After seven years in charge of Stoke City, during his second spell, Tony Pulis' reign came to an end on Tuesday following an official club statement reading: "Stoke City and Tony Pulis confirm that they have mutually agreed that Tony will leave the Club with immediate effect."

Pulis' second spell came to an end on Tuesday amid speculation.
(image from Thisisstaffordshire)

Yesterday Pulis made a statement through the League Managers Association (LMA) which said he was "disappointed" but "accepted" the decision by Chairman Peter Coates. A change in the direction has been stated for Pulis's exit; which will involve a better youth policy and changes to the transfer policies at the club.

 

Discontent

At the turn of the year the Potters were well positioned in 9th with many fans hopeful of pushing on and finishing in the top half of the table, but a poor 2013 left them languishing in 13th place with their lowest points haul under Pulis in the Premier League.

 

There had been discontent around the Britannia Stadium this season, with many fans fed up with the lack of entertainment on offer; highlighted with a 12% drop in season ticket sales during the clubs 'Early Bid offer', with many perturbed with Pulis at the helm.

 
More signs were evident following the 1-0 home defeat to West Ham with a 'Pulis Out' banner unveiled in the home section of the South Stand. At the final whistle of the same match 'boos' rang around the Britannia Stadium with many fans worried about their Premier League status.

However Stoke were safe following back-to-back wins against QPR and Norwich, but many wanted to see the back of Pulis.

Hotseat

There are many names surrounding the vacant managerial position to take over from Pulis with Rafael Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo being favourites amongst the fans. Roberto Martinez, who will announce his Wigan future today, is also a possibility for the Potters alongside suspended Brighton Manager Gus Poyet.
 

 

An Amazing Journey

Under Pulis we have been transformed from an average Championship side to a mid-table Premier League side. The unbelievable and equally unthinkable journey the club has been on under his leadership is quite remarkable.
 
He took over from Steve Cotterill in November 2002 and then saved the club from relegation on the last day of the season following an Ade Akinbiyi goal to beat Reading 1-0. The following season he managed to guide the Potters to 11th, but tensions grew between him and Icelandic owner Gunnar Gislason. Pulis parted company with the club in June 2005.
 
Peter Coates bought the club from the Icelandic owners in 2006 and this lead to the re-appointment of his good friend Pulis in 2006 (below), despite George Burley being lined-up over Pulis to replace Johan Boskamp. An 8th place finish in his first season back showed signs of promise; the season that followed didn't fail to deliver.

 
At the end of the 2007/08 season a 0-0 home draw to Leicester was enough to see the Potters return to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years. The jubilation of the promotion was shown by a premature pitch invasion and the one below with fans celebrating with Carl Dickinson.
 

 

 
The journey since has been remarkable: staying up in our first season, beating Bolton 5-0 in the FA Cup Semi-Final, the FA Cup Final (despite the defeat) and the European Tour, facing high quality opposition like Valencia.

Pulis's article in the Staffordshire Sentinel read "our journey together has taken us far and wide in cup competitions as well." He continued "the journey stops here, but what a journey." Pulis finished by saying "thank you so much."
 
No Tony - Thank You - for all these treasured memories and all you have done for our football club.



Thank You TP