FA Cup

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis 'prays' for successful FA Cup run

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 05 January 2015

Tony Pulis says that he is 'hoping and praying' that West Bromwich Albion have a decent run in the FA Cup following Saturday's 7-0 thumping over Gateshead.

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis is hopeful that his side can prolong their run in the FA Cup after progressing to the fourth round of the competition.

In Pulis's first game in charge of the Baggies, the 56-year-old witnessed his new team secure a 7-0 triumph over Gateshead at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Pulis took former club Stoke City to the final in 2011, but failed to come home with the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

"With cup competitions you need to be fortunate with the draw," Pulis told the club's official website. "If you're blessed to go through the fourth round then you hope and pray you will keep going.

"The FA Cup is very special for me. And you only have to ask the people of Stoke-on-Trent how much it meant to them a few years ago. It's not just good for players and the team but it's wonderful for supporters. It was always the biggest and most special game for me."

West Brom last reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2008.