Another manager set to miss the Brit

It was a odd night to be a team manager at the Brit. Tony Pulis missed half the match after the death of his mother yesterday, but still arrived in the team dressing room just in time to give the Potters a good rollicking after going down 1-0 at the break. His character, by just turning up for work after the saddest of days, inspired the team to turn it around in the second half and earned us a confidence building win.

Meanwhile, wannabe Villa boss, Gerard Houllier was not allowed to attend yesterday's match due to contract difficulties in his move from the French Football Federation where he was Technical Director. It was probably the best for him as Villa succumbed to yet another late goal from the mighty Potters.

Now the West Ham manager, Avram Grant, is said to not be willing to travel to the Brit on Saturday as it's a Jewish religious holiday. With the Hammers in that unenvious position of yet to earn a point he's surely going to earn little support amongst their fans (at least those who aren't Jewish) and runs the risk of pushing the club even deeper into trouble. Especially as Stoke will be keen for a repeat of last night's result - hopefully with a more solid defence and without leaving until five seconds from the end of the game to score the winning goal.

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