Will Salif stay at Stoke as a coach?

In contrast to Beattie, Salif Diao is one player that Tony Pulis seems keen to keep at the Brit – even if his speed on the pitch is on the wane.

Since Salif was signed up from Liverpool in 2007, after spending the previous season on loan with the Potters, he’s had a mixed time at the Brit with injury blighting most of his first full season and also struggling last season to keep fully fit. Nevertheless, he’s remained a firm favourite with TP, who has resolutely played him whenever he could – to the consternation of many fans.

Away from Stoke, the 33 year old Senegalese international has always tried to give something back to his country. He’s set up a football academy back home to try and give any talented youngsters the same chance he was lucky enough to get and he’s helped to raise awareness of the poverty in Africa with his Sport4Charity.

Tony has now offered him the opportunity of a coaching role to help mentor the younger players in the club, but has said that he’ll also allow him to remain registered as a player next season with Salif seemingly insistent that his playing days are not quite over yet.