And the Potters boss believes the club are right to celebrate their achievements and should not just take their success for granted.

City's 1-0 victory at Fulham on Wednesday ensured they have become only the second team in the history of the Premier League - after Blackburn - to surpass their previous points total in their second season in the top flight.

With Sunday's huge clash at Manchester United still to come, 10th-placed Stoke are two points better off than the 45 they recorded in 2008/09 and are set for successive mid-table finishes.

But despite having performed so admirably in their first venture into England's top flight for over 20 years, Pulis is also warning they must keep their feet firmly on the ground.

Asked whether this season is a greater achievement, he said: "I think it is.

"It's been harder to manage this year than it was last year. It's been a tougher season for us because it was the second season.

"There's lots of things that are put in your way and lots of obstacles that you have to overcome.

"The highlight of the season, obviously, is getting the points tally needed to stay up.

"If Nottingham Forest were to get through the Championship play-offs then they will join Newcastle and West Brom, and then I think we will still be the club with the least amount of Premier League experience.

"So we mustn't get too far ahead of ourselves at this football club and we've got to realise and recognise where we are."

On registering 47 points, he added: "It's very, very pleasing.

"It's something we shouldn't get blase about, something we shouldn't really take for granted.

"It's a great achievement for me as manager of this football club, for the players and for the supporters who have been completely and totally behind us."

Stoke's success on the pitch has at times this season been overshadowed by events off it following reports of separate dressing room bust-ups between Pulis and James Beattie after the defeat at Arsenal in December and that of captain Abdoulaye Faye and Glenn Whelan following the club's 7-0 drubbing at Chelsea.

Recent matches have also seen strikers Dave Kitson and Tuncay show their displeasure at being substituted.

The hammering at Chelsea 12 days ago was arguably the lowest point in the club's season.

Pulis is rightfully keen to sing the praises of his side for the manner in which they have bounced back from that fateful afternoon at Stamford Bridge - drawing against Everton before Wednesday's triumph at Craven Cottage.

And he was also clear in his response to suggestions that their reply has highlighted a strong unity in dressing room.

"That's never been in question, irrespective of what people might say," Pulis replied.

"There's a great spirit in the dressing room, great togetherness and they're a very, very strong group of players. Good characters.

"That dressing room has been very solid for quite a few years now."