The first but new face to arrive at the Britannia is in the shape of 25-year-old and highly rated goalkeeper Simonsen. It is reported that he turned down a move to Leeds in favour of joining the Potters and this comes as good news as the clubs ambition is once again being questioned amongst supporters.
Simonsen has represented England at youth level and commanded a £3.3 million transfer fee when he made the move from Tranmere to Everton. He is still very much seen as a Premier League goalkepper by the Potters and he will fight for the number one jersey along with Ed De Goey.
Pulis had been desperate to secure the services of one of three 'keepers; the other two candidates being crowd favourite Mark Crossley and Milwall's Tony Warner. Many people were holding out for Crossley but see Simonsen as the next best option and there is also the bonus of him being 8 years Crossley's junior.
Dave Brammer is the next new face to arrive, making the short journey from South Cheshire rivals Crewe. He too has signed a two year deal and completes an unlikely hat-trick of playing for all three 'local' clubs. Brammer has often been plagued with injury in the past but is undoubtedly blessed with bags of ability and could be the man that many felt were we missing alongside John Eustace last season.
The midfield was a definate weaker point of the side last term but Brammer is a ball winner with a good array of passing who is likely to feature heavily in the side. It also represents a small victory over Crewe after he turned down their offer of an extended deal in favour of joining up with the Potters.
Fans will be hoping these are not the last of new faces as Pulis remains hot on the trail of highly rated Bristol City winger Aaron Brown. He faces stiff competition from fellow Championship clubs QPR and Preston but Pulis is confident he can persuade the 24 year old to join the Potters in their push for the play-offs.
There are also two Dutch trialists at the club who fans can see in action in Sundays friendly at Newcastle Town.
Finally, Pulis is still waiting to tie up a new deal with defender Gerry Taggart although the big Ulsterman has reported for pre-season training and City are confident of he will sign a new deal.