Pulis: Lay off Cresswell!

Tony Pulis has reacted angrily to a section of Stoke fans who booed Richard Cresswell at Fulham on Saturday, following on from another adverse reaction from fans when he was brought on as a substitute in last week's match against Blackburn.

He told BBC Radio Stoke after the game: "It is disappointing. You do not want to hear that - certainly not at the moment when our supporters are getting so many plaudits.

"I thought Richard did well, he worked hard. He puts in a shift all the time and is an honest kid. He came on a free transfer and has been a great signing.

"He helped us get promoted and fingers crossed he will help get us established in the Premier League.

"For that people should respect him and get behind him."

TP's preference for Cresswell over Camara in Saturday's match caused a great deal of pre-match debate amongst Stoke fans, but the Potters' boss countered by saying that Henri Camara and Ricardo Fuller were too similar in style but that he thought Cresswell would be able to hold the ball and supply Fuller better than the on-loan Wigan striker.

There's no doubt that Cresswell does not have the goal scoring record of a Beattie, Fuller or even a Sidibe but he does give 100% to the team. IMHO, no fan should ever boo one of their own players just for being selected to play.

We know the guy gives his utmost for the team and works his socks off. Just because he doesn't have the Beattie goal touch about him is no excuse to slag him off.

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