Guilty Verdict: Tony Pulis Wants One Of Man City’s Trophies Given To Stoke City

Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has called for one of Manchester City’s trophies from the period under investigation to be handed to Stoke City following the club’s guilty verdict.

Pulis said his view was influenced by Stoke’s defeat to Manchester City in the 2011 FA Cup final. City won the match 1-0, with Yaya Toure scoring the only goal.

The former Stoke boss recalled facing a Manchester City side filled with world-class players and managed by Roberto Mancini. He said the financial situation surrounding the club has now changed how he views that defeat.

He said: “Following the match, my disappointment stemmed from the reality that we had competed against a squad abundant with world-class talent and confronted an accomplished manager in Roberto Mancini, yet ultimately fell short.”

Pulis added that other clubs affected by Manchester City’s success between 2009 and 2018 may share his feelings. He said: “We were unsuccessful, but against a team that has been determined to have violated the Premier League’s established financial regulations.”

The former manager said he does not expect Manchester City to return the 2011 FA Cup or other trophies, but believes serious sanctions could follow. He added: “A points deduction and a massive fine feels far more likely. But I still feel cheated.”

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Pulis concluded: “Whatever happens next, we won’t ever get that day back and the chance to celebrate around Stoke-on-Trent with the cup and medals we so honestly fought for. After breaking the rules, Manchester City got to do that instead.” Manchester City are still awaiting their sanctions and have confirmed they will appeal.