TONY PULIS today turned the other cheek and declined a war of words with old adversary Paul Scally ahead of Saturday's match at Stoke.

The former Gillingham manager, subjected to a broadside in the Gills chairman's programme notes when he returned to Priestfield on November 30, will not fan the flames of their dispute.

Pulis was also denied access to parts of Priestfield, including the press room.

The bad feeling between the two comes from Pulis's acrimonious departure from Priestfield in June, 1999 and the subsequent High Court case.

But there will be no tit-for-tat retribution at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday and Pulis promised to welcome his former chairman, if only in his programme notes.

He said: “What I've had to say to Paul Scally I've said to his face.

“I will welcome him to the club in my programme notes along with Andy Hessenthaler, Wayne Jones, Richard Hill, the players and supporters of Gillingham Football Club.

“There is no question of Paul Scally, or indeed anyone at Gillingham, being denied access to parts of the Britannia Stadium because the four years I spent at Priestfield will always be very special for me and my family and I have the greatest respect for the club's supporters.

“I believe I played my part in what happened on the pitch and should be judged on that basis. As I believe Paul Scally, who has always had total control of all the monies that come into the club, should be judged on how the club has fared financially over an unprecedented decade of success on and off the pitch.”

He added: “Although two other managers have taken the reins since, eight players who made their debuts under my management could be involved against Stoke on Saturday.

“I'm delighted that Andy Hessenthaler is making such a big success of playing and managing. There was no doubt in my mind that he has all the attributes to do well and make a big name for himself in management.”

Both teams will be minus key midfielders on Saturday. Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has not recovered from a hamstring strain while Stoke will be without James O'Connor.

Barry Ashby returns to buttress the defence after a five-match absence while Nicky Southall and Rod Wallace have reported fit after recovering from injury.

Vince Bartram continues in goal as first choice Jason Brown has not recovered from a collar bone injury.