BBC SPORT | Football | Championship | Pulis pays tribute to Stoke owner

Stoke manager Tony Pulis saluted owner Peter Coates after the club won promotion back to the top flight for the first time in 23 years.

Coates decided to sell to an Icelandic consortium in 1999 after fan protests, but regained control two years ago.

"I have to say a special 'thank you' to the chairman. Peter showed a lot of character to buy this club and spent a lot of money on it," Pulis said.

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"When he rang me I was at a decent club at Plymouth - they're a good club.

"But if Peter had the nerve to come back and take this club forward I couldn't say 'no'.

"Last time I was here I got criticised on a budget that was a bottom-three budget and there was no way I was going to come back unless he gave me a chance to compete.

"He said I would be able to compete and he has kept his word. Everything he said and promised he has been true to.

"This is a great day for this club and an opportunity for us to build and push on for next year."