Opponents Birmingham are nearing an £81million takeover by Chinese businessman Carson Yeung in what looks like another foreign business investment into the Premier League.

Stoke, meanwhile, have local businessman and Potters fan Peter Coates to thank for their success and his hands-on approach is second to none according to Pulis.

"I would still rather work for a person I can see and talk to on a daily basis," Pulis said.

"They should put up a statue to him and his family for what they have done for this club. Every single penny he has put in here is worth 20 times the amount of these other people."

Despite not being able to splash out as much as other clubs in the Premier League, Stoke managed to finish 12th last term thanks to some bargain buys, but Pulis admits the market has changed.

"Manchester City have put the bar up to another level and clubs like Tottenham have spent a massive amount as well," he said.

"It makes it harder for the teams in and around them and it all drifts down to the rest of us."