Tragic Jones suffering off and on pitch, reveals Pulis
By Martin Spinks (The Sentinel)
STRIKER Kenwyne Jones has been braving a personal family tragedy during his recent run without a goal.
The £8m record signing's domestic heartache is a concern for Stoke manager Tony Pulis, who said: "It would be unfair to go into detail publicly, but I think people should know Kenwyne has had a lot to contend with off the field in recent times.
"It's hit him really hard and he's really been down in the dumps. He's such a lovely guy and that means everything seems to affect him.
"But I've had a good chat with him about the situation and I think it's helped him to tell me just how much it's knocked him around.
"I think we'd all love to see him get a goal because he's one of those who can go on a scoring run once he gets one.
"And knowing our fans like I do, I know they will stick firmly behind him, particularly knowing he's had a few problems at home."
Jones, who has scored once in his last 10 games, hopes to retain his place for today's visit of Everton (3pm).
Stoke will also have Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh to call on after Pulis used his 24-hour recall option to summon them back from their second month on loan at Preston.
Pulis, insisting his decision had nothing to do with Darren Ferguson's sacking by Preston, said: "Salif Diao has a calf injury and Marc Wilson missed training on Thursday with sickness, so I couldn't risk being light in midfield.
"With so many games at the moment and with players likely to go down with the flu or something, I just can't risk leaving ourselves short."
