Tony Pulis on the realities of being a long-distance manager
Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis shares his perspective on balancing the pressures of football management with living away from his family.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: Ronnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Managing a football club is widely considered one of the most demanding roles in sports, often involving intense pressure from fans, media, and owners. For some managers, this complexity is heightened by the need to commute significant distances from their family homes to their training grounds.
Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis, who famously maintained his family residence on the south coast while working in Staffordshire, reflected on how he managed this lifestyle. He noted that the time spent on the road actually served as a valuable period for tactical reflection and preparation.
I actually felt that without having the family there, I spent more time thinking about and preparing for what I was doing. That way there's more space for you to do all those things you need to do as a manager. Tony Pulis
Pulis described using his long drives to review match footage, consult with his coaching staff, and analyze upcoming opponents. He argued that the solitude offered by the commute allowed for clearer thinking compared to the constant interruptions of an office environment at the club.
Despite the physical distance, Pulis emphasized that he never felt disconnected from his clubs. He remained committed to daily training sessions and building a cohesive team environment, believing that every manager must find the specific balance that enables them to succeed in their role.