New Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis has dismissed criticism of his tactical approach.
As the 55-year-old prepares for his first game in charge, at Norwich on Saturday, he has defended his former team's style of play and confirmed that he will look to introduce a more expansive game at Selhurst Park.
"I don't think we were [a long-ball team] at Stoke," he said Pulis. "I don't think you can be when you have Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Etherington, Charlie Adam. There are some top, top players at Stoke.
"Every club needs a strong foundation for it to move on that upwards curve. In the seven years I was there we had that upward curve."
