Pulis expects Potters exodus

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Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is preparing for a player exodus at the Britannia Stadium this summer as he shapes up for another season in the top flight.

Record signing Dave Kitson, Michael Tonge plus the experienced Andy Griffin are amongst the highest profile players set for a move after the Potters' highly successful first season in the Premier League.

Others who appear on the way out include Leon Cort, Ibrahima Sonko, Andrew Davies and Seyi Olofinjana who have all failed to command first team places as the boss aims to trim his squad.

Pulis admits that if he is to strengthen his side for next term, players need to be sold in order to raise funds.

"There has to be changes if we are to move on as a football club," he told the Sentinel.

"And that has to mean changes in the dressing room.

"Everyone knows we are trying to bring players in, but the flip side of that is the movement out of several familiar faces.

Striker Kitson would likely command the biggest fee after the club paid £5million to take him from Reading last summer.

However, no goals in 17 appearances will have damaged his market value as Pulis seeks a buyer.

The former Plymouth boss has vowed to find the best deals for both his players and the club, but admits no suitable proposals have been made as of yet.

"To be honest, I'm expecting a lot of them to be asking about their futures anyway because they won't have been happy at playing on the fringes.

"I respect them on that and we will see what we can do in terms of getting players fixed up elsewhere.

"I haven't yet had anything firm come in for them though.

"The strength and balance of the squad is always your first priority as manager."
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