Stoke City owner Peter Coates has said that his relationship with ex-manager Tony Pulis is still "good", on the eve of the Potters' clash against West Bromwich Albion next weekend.

Pulis led Stoke back to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years in 2008, and took them to an FA Cup final in 2011.

However, he left the club by mutual consent in May 2013 after seven years in charge and joined West Brom two months ago.

Coates told The Sentinel: "It will be a tough game because Tony's connections add a bit of interest. But we have got nothing but a good relationship, I must say. We appreciate the seven years we had with him as manager in his second spell at the club.

"It was good for Tony and it was very good for us. We only have the best of memories when it comes to Tony and his time with us."

Pulis also managed the club between 2002 and 2005.