Who / What
Anthony Richard “Tony” Pulis is a Welsh former professional football manager and player. He is best known for his long career coaching clubs in the English Football League and for his brief stint as the manager of Sheffield Wednesday.
Background & History
Pulis was born on 16 January 1958 in Wales. He began his career as a footballer before turning to coaching, earning an FA coaching badge at 19 and a UEFA ‘A’ licence at 21—making him one of the youngest to hold those qualifications. His playing days included time in the lower tiers of English football, and his son, also named Anthony, followed in his footsteps as a professional footballer with Stoke City.
Why Notable
Pulis’s reputation stems from his sturdy, defensive style of play and his ability to steady clubs in crisis. He led Stoke City to the Premier League and guided Watford, Crystal Palace, and West Bromwich Albion, helping maintain Premier League status for several seasons. Known for his direct approach, he has been a go-to manager for teams needing resilience.
In the News
His most recent high-profile role was as manager of Sheffield Wednesday, where he was appointed after the club’s manager was dismissed. The appointment marked his continued relevance in English football, especially as clubs seek his experience in navigating promotion and survival battles.
