Pulis leaves Stoke

Stoke have parted company with manager Tony Pulis.

The 55-year-old’s reign came to and end on Tuesday, with the club confirming in a statement that he had left his post.

His departure marks the end of a near seven-year stay at the Britannia Stadium, with Alex Ferguson’s retirement at Manchester United and David Moyes’ move from Everton to replace him having elevated Pulis to second on the list of the current longest-serving managers in the Premier League.

“Stoke City and Tony Pulis confirm that they have mutually agreed that Tony will leave the Club with immediate effect,” the club confirmed on their website.

The news will not come as a great shock to Stoke fans, with speculation over Pulis’ future having been rife for several weeks.

After guiding the club to the Premier League in 2008, Pulis has overseen five seasons in the top flight, an FA Cup final and a run to the round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League in 2012.

However, this season has not been as comfortable at the Britannia Stadium, as Pulis’ decisions and tactics have been questioned by the fans and the club’s form on the pitch has dipped.

They only won nine games all season, scored the second lowest number of goals in the league and picked up one win in their first 13 matches of 2013.