Stoke manager Tony Pulis thanked the support of chairman Peter Coates following his side's promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Pulis, who was Stoke boss between November 2002 and June 2005, was persuaded to return for a second spell as manager by Coates almost a year to the day after he had left the club to take over at Plymouth.

"I am obviously very pleased. Pleased for everybody connected with the football club - the fans, the players and especially the staff and the people that work closely with you," Pulis said.

"They have all been a massive part of it and I am very pleased for them. After the game I just took the staff away and shared a glass of champagne with them all, just to savour the moment.

"But a massive thank you goes to Peter Coates above anything else. Two years ago I was in Portugal on the beach having just kept Plymouth up and I was really enjoying it at Plymouth.

"But when someone like that rings you up and asks if you are strong enough to come back, all you can do is accept."