West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis says he takes great pride in Stoke's success under Mark Hughes because his successor is now reaping the benefits of his own work at the Britannia Stadium.
Pulis takes on his former club on Saturday hoping to break Stoke's 100 percent winning record at The Hawthorns in the Premier League.
While West Brom head into the match on the back of two frustrating defeats to local rivals Aston Villa in the league and FA Cup, Stoke are looking for a fourth successive win and sit eighth in the table.
While Pulis stopped short of claiming all the credit for Stoke's current success, the Welshman was happy to point out his influence at the club.
"The great thing for me about the club is that you leave it in a condition where it can grow and grow and get better,'' he told a news conference.
"Look at the players who are there -- the backbone of that football club -- like Glenn Whelan, Ryan Shawcross, Asmir Begovic, Steven N'Zonzi, Peter Crouch, Jon Walters, just a few to mention. Marc Wilson, Geoff Cameron -- wonderful people and wonderful professionals, and it's really nice when you take over a club with all good professionals like that.''
Pulis added: "How many players has Mark brought in? I don't know but the majority of the lads who were there before still seem to be picked week-in, week-out. That's testament to them as individuals to win over a new manager.
"Glenn Whelan and Ryan Shawcross are the only ones who were there when we got promoted from the Championship. They've been brilliant. And they've been brilliant for the football club.''
West Brom have doubts over strikers Saido Berahino, Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe for Saturday's clash.
Berahino and Ideye have been playing through the pain barrier recently, while Anichebe has a groin problem.
Winger Callum McManaman, meanwhile, has a foot injury and Pulis has decided to rest him for a few weeks.