West Brom boss Tony Pulis to channel pain of defeat

TONY PULIS admits his plans for a seven-day Channel-crossing charity row could be left all at sea if West Brom reach the FA Cup final in May.

00:10, Fri, Mar 6, 2015 | UPDATED: 06:43, Fri, Mar 6, 2015

Tony Pulis is rowing from London to Paris for charity REUTERS

Tony Pulis is rowing from London to Paris for charity

The row from London to Paris is due to start at the end of the Premier League season but this season's cup final is one week further on and would clash with Pulis's schedule.

The Baggies head to Aston Villa for the second time four days tomorrow (Saturday) and bidding for revenge after Tuesday's Premier League defeat.

Pulis said: "I am very superstitious so I don't like pre-planning. If we got to a cup final then my responsibilities would be with this club.

"I can't look beyond Saturday at the moment. I'll be doing my damnedest to try to get myself fit for it because it'll be tough.

"I was in the gym at 7am yesterday. The speedo's getting quicker on the rowing machine – even for an old man like me!"

Former Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov has rejoined the club as part of Tim Sherwood's backroom staff.

Pulis looking for little bit of luck for quarter-final [AMBIENT]

The speedo's getting quicker on the rowing machine – even for an old man like me!
Tony Pulis

The Bulgarian spent six years at Villa as a player, making 218 appearances for them between 2006-2012, before being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Now in remission, the 35-year-old has agreed to return in a coaching capacity and will work with the first team. The ex-midfielder was involved behind the scenes on Tuesday night when Sherwood claimed his first win as manager.

Sherwood said: "What Stan Petrov has gone through is life and death.

"The players look at him and have a lot of admiration for what he has done as a player at this football club and in his life, what he has come through.

"I want him to help like I wanted Ledley King at Tottenham to help out. There is no point bringing them back to be mascots, you need to bring them back if they can contribute.

"Stan can, he has come through his illness and showed great character.

"I've asked him to relax the players as much as possible. I will try to gain every possible advantage I can."