Former Gills boss leaves Potters

Stoke chairman, Gunnar Por Gislason, released a statement, reading, "Tony Pulis has been served notice with immediate effect.

"The reason for this change is that, despite all the good work he has done for the club, he has failed to implement the strategy of exploiting foreign markets for players and it is felt we will again fail to exploit those markets this summer with him in control.

"We would like to thank Tony for all his efforts for the club over the last two-and-a-half seasons."

It marks another controversial chapter in Tony Pulis' managerial career. Sacked for gross misconduct by Paul Scally, Pulis took the club to court, only to agree an out-of-court settlement with GFC.

He had controversial stints at both Portsmouth and Bristol City before moving to the Potteries to manage Stoke City. Throughout his career he has forged a reputation as a strong-willed man-manager, who produces big, strong, aggressive teams.

Pulis' departure has been met with both happiness and disbelief in equal measure by the Stoke fans. It's fair to say he wasn't the most popular manager the Potters have had, but the timing of his departure, less than a week after making their first signing of the summer (former Gill Mama Sidibe), and shortly after agreeing a new contract, has left the Potters fans bemused.

Whatever the reasons for his departure, it seems he has left yet another club under somewhat of a cloud. Stoke fans are now wondering who'll take over, while many Gills fans will no doubt be asking, what next for Tony Pulis?