Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has admitted that he is pleased with how he has developed the team's style of play this season.

The Potters are on course for their first top-half finish in the top flight since 1975 following just two defeats in their last nine matches.

While former boss Tony Pulis employed a robust brand of football at the Brittania Stadium, Hughes believes that he has introduced more positive tactics.

"We are in a really good place and we are pleased with what we've produced," he told the Daily Star. "We're pleased with what's happened this year.

"It would be really good if we could go into the summer break with something to look back on with pride.

"No disrespect to how the club was previously, but there has been a change in perception as to how we play."

Stoke continue their Premier League campaign on Saturday at home to Fulham.