Key Highlights:
- Tony Pulis praised Peter Coates, John Coates and the wider Stoke City ownership family for handling his 2013 departure respectfully.
- Pulis said Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson’s commitment to the club and local community made his 18-month spell at Boro especially meaningful.
- Despite missing breakfast with Gibson after their final meeting, Pulis said they remained good friends and described Gibson as “a class act.”
Tony Pulis praises Stoke City and Middlesbrough owners
Tony Pulis has reflected on the respectful way his managerial departures from Stoke City and Middlesbrough were handled, highlighting the character and commitment of Peter Coates, John Coates and Steve Gibson.
Pulis has previously written about his affection for Peter Coates and the Coates family, who own Stoke City. He described the family as highly successful while retaining a strong human touch. When Pulis left Stoke in 2013, Peter Coates and his son John, who is now the club’s chairman, were direct about their desire to take the team in a different direction.
Although the decision ended a difficult period, Pulis said the Coates family ensured that the separation was conducted properly and respectfully. He spent almost 10 years at Stoke across two spells, making the club one of the most significant parts of his managerial career.
Steve Gibson’s commitment to Middlesbrough
Pulis said his experience at Middlesbrough followed a similar pattern, despite lasting only 18 months. He praised Steve Gibson’s lifelong commitment to Boro and said the chairman’s role extended beyond supporting the football club.
According to Pulis, Gibson cares deeply about the people of the area and has invested substantial personal resources in trying to make Middlesbrough successful. Pulis also recalled the warmth shown by Gibson and his family, as well as the wider community, which reminded him of south Wales.
He said the close-knit atmosphere made his time at Middlesbrough enjoyable, with people around the club consistently willing to help. Pulis’ family also developed a strong affection for the area and were genuinely disappointed when he eventually left.
Why Tony Pulis left Middlesbrough
Pulis said he was exhausted after Middlesbrough’s final match of the 2018-19 season, particularly because the team had failed to reach the Championship play-offs. He described the drive home that night as long, lonely and physically draining.
After the season ended, Pulis and Gibson met in London to discuss the manager’s future. Pulis said the conversation was honest and open, and both men agreed that the expiry of his contract created an appropriate moment for him to leave. He wanted the departure to take place on good terms, and said that was exactly what happened.
The meeting also produced a memorable personal story. After dinner and several drinks, Pulis and Gibson arranged to have breakfast the next morning. Pulis, who said he has always been an early riser, left for the station at 6am to return home.
His wife collected him in Bournemouth shortly after 8am. Gibson then called to ask whether Pulis had arrived for breakfast, but Pulis told him no, I am back home. He missed the breakfast, but the episode did not affect their friendship.
Why This Matters
Pulis’ recollections underline the importance of relationships between football managers and club owners when major decisions are made. His accounts of Stoke City and Middlesbrough show that changes in direction and the end of a contract can still be handled with openness, honesty and respect.
His praise for Peter Coates, John Coates and Steve Gibson also reflects the wider influence that long-term club owners and chairmen can have beyond team selection and results. Pulis specifically connected Gibson’s commitment with investment in Middlesbrough and concern for the local community, while describing both clubs as places where personal relationships shaped his experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tony Pulis leave Stoke City?
Tony Pulis left Stoke City in 2013 after Peter Coates and John Coates told him they wanted the club to move in a different direction.
How long was Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough?
Pulis spent 18 months at Middlesbrough and left after the 2018-19 season, when his contract had ended and both he and Steve Gibson agreed it was the right time for him to depart.
What did Tony Pulis say about Steve Gibson?
Pulis praised Steve Gibson’s commitment to Middlesbrough and the surrounding community, said they remained good friends, and described Gibson as “a class act.”
