Tony Pulis hails Stoke's progress

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has admitted that 2011 has been one of the most successful years in the history of the club.

The Potters reached the FA Cup final last season, as well as enjoying a solid finish in the Premier League.

The club have continued their success into this season, winning four of their last five league games and qualifying for the latter stages of the Europa League.

"This has been one of the most successful years in our history. We are eighth in the Premier League. We got to an FA Cup semi-final, which we won 5-0. We got to a final and ran Manchester City very close," Pulis told Sky Sports News.

"We got into Europe and qualified for the latter stages and it is out fourth year in the Premier League. It has been a remarkable turnaround for the football club and a great achievement by everybody."

Stoke, who lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday, will look to return to winning ways when they host Aston Villa on Monday evening.