 200: Debutant Storm Stacey passes his test with historic wins

Women’s Six Nations 2026: Ireland 33-12 Wales: ‘Ireland ‘still hungry to get better’ – Bemand

Kieran Trippier: What next for Newcastle United defender as he prepares to leave?

Football quiz: Name every club to have won Spain’s La Liga title

Wardley vs Dubois: How new heavyweight champion silenced his critics

Scottish title race: Hearts fans drunk on drama in intoxicating race

Editors Picks

Princess Eugenie ‘reached out to King Charles after Zara Tindall’s advice’

10 May 2026

Business success story: How Champions Speakers was crowned Britain’s number one SME

10 May 2026

Tories are still biggest party on the right, claims James Cleverly | UK News

10 May 2026

Sean Strickland issues apology to ‘American and Muslim fans’ after beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

10 May 2026

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Brittan News and Updates directly to your inbox.

Latest News

James Cleverly refuses to deny ambitious change after Tory local election rout

10 May 2026

Sunderland Reform UK councillor suspended over alleged racist posts | UK News

10 May 2026

UFC 328: Sean Strickland upsets Khamzat Chimaev to win middleweight title

10 May 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest TikTok Instagram
© 2026 British Bulletin. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.