TONY PULIS will attempt to outfox one of his best friends in football this afternoon – but whatever happens when Middlesbrough line up at Loftus Road, QPR boss Ian Holloway will remain on his Christmas card list.

Pulis is six years older than his touchline rival this afternoon, having celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this week, but the pair’s relationship goes back to the days when Holloway was a fresh-faced teenager taking his first steps in Bristol Rovers’ academy.

Pulis had just forced his way into Rovers’ first team, and the duo quickly struck up a friendship that has endured the various trials and tribulations they have encountered, first as players and then as managers.

Their families have grown close – Holloway is the godfather of Pulis’ son, Anthony, and used to carry out babysitting duties before he was sacked for keeping his godson up too late – and whatever happens on the pitch this afternoon, they will share a glass of wine and some anecdotes in the manager’s office after the final whistle blows.

“We’ll be competitive against each other, and then have a glass of wine afterwards, which is the way it should be,” said Pulis, whose relationship with Holloway probably suffered its biggest test on the final day of the 2007-08 season when a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium saw Pulis’ Stoke promoted to the Premier League while Holloway’s Leicester were relegated to League One.

“I first met him at Bristol Rovers when he was a little 13 or 14-year-old. His mum and dad are lovely people. His mum is still alive, and we still send Christmas cards. She’ll send Debs (his wife) one as well.

“We’ve got great respect for his family. He’s a good family man. He’s scatty, and he can be off-the-wall at times, but that’s part of his charm and we’re all different. He’s a good man.”

Holloway has developed a reputation as something of an eccentric over the years, with his press conferences often disappearing off on a tangent thanks to a barrage of random thoughts and unexpected comments.

His broad West Country drawl has become an integral part of his identity, but can often obscure a razor-sharp footballing mind that has enabled him to enjoy considerable success during a managerial career that has seen him operate in the top-flight with Blackpool and Crystal Palace.

He re-joined QPR in November 2016, having first managed at Loftus Road between 2001-06, and has guided the London club to the safety of mid-table after a shaky start to the current campaign.

“Ian can’t get inside his own mind, never mind anyone outside of him,” joked Pulis. “He is and has always been a very enthusiastic person. Even as a young kid, he had that desire and determination to succeed.

“He’s had a fabulous playing career, and the same as a manager. He’s played in the top-flight, he’s managed in the top-flight, and for a lad from Bristol, he’s done ever so well for himself.”