November 25 2013

Tony Pulis

New Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis is relishing the challenge of keeping the club in the Premier League.

Pulis was named as Palace's manager on Saturday and unveiled in front of the media for the first time on Monday.

He watched from the stands as the Eagles recorded a vital three points against Hull and reckons he can guide the team safety.

"Everyone expects us to get relegated and it will be nice to prove people wrong," said Pulis. "I like climbing hills and this will be a tough job but one I will relish.

"People ask, why Crystal Palace? I say why not? It’s a smashing club it’s got a great history. It’s going to be a tough job. It's an opportunity and a chance, then take the club forward. It was important it was right, we needed up having three meetings. It was only fair Steve wanted to speak to other managers.

"I'm coming to a football club, like I did at Stoke, which is owned and run by real supporters. CPFC2010 are Palace nuts and that attracted me."

Pulis says he has achieved more than just keep Stoke in the top flight for many years but has also won promotion from all three English divisions during his managerial career.

He said: "What people don't talk about with my record is that I've been promoted from every division and got to the Cup final and last 32 of Europe.

"You do get pigeon-holed for things and people say I've not been relegated but I've won promotions and have been very successful."

The former Stoke boss says he is ready to make his mark on the squad in the January transfer window.

"I've spoken to [chairman] Steve Parish, we have six games before Christmas before the window opens and then there is an opportunity to wheel and deal," he said.

"We need to look at January and certainly will. I know what it takes and hopefully I won't put this football club in the wrong way. They have to be done in the right way.

"We're under no illusions it’s going to be tough. I would be absolutely delighted (to keep Palace up). When you’ve been written off it gives you that determination and spirit. People think what they think. The important thing is that the people around this football club believe we have a chance."