Stoke boss Mark Hughes says the team were starting to fail under predecessor Tony Pulis, who he faces on Saturday. West Bromwich Albion manager Pulis reportedly said signings he made are still the "backbone" of the Potters team.

Hughes said: "I have acknowledged the work that Tony did here. I got the job because there was a feeling that the team was starting to fail.

"The way we have progressed since has been quite exceptional."

Hughes added: "The players deserve credit for the way they have embraced the new style.

"We have a more possession-based game now and we control games. As a consequence of that we are a more accomplished team in my opinion.

"We have a good balance to the team. We have a lot of qualities

The Welshman has guided Stoke to eighth in the Premier League as they look to better their previous highest finish of ninth, which they achieved last season.

Hughes said: "I came here with a little bit of a cloud over me and I needed to make it work. Thankfully, everything has gone incredibly well."

Hughes said: "I think it has worked out well for Tony. He went to Crystal Palace and got a good group of players going. He was outstanding there.

"He has done the same again at West Brom. They arguably weren't in quite as dire a situation, but again he has got them going."