Born in Pill, Newport, Monmouthshire, Pulis made his debut as an 18-year-old in the 3rd Division for his local side Newport County against Plymouth Argyle in the 1982–83 season, laying on the final goal late in the game in a 4–2 win.
He then played in a Football League Group Cup match at Chester City, being injured late in the game.
He made several appearances that season for the Wales Youth team under manager Mike England.
He rejoined the reformed Newport club in January 1993, scoring four goals in 34 appearances.
[2] He is the brother of former player turned manager Tony Pulis and his nephew Anthony is a retired professional footballer who currently serves as an assistant coach for the Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF.