FORMER Gillingham manager Tony Pulis has reached an out-of-court settlement with Portsmouth following his sacking in October, 2000.

Agreement was reached on the steps of the High Court in London just as proceedings were about to start.

Pulis had two and a half years of his contract remaining when he was ordered to take “gardening leave” in October, 2000. He was subsequently sacked.

Both parties agreed to abide by a confidentiality clause. The end of the case frees Pulis to return to management.