Tony Pulis has revealed that he has left Stoke City "proud" of the work that he carried out at the Britannia Stadium.

The 55-year-old left the Potters by mutual consent yesterday evening following seven years at the helm, the last five of which were spent in the Premier League.

The style in which his team has played has drawn criticism from some quarters, but Pulis has launched a staunch defence of his record.

"Within our five-year period in the Barclays Premier League we have featured in four major cup quarter-finals, an FA Cup semi-final and final. Further, we have encountered, progressed and reached the later stages of a major European cup competition, only to lose out to Spanish giants Valencia," he said in a statement.

"During this great run of success on the pitch the club has also been involved in the building and development of a training ground that now compares to any in the Barclays Premier League.

"Also, the Britannia Stadium has been revamped and now hosts and looks after virtually full houses of the club's great supporters every other week. Peter, his family and I have enjoyed every inch of the journey. he has been truly a fantastic man to work with. Although I am disappointed, I do understand what he means when he says the board feels a need to take the club in a different direction."

Mark Hughes is the current favourite with the bookmakers to replace Pulis.