Stoke City manager today has spoken with the press and BBC Sport following the 4-1 mauling at the hands of Arsenal. Pulis issued a mission statement to the Stoke fans and asked the '12th' man to come back in force next season and continue to support the club as passionately next season as they had this. The 2009/10 Premier League season kicks off in August.

"Our supporters have been absolutely unbelievable this season and have really been the difference for us A lot of people have said a lot of things about this Club before the season began, but that brought everyone connected to the Club together and that is why we have achieved what we have. Again the supporters have come on mass today and were behind the lads every minute of the game, even when we were three down after 20 minutes. I can't speak highly enough of them, but one thing I will say is that they have set themselves a standard now, and hopefully they can be exactly the same next year because we will need them as much as ever. To come places like the Emirates and play a team like Arsenal is great, and it is brilliant to think that we will be doing it all again next year."

Tony Pulis talking with BBC Sport and the Press

''In the first half, some of the goals we conceded were laughable really. The best thing that happened to us was half-time, and we were better in the second half. We did a lot better defensively in the second half but you have to accept that they were by far the better team.It was a poor first half, there is no getting away from it. Some of the goals we conceded were laughable and the best thing that happened to us was half time. I got them in and settled them down a little bit, but to be fair Arsenal played in a lower gear in the second half. But when you look back over the season you have to say it has been a fantastic season, unbelievable really. What we have achieved has been amazing and I am pleased for absolutely everyone connected to the Football Club.I have said it before, but we can't sit back and relax, we need to keep pushing forward, and make sure we are an even better side next season."

"We've had a great season. We achieved what we wanted to and this week it's been hard to keep the players going, and they were a bit off it in the first half.

"We now have to get players in and improve every aspect of the club, and that's what we'll be doing."

Elsewhere Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger was proud of the support the home support showed today.

"I'm pleased. It's important to know the fans stand behind you and believe in what you do.

"I have to think about how we can now improve. First of all let's keep the players we have here, and then add one or two. We don't have to spend much because we already have a good base.

"It was a good performance - very lively in the first half. We eased off in the second half, but overall we were very good.

"What was good was that it showed the team has improved. Defensively and offensively we looked a good team."

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon