Stoke will only look good if they have a target already lined up and they know where they want to go. If they end up appointing somebody random and just hope things work out, they'll be in for a shock. Swansea, for example, clearly had a vision of where the club was going and what type of manager they needed. They identified him, brought him in and the stability continued and resulted in success.
I can't stand Pulis, I think he's an idiot that abuses the most simplistic of tactics. They worked, whatever, but he'll struggle to sell those tactics to a future employer unless it's Everton.
With regards to Moyes' record, I doubt it would be so strong if he had to bring them up from the Championship, I think it's a pretty fair comparison although Moyes spends his money better.
