DERBY manager Paul Jewell describes Tony Pulis as loud and argumentative – although he still has the utmost respect for his Stoke counterpart.
Jewell and Pulis clash in tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final at the Britannia Stadium, with Derby aiming for a place in the last four for the first time in 40 years. But after three successive away defeats in the Coca-Cola Championship without scori
ng a goal, the odds are against Jewell's side from progressing any further.
In particular against a Stoke team who have already beaten Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham on home soil this season on their return to the top flight.
For that, Jewell credits Pulis, a man he encountered in more ways than one when they were on the same Pro-Licence course.
"I know Tony well," said Jewell. "He never stops talking, has the loudest voice in the world and is the most argumentative person I've ever come across, and I thought I was argumentative until I met him.
"But he is a character, full of enthusiasm and he's done a terrific job at Stoke after serving his apprenticeship at places like Gillingham and Bournemouth. I think many people have underestimated the job he has done at Stoke, but I haven't, and I don't think other people in the game have either."
Meanwhile, Pulis is expected to all but abandon his squad rotation policy as a Wembley date comes closer.
The Stoke manager made wholesale changes for the two previous rounds against Reading and Rotherham, but
said: "We are desperate to win this one, and get to the semi-finals. We will be going for the win and my side will reflect that."
