FENTON, Mo. – Saint Louis FC announced on Monday night it had named Anthony Pulis as the club’s new Head Coach for the 2018 USL season.

“Throughout the extensive head coach candidacy process, Anthony’s name and experience was repeatedly brought up,” said Jeremy Alumbaugh, STLFC Vice President & General Manager. “Not only has he been successful over the past few years as a head coach, but just as important, is the quality of the person that will be joining us here at the club.”

Pulis joins Saint Louis FC after managing Orlando City B for the last two seasons, during which time he led the club to the USL Cup Playoffs in its inaugural season in 2016 and put the side in postseason contention until the final game of the regular season this past year. Pulis led OCB to a 19-23-20 record overall, and presided over a 12-game undefeated streak in the 2017 USL regular season that stood as the second-longest in the league this past year.

“I am delighted to be here at a fantastic club with a lot potential,” said Pulis. “St. Louis has a rich history and tradition in soccer and the support here is unbelievable.  After talking with Patrick [Barry] and Jeremy [Alumbaugh], I believe we share the same values and goals for the club.  I am excited to get started right away and build a team that the fans can be proud of and represents them well.”

Pulis will look to rebuild for the 2018 USL season after a disappointing season that saw STLFC finish 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 9-14-9 record. The new coach and club management will be meeting to discuss player personnel moves over the coming weeks.

“Fans can expect exciting soccer,” said Pulis. “I want my teams to play with energy and intensity.  I want my teams to pass the ball but do so with a purpose to get forward and score goals.  It starts with being defensively solid and transitioning well, but ultimately I guarantee 100 percent commitment from myself and the staff to make sure we are producing good results and pleasing performances for the supporters.”

Pulis previously played in the USL for Orlando City SC between 2012-2014, where he made 44 appearances and scored four goals and added four assists. As a member of the Lions, Pulis helped the side claim the 2013 USL Cup and a pair of USL Regular Season Championships in 2012 and 2014.

A native of Bristol, England, Pulis developed in the Portsmouth system before spending time with a number of domestic clubs including Stoke City, Southampton, and Stockport County.