by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has paid tribute to Stoke boss Tony Pulis ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at Priestfield.

Former Gills boss Pulis, pictured, brought Hessenthaler to the club in 1996 and managed him until his departure in 1999. The two go head-to-head this weekend and Hessenthaler has had plenty of praise for his opposite number in the build-up to the game.

"He is a good coach and meticulous in what he does," Hessenthaler said.

"His attention to detail is good, as is his organisation. You always knew what you were doing on the training ground and on the Saturday. He is a good coach and you learn off all managers.

“You only have to see what he is doing now to see what a good manager he is."

Pulis will be joined at his old stamping ground by fellow ex-Gills Adrian Pennock and Mark O'Connor.

“Ade (Pennock) has seen us a number of times this season and he knows what we are about and Tony would know what I am about," Hessenthaler added.

"We showed great work ethic on Monday against Aldershot and Tony has built his teams up like that and has done a fantastic job at Stoke to keep them in the Premier League year in, year out.“