Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits he's leaned on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice since their Premiership promotion.

Pulis told the People: "From the day we got promoted I rang Alex up and asked for his opinion on the division. From that point on he's been very helpful and I get on with him very well. For some reason he seems to like me!" he says.

"His is a remarkable story at Old Trafford. He's been the one that's set the benchmark for every other manager in this country and let's be perfectly honest, I don't think people will really appreciate what he's done for Manchester United until he leaves.

"After last season's game at Stoke when United won with a late goal I couldn't get Fergie out of my office. It was a Boxing Day game, I opened a couple of bottles of red wine and we had a bit of food. Just being in his company is an education."

Although their managerial paths are poles apart, Ferguson recognises similar traits in Pulis that drive both men. They are both hungry for success - and they'll graft as hard as it takes to get it.

Pulis said: "Alex is in his 60s and still goes to reserves games. Arsene Wenger was at Barnet too, and that says everything about them. Like them, football is my life and I enjoy it. I just love football whether I'm watching Premier League or lower down. It's in my blood.

"I did it when I was a young manager at Bournemouth. I took over from Harry Redknapp and one of his greatest strengths was that he knew every player in the Football League.

"That's what you need to be successful. If you know where the good players are and you can prise them away you have a bigger chance of being successful. It's something that's always stuck with me."