Stoke City boss Tony Pulis would welcome Gary Megson onto his staff following his sacking by Bolton Wanderers.

Megson worked unpaid for Pulis a few years ago while he was looking for work and the Stoke boss would be happy to make the same offer again.

Pulis, preparing his side for Saturday's FA Cup third-round home clash with York, took time out today to praise Megson and offer his helping hand.

Pulis said: "Gary is well respected in the game, a good football man. He worked for me here for three months without pay, and did everything I asked him to do.

"Gary was here every day and he was exceptional in everything he did.

"He will get back into the game. I've known him since he was 15, I played under his father, and he is one of those people you would want on your side.

"If he wants to get his boots back on in time and do some work for me, he would be very welcome."

He added: "I will try to get hold of Gary to ask him to get involved, when he is ready there is a place for him here. There's always a place for him.

"We have a soft spot for him, he was manager here and worked for me when he needed to.

"He may want to get some sun on his head now, but when he wants to put his boots on he can do that here."