Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is adamant he's the best the club can get.

Hughes has insisted his c.v. is better than that of any potential candidate to replace him as Stoke manager.

"Not in my view," Hughes said when asked whether there were prospective successors who hold better records.

"I have proved ever since I have been a manager that I can pick up points. So that badge of 'Never being relegated' that managers use, that is not something that resonates with me. I am more about getting up the table."

In response to the suggestion that the visit by West Brom could be make-or-break, Hughes said: "I don't think that's where we are at. That's not what's happening here. The owners have been in the game a long time and understand it's not an easy role.

"They understand there are peaks and troughs and that what you have to do is support good people."