Ally Robertson: Tony Pulis will not change West Brom style dramatically

Considering the players that have been brought in over the summer, it’s not unreasonable to expect the team to evolve, writes Ally Robertson.

But I doubt Tony Pulis will make sweeping changes to Albion’s identity, I expect him to adapt the players he has into the way he wants them to play. A better version of last season’s team, rather than a completely new system or style, is probably on the cards.

That is not necessarily a bad thing.

It was exciting at times last season, particularly during the middle of the campaign when the Baggies were swatting aside everyone in their path apart from the big six.

Improving on that would definitely be classed as success. But steady evolution takes time.

Pulis deserves to be given time to make that happen because of what he’s already done at this club.

There are a growing number of comparisons being made with his time at Stoke, and it’s true the Potters fanbase eventually grew tired of Pulis despite everything he had done for them.

But I don’t care what happened there, I care about what he’s done with Albion. Not only did he rescue us from relegation, but he’s established us in mid-table.

And you only have to look at his old team Crystal Palace to see how damaging a sudden tactical shift can be if it goes wrong.

That does not mean there won’t be pressure on him.

It’s six games without a win now and with Manchester City and Chelsea the next two teams to come to The Hawthorns, the upcoming trips to Leicester and Southampton have grown in significance.

Eight or nine games without a win and the pressure will grow. Albion need a win, by hook or by crook, just to settle the nerves.

Pulis has been unlucky. We were minutes away from beating Stoke, we should have got something away at Arsenal and we were seconds away from beating Watford.

But this is where he earns his salt. He now has a bigger squad at his disposal, with more decisions to make. It will be interesting to see the team he picks against Leicester on Monday night.

Although they let in a late goal against Watford, the defence is usually reliable – it is further forward that needs more attention.

With the players he now has at his disposal, getting this team dancing to his beat should be enough to start winning games.