Gerry Francis has defended Tony Pulis following criticism of the former West Brom manager’s style of play during their time at The Hawthorns.
Pulis angered many Baggies fans prior to being sacked and replaced with Alan Pardew.
But Londoner Francis, who was part of Pulis’ coaching teams at Stoke and Crystal Palace before joining him at Albion, believes the criticism was unfair.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Francis said: “You’ve got to get a balance. All managers have their own way of playing and what they think is successful.
“If you’re not one of the top six teams that are able to buy the best players in the league then you’re competing at times with players and teams that are better than you and you have to find a way to get results.
“Last year we beat Burnley 4-0, West Ham 4-2, Arsenal 3-1, Swansea 3-1, Hull 3-1 – 20-odd goals there in a few home games.
“Crystal Palace fans were delighted with Tony. But it’s about results – what fans don’t like is to be losing.”
Former QPR and Tottenham boss Francis, 66, left Albion after Pulis’ dismissal but has not ruled out a return to coaching.
He said: “The situation is that if someone comes along with something for me today, tomorrow or whenever then I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll do it and maybe I won’t.
“If Tony gets another job and wants me to go with him, maybe I will or maybe I won’t. Or maybe I won’t do anything.
“I’ll see what comes up and see what I feel like doing.”