I Love Stoke City

Potteries Football Blog

PULIS DELIGHTED

Posted on January 16, 2013

The Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has said that he is extremely delighted that the defender Ryan Shawcross has signed a new deal with the club.

The former Manchester United man recently extended his stay at the club by five more years after signing a new deal that will make him the best paid player at the club. Peter Crouch is currently the highest paid player due to his wages of £ 45,000 per week, which will now be matched by the contract of Ryan Shawcross. Shawcross has been one of the main reasons for the incredible defensive record Stoke have this season.

The defender arrived for just £ 1 million from Manchester United a few seasons ago, but he has made tremendous progress during his time at the Britannia stadium. The 25-year-old recently made his debut for the England national team, which has led to speculation that top clubs like United and Chelsea will be interested in him. Pulis has said that it is a great way to start the new year by agreeing a new deal with the captain of the club. Shawcross has formed a formidable partnership with Robert Huth at the back this season. The club has one of the best defensive records in the Premier league this season.

“It’s a great way to start the new year, signing the captain of this club who has been a fantastic acquisition. He’s grown with this club every step of the way and also gone on to play for England. It has been difficult and taken a while because the club wanted him to sign a long-term contract, so it has to be right,” said Pulis. “The manager is probably the main reason I’m where I am. I’ve been here for five years and he’s been great,” said the defender.