Chairman Peter Coates: Tony Pulis is the best manager in Stoke City’s history

EPL ; Tony Pulis, West Bromwich vs Stoke City (Getty Images)

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Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has described Tony Pulis as the club’s “best ever manager”.

The 53-year-old, who won promotion to the Premier League in 2008 with the Potters, guided them to their first ever FA Cup final this season, but lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

Coates told BBC Sport: “He Pulis came in and got us promoted in his second year, and he’s kept us there. He is Stoke’s best ever manager, who would be in contention? Tony Waddington? He knows what we think about him, he’s always had our full support and he’s done a great job.

“A top half finish and an FA Cup final, we’re disappointed we haven’t got what we wanted but that’s football. No football club in Stoke’s history has ever played in a competition like this. The Premier League is the No.1 international league and we play in it.”

He added: “I’m proud of the club’s achievements. Teams take us pretty seriously anyway, but this has put us on the footballing map well and truly, it’s been coming.”

With Manchester City having already qualified for the Champions League next season, Stoke’s FA Cup final appearance means they will be playing in the Europa League.

When asked about the club playing in Europe, Coates said: “It’s something to look forward to, a new experience.”

Stoke, currently ninth in the Premier League, have their chance of revenge when they face Manchester City at Eastlands on Tuesday, before ending this season’s campaign with a home fixture against Wigan.