STOKE CITY'S American affiliate side Orlando City have today bolstered their squad on the eve of the new campaign by signing Anthony Pulis, the son of Potters boss Tony.
The technically gifted midfielder joins the Lions on a free transfer from League Two side Aldershot Town, a Club he joined in the summer following his release from Championship high-fliers Southampton.
"It's a great move for Ant, and I am absolutely delighted for him," manager Tony Pulis told stokecityfc.com. "He had the opportunity to go up to Scotland too, I think Hibs were very interested in him, but he's chosen to go over there.
"[My wife] Debbie's sister lives just outside of Orlando, so it's good for us that he will have his aunty and uncle within twenty minutes of him. It's important for him to have family around him and he will have that there.
"In many respects I can keep in touch easier and keep an eye on what he is doing with the link up we have with Orlando. He is very excited by it all, but before he flies out, he will be trying to get to our next two or three games."
He added: "I think he has missed being a part of it here. Together with the rest of the family, he has a massive affiliation with the Club and he loved his time here. With me being manager, my girls and Ant are massive Stoke supporters."
The 27-year old spent four years at the Britannia Stadium under his father between 2004 and 2008, but he struggled to make a major impact on the first eleven, featuring just six times.
He left to join the Saints three and a half years ago, before more recently spending time out on loan at a host of lower league sides including Stockport County, Lincoln City and Barnet.
Today however, the 27-year old has agreed a deal in the States with the 2011 USL Champions, much to the delight of ex-Stoke star and current Orlando boss Adrian Heath.
"Anthony has a very good pedigree," he told their official website. "He's played for good clubs - Stoke City, Portsmouth and Southampton.
"He's a very combative-type player, much like James O'Connor, and helps fill a big hole in our midfield with the loss of Lawrence [Olum]. He's another piece of the puzzle, and we're very pleased to have him here."
