Stoke City chairman Peter Coates loves the style of football employed by manager Tony Pulis.
His relationship with the occasionally spiky Pulis might surprise some but the pair are kindred spirits.
"People like to see the ball in the box and the excitement English football brings," Coates told the Mail on Sunday. "I get bored watching Serie A. We have the best football and the right balance between skill and physicality. If someone complains about our style, I just say "I grew up on kick-and-rush football!'
"It will be a special day on Saturday (for the FA Cup final) for everybody, me included. I'm not an emotional man outwardly, but it doesn't mean I won't be feeling it inside."
