Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has laughed off talk of a rift emerging with chief scout Lindsay Parsons over the club's playing style.
Former Cheltenham Town boss Parsons, a sidekick for Pulis at five different clubs over nearly 20 years, told the Echo that the pair often disagree over Stoke's style and transfer targets.
But Pulis says such differences are a healthy indication he does not employ 'yes' men to work with.
"I haven't spoken to Linds yet," said Pulis. "What he's said I won't know until I speak with him, but things can be misinterpreted.
"One thing I will say is that the staff I've had over the years – whether it be Lindsay, Gerry Francis, Peter Reid, Dave Kemp – they're all strong characters. They say what they think and then we get on with it.
"We've not always agreed on things, but the one thing is he (Parsons) is still with me.
"Peter is the same. Reidy was fantastic, a great character. We've had some fun me and Reidy in respect to our different views.
"I don't surround myself with 'yes' men. I surround myself with people who say what they say. I'd rather have people who say what they think."
