by Ged Scott, BBC Midlands Sport
Narcis Pelach made a belated appearance in the Stoke City pressroom late on Boxing Day night – although one of impressive bonhomie.
After being kept waiting by Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, who had just spoken at considerable length about his side’s comfortable victory, their next game, going top of the league, German values, coaching in general and how little activity he expected to have in the January transfer window, Pelach then entered.
The Catalan politely circuited the room, shaking hands with every member of the press corps present and wishing each one a Happy Christmas.
As it turned out, fatefully, these were to prove parting handshakes.
When Pelach finally sat down, it was to defend his…