Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is not ready to hang up his cap just yet after leaving Middlesbrough.

Pulis’s 18-month spell at the Riverside ended this morning after narrowly missing out on a place in the Championship play-offs. They had the best defensive record in the division – letting in only 41 goals, joint with Sheffield United – but only scored 49 – the lowest, other than Stoke, in the top 20.

Former Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate has been installed as early favourite to take his place but Pulis is keen to get back on the horse.

“I’m still fit enough and young enough to get out there and keep working,” he told the Telegraph.

“There is plenty of petrol still left in the tank and I’m already looking forward to the next challenge.

“I’m looking forward to a break but I still feel I’ve got something to offer.”

Pulis had spells at Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion after leaving Stoke in 2013 before he pitched up as Garry Monk's replacement in late 2017.

He sold key men Adama Traore, Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford as Middlesbrough reduced their budget in a second season outside the Premier League.

They looked good for a top six place for most of the campaign but paid the price for a six-game losing streak in March.

He said: “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.”

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