Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City announced today the signing of English League player Anthony Pulis, pending USSF approval. Pulis has played with several Premier League and Championship sides including Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Southampton as well as appearances for the Wales Under-21 National Team.
“Anthony has a very good pedigree,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s played for good clubs - Stoke City, Portsmouth, Southampton. He’s a very combative-type player, much like James O’Connor, and helps fill a big hole in our midfield with the loss of Lawrence [Olum]. He’s another piece of the puzzle, and we’re very pleased to have him here.”
Pulis is a central midfielder who brings experience and strong technical ability to the Orlando City lineup. He will help fill the gap left by departing midfielder Lawrence Olum, who signed with Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City in the offseason.
Pulis began his career with Portsmouth as a youth player while his father, current Stoke City manager Tony Pulis, was the manager. He turned pro in 2003. After a year-and-a-half with Pompey, he joined Stoke City. He spent four years at Stoke before moving on to Championship side Southampton in 2008.
For the beginning of the 2011 season, Pulis moved to Aldershot Town. With the Winter transfer window approaching, Pulis received several offers, including one from the Scottish Premier League, Scotland’s top division. Pulis turned down the offers for a chance with Orlando City.