by Luke Cawdell

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was thrilled by the reception he received before kick-off at Priestfield on Saturday.

Pulis, pictured, enjoyed four successful seasons with the Gills between 1995 and 1999 and, despite his reign ending on a sour note, the fans hadn’t forgotten what he achieved on the pitch.

He said: "It was a special moment to have four sides of the ground give me that reception and that will live with me for a long, long time.

"I’ve still got a lot of affection for the club and it’s fantastic that 12 years on, the supporters haven’t forgotten what was achieved."

Gills chairman Paul Scally, who sacked Pulis for gross misconduct and later fought a high-court battle with him, was less courteous.

In his programme notes, Mr Scally said: "Those (fans) who read the transcripts of the case we produced after the collapse of Mr Pulis’ case against the club, will appreciate the damage he could have caused to this club had he succeeded in his claims. In fact, had he done so, I doubt very much we would be in business today.

"While Mr Pulis may now be mounting some form of charm offensive with our loyal fans, his words won’t wash with me, just as they didn’t back in 2000, and I doubt they will wash with the majority of those who support and care for this fine club.

"I won’t forget what happened 11 years ago, nor what Mr Pulis could have done to this club, and I certainly won’t ever forgive him either."

Responding to the criticism after the match, Pulis said: "If he (Scally) wants to say stuff it’s a free world and he is entitled to his opinion."

Where does Tony Pulis rank in your list of Gillingham managers? Have your say in our comments section below.