McAuley backs Baggies boss Pulis despite increased speculation

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley has thrown his backing behind Tony Pulis, as rumours of the manager’s future at The Hawthorns continue to circulate.

The Baggies failed to win any of their last nine games in the Premier League season, with fans becoming increasing frustrated despite ending the campaign in tenth place.

It was actually the second successive season in which West Brom finished the year without wins past the 30-game mark, overshadowing what was again an excellent season for Pulis’ side as the manager prepares for the last year of his current contract.

And the experienced McAuley, who has been in the Midlands since 2011, believes Pulis’ unwavering consistency is worthy of an extended stay with the Baggies, despite reports of approaches from other clubs.

“He’s delivered what he was asked to deliver this season,” said the 37-year-old.

“We’re in the Premier League again next season and I’m sure he’ll be there and I’m sure he’ll get the players to take us forward.

“I don’t know about the rumours but I’d like to see him in pre-season there in Austria at the top of the hills grating us.

“For me he’s very consistent in what he does and asks for from the players and what he looks for.

“He likes the group to be together and to work hard. He doesn’t take any short-cuts in what we do, physically we’ll be fit and be up for it as well as organised.

“All he asks for is that we give everything when we’re out there.”