UK Edition
Exclusive: Tony Pulis not ready to retire after Middlesbrough exit - 'There is plenty of petrol still left in the tank'
Tony Pulis has revealed he is already targeting a return to management, after his departure from Middlesbrough.
Pulis, 61, is determined to continue working in English football and insists there is "petrol left in the tank" following his decision to leave the Championship club.
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson met with Pulis on Wednesday in London to discuss the future, after the club narrowly missed out on the play-offs this season.
And Pulis has opted to end his 18-month spell at the Riverside Stadium, with first-team coach Jonathan Woodgate emerging as the early favourite to succeed him.
Pulis has managed over 1,000 games since taking his first job at Bournemouth in 1992 but said retirement could not be further from his mind.
“I’m still fit enough and young enough to get out there and keep working. There is plenty of petrol still left in the tank and I’m already looking forward to the next challenge,” he told Telegraph Sport.
“I’m looking forward to a break but I still feel I’ve got something to offer.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time up in Middlesbrough and the club now needs to get itself back in shape financially.
“I hope I’ve played a big part in that and hopefully soon the ship will be pointing in the right direction.
“Everything like pre-season is in order so the next man who comes in won’t be picking up the pieces.
“I had a great night out with Steve where we discussed the future – his wine selection is absolutely first class. He has been a friend and I think our friendship has got stronger.”
Pulis guided Boro to the play-offs last season and only missed out by one point this term, despite five wins in the last six games.
After succeeding Garry Monk in December 2017, he has raised over £40 million with the sales of Adama Traore, Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford after Gibson moved to lower costs.
Gibson said: "I'd like to thank Tony for his hard work and commitment over the past 18 months. He has been a joy to work with and a complete gentleman.
"Two years ago we invested heavily in the squad in terms of transfer fees and salaries in an attempt to regain our Premier League status. This happened before Tony's arrival.
"Over the past 18 months Tony has been proactive, not only in the ambition to win football matches and promotion to the Premier League, but also in addressing our financial position in order to comply and respect the Championship fair play criteria.
"He has ensured that the club is stable and strong for the future. He leaves us in excellent condition."