Pulis was the subject of unrest from some fans towards the end of the season as Stoke flirted with relegation, but he stated on several occasions that Premier League survival remained the club's main objective.He consolidated Stoke's Premier League status in the years to follow and guided the club to their first FA Cup final - where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City. The defeat still offered a route into the Europa League, where Stoke were beaten in the last 32 by Spanish side Valencia.A 13th-placed finish this season was one higher than the previous campaign, but Stoke were unable to build on a strong start which left them just three points off the top four in early December.The 55-year-old was appointed Potters boss for a second time in 2006, and two years later he guided the club to the top flight after a 23-year absence.Pulis becomes the 56th manager to leave his role since the start of the 2012-13 season.Pulis's future has been in doubt for some time and he has been told the club feel the time is right to part ways after seven years in charge.The former Bristol City and Bournemouth manager first took over at Stoke in 2002 and stayed for three years before a season at Plymouth. He returned to the Potteries in 2006 and gained promotion to the Premier League in the second season of his second spell in charge.
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