I called Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when we won promotion to the Premier League… I’ll never forget what he said
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Sponsored by. MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion. Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.
![[Sir Alex Ferguson at a soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-25-league-phase-md1-935918548_504d18.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Welshman sought Fergie's advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium - then Britannia Stadium - into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition. Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.
![[Tony Pulis, Stoke City manager, shouting.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stoke-manager-tony-pulis-shouts-879112396.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013. Pulis said back in March: "When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up.
![[Tony Pulis, Stoke City manager, shouts instructions from the dugout.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tony-pulis-stoke-city-shouts-879112327.jpg?strip=all&w=916)
"He told me: 'Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go. "'If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right. "'The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long'.
![[Illustration of the highest-paid Premier League players' salaries.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RF-GRAPHIC-HIGHEST-PAID-PREM-STARS-17JAN.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play. SunSport exclusives. Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below!. Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more.
