West
Brom boss Tony Pulis says next season's Premier League title race will be
much closer, due to the amounts of money the leading clubs will spend this
summer.
Chelsea, who play the Baggies on Monday, were crowned champions with four
games to spare this term, having topped the table since August 18.
They have already began planning for next year with the acquisition of
Brazilian youngster Nathan this week and the Blues are not alone in planning
for the 2015/16 campaign.
Manchester United have paid £25m for Memphis Depay and it is anticipated
their rivals Manchester City will splash some cash after losing their
championship crown to Jose Mourinho’s men.
Arsenal will also strengthen and Pulis feels the race for silverware will be
a much tighter affair next time around.
"There is going to be a frenzy at the top again, enormous amounts of money
spent. It's going to be interesting," said Pulis. "Chelsea have won the
title and they are there to be knocked off. The others will be chasing them
down.
"Chelsea have invested again, Manchester United have invested again and the
season isn't even finished. You can see Man City doing the same."
Pulis believes he will face one of the best in the history of the sport when
he pits his wits against Mourinho on Monday night.
Having now won 18 trophies in 13 seasons across four countries, it is
difficult to argue against such an assessment of the Portuguese’s
capabilities.
"You have to do what you have to do," Pulis said. "He's proved himself to be
a great coach in every country, not just in England. He's won the top
trophies in all the leagues. He will go down as one of the great, great
managers.
"There is an elite group in every league, but there have still got to be
winners and losers. Jose usually ends up being a winner."
Albion will also give Chelsea a guard of honour at the Hawthorns to
recognise their achievement.
"I think the club are going to do that," Pulis said. "It's right they should
be shown respect that champions deserve."
top