Stoke City chairman Peter Coates admits he's already eyeing their clash with Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion.

The Potters will be at the Hawthorns this weekend.

"It will be a tough game because Tony's connections add a bit of interest," he told The Sentinel. "But we have got nothing but a good relationship, I must say. We appreciate the seven years we had with him as manager in his second spell at the club.

"It was good for Tony and it was very good for us. We only have the best of memories when it comes to Tony and his time with us."