An experienced manager, Tony Pulis began initially at Bournemough and then had considerable success at Gillingham, rebuilding a struggling Third Division side and leading them into the Second Division play-offs.

His next port of call was Bristol City, then Pompey. City, therefore, were his fifth managerial appointment.

His first achievement at the Britannia Stadium was to successfully steer the club clear of relegation from Division One in 2003/03 and firmly established the club in the new Coca-Cola Championship before his departure in the summer of 2005.

His second spell as City boss coincided with Peter Coates takeover of the club in the summer of 2006. The Welshman had spent seven months at Plymouth Argyle during his "year off" from the managerial reigns at the Britannia Stadium, and steered the Pilgrims away from the relegation zone to finish safely in mid-table.

Following his return to the Potteries, Pulis has been able to bring in high profile loan signings with the likes of Lee Hendrie, Patrik Berger and Andy Griffin all walking through the doors of the Britannia Stadium.