Pulis Jr is new boss of family
ANTHONY PULIS is determined to follow in father Tony’s footsteps after taking his first managerial job at the age of just 33.
Pulis was named boss of US second division side St Louis FC last month, after two years in charge of the reserves at Orlando City.
The former Stoke midfielder set his sights on coaching in his 20s after seeing his dad’s career in the Premier League.
And, after being given the chance by MLS wannabes St Louis, Pulis hopes it’s the first step to fulfilling his ambitions.
He said: “I grew up around football, it’s all I ever really knew.”
Although Pulis senior is now out of work, he is always on hand as a sounding board.
“I’d be stupid if I didn’t tap into his knowledge. I speak to him virtually every day on the phone,” said Anthony.
“I can ask him for his opinion and I know I’ll get an honest answer and he’s experienced it first-hand. But I am my own man, with my own ways of how I like things to be done.
“But there’s no baseball cap and I don’t think there will be until I start losing my hair!
“My dream was to be a professional player and I was lucky enough to do that, but coaching was something I wanted to do.
“I want to work at the highest level possible, whether that’s in the MLS or back home.”
Pulis would make notes on training sessions during his playing days in the English lower leagues for Aldershot, Grimsby and Stockport.
He then started coaching the kids at Orlando – where he finished his playing career – before being given the reins of the B team.
“It’s been a good move for me to come over here and finish playing and go into coaching,” he added.
“I wouldn’t have had the opportunities at my age if I’d stayed in England.”