Tony Pulis: Has seen his playing style questioned by Lindsay Parsons

Parsons has formed part of Tony Pulis' backroom staff for many years now, but that does not mean that he buys into the playing philosophy of his boss.

He feels the Potters are too direct at times and admits to having held heated debates with Pulis regarding the best way to deliver results.

"We have loads of disagreements because I don't like the way they play and I will never change on that," he said.

Pulis admits he will be seeking out Parsons to explain his comments, but insists he has never sought to surround himself with 'yes men' and welcomes opinions from within.

That is just as well, because the man charged with identifying new recruits for the club also suggests that a number of recommendations he has put forward have been overlooked - only to then go on and shine for a Premier League rival.

Parsons added: "I have been told that players I've recommended have been too small for Stoke, but I don't go along with that.

"Look at Lionel Messi, he is different class and is he too small?

"I have recommended players like (Cheick) Tiote, (Hatem) Ben Arfa and (Demba) Ba, but they have not been signed by Stoke and have done well for other clubs."