Tony Pulis appointed Middlesbrough manager

Pulis, 59, takes over from Garry Monk who was sacked a couple of days ago, reportedly for the team's playing style and because the club felt they could get Pulis.

The former Stoke and West Brom manager in now in charge although he will watch the Boxing Day game against Bolton Wanderers from the stands.

Pulis was fired by West Brom in November following a poor start to the season that saw them sit just one point above the relegation zone at the time of his departure, Alan Pardew has since taken over.

Boro are currently ninth in the Championship table, three points outside the play-offs, and Pulis' immediate target will be to ensure they get promoted.

“We’re delighted to appoint Tony as our new manager. His experience and knowledge speaks for itself and he has a tremendous track record.

“We’re excited by this appointment and by what Tony can bring to this football club. There was strong interest from two other clubs, and we’re delighted Tony has decided to join us.

“There’s no disguising that 2017 has not been a happy year for any of us, but we’ve refocused and we’re looking forward to the future.”

The club’s new manager said: “I wanted a challenge - a real challenge - and this reminds me so much of Stoke when I went there with Peter Coates. Steve Gibson is a football man who understands the game. I have great respect for him as a person and an owner.

“I really am looking forward to this. The immediate challenge is finding out about the football club and as a team we have to get as many points as can, as quickly as we can.

“I wanted to come at this time because we have so many games in