STOKE manager Tony Pulis will be the special guest when Potters legend Alan Hudson officially launches his book chronicling City's maiden season in the Premier League.

Although the book, The Good, The Bad And Those Incredible Fans, was available at the end of last year, Hudson was keen to get the Stoke boss along to its first major promotion.

So Pulis, who wrote the foreword to the book, will be at the China Garden pub, Festival Park, on Friday, from 1pm.

Hudson said: "It was an amazing first season for Stoke and the fans really helped to make a difference.

"So to have Tony attending will make the book launch a very special occasion."

Former Stoke favourite Denis Smith has also been invited along, while Hudson is also hopeful more former players will attend.

Fans who buy the book at the launch will be able to have it signed by both Hudson and Pulis.

Hudson said: "With Easter just around the corner, the book is an ideal gift."

The Good, The Bad And Those Incredible Fans is the fourth book the ex-England international has written, having previously released The Working Man's Ballet, Tinker And The Talisman, and The Waddington Years.

His latest offering is priced at £19.99.

JON OWEN