Pulis in at Stoke

Last updated : 01 November 2002 By Tony Scholes

New Stoke boss Tony Pulis
Everything looked in place yesterday for former Ipswich boss George Burley to take the hot seat but the move suddenly collapsed with Burley not prepared to commit himself to the job long term. This looks as though he was only ever going to use Stoke as a stepping stone but it is being suggested that he is interested in the Sheffield Wednesday job which suddenly became vacant yesterday morning.

The name of Tony Pulis had been mentioned during last week and it appears that he was the first choice of John Rudge the club’s Director of Football. So they quickly turned to him and by this morning had been given and accepted the job. He will be in charge for tomorrow’s game just down the road at Walsall.

Pulis had the most success at the Priestfield Stadium with Gillingham and took them within minutes of a place in Division One before losing out to Manchester City (now KKMC) in the play off final on penalties.

He then left in somewhat strange circumstances after a clash with Chairman Paul Scally and went to Bristol City before moving onto Portsmouth. That was his last job until today and he left there over two years ago.

There will be no more additions to the staff and Pulis will work with Rudge with Dave Kevan reverting to the role of first team coach after he spell as caretaker manager.