Stoke boss Tony Pulis is under no illusions how difficult it will be for his newly-promoted side to remain in the Premier League next season.The Staffordshire club returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence courtesy of a goalless home draw against Leicester on the final day of the season, as they finished as runners-up behind champions West Brom.

The gulf between the Championship and the Premier League is well documented, with promoted teams traditionally tipped to struggle.

Those sentiments have been underlined by Derby's woes this season. Their defeat at Blackburn on Saturday ensured they would go down in history as the Premier League's worst ever side, finishing with a points total lower than the miserly 15 amassed by Sunderland during the 2005-06 campaign.

Pulis said: "We already know we are going to be one of the favourites to come straight back down but I have never been relegated in my life and I don't intend to start next season.

"It is important that we start to build for next season and we know that we have to drastically alter the structure of everything at the club if we are going to have any chance of surviving."

Pulis accepts part of that structural change will involve recruiting players, and he is confident chairman Peter Coates will provide the funds he needs to strengthen Stoke's squad.

"The priority is staying up. Peter knows that and I am sure he will continue to give me his backing," said Pulis.

"He is a proper football man. He lives and breathes the game and he knows the game inside out and understands what we need to do.

"Obviously, we are going to have a bit more money to work with so I am sure we will be sitting down soon and discussing where best to use it.

"When I came back to this club, Peter said I would be able to compete and he has kept his word. Everything he said and promised he has been true to and I am sure that will continue to be the case."

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