OFFICIAL: Pulis named Boro boss

The Teessiders had been without a boss since sacking Garry Monk following the 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, but Chairman Steve Gibson has wasted no time in naming his successor.

59-year-old Pulis will be in attendance for the Boxing Day clash with Bolton and brings a wealth of experience to the club, having managed over 1,000 games across spells at the likes of Stoke City, Crystal Palace and West Brom.

Upon appointing Pulis, Gibson said that he was delighted to have fought off competition from elsewhere to bring the Welshman to the club.

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

“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.”

Pulis, meanwhile was similarly excited, saying that the situation reminds his of when he took charge at Stoke.

“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," he explained.

“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 a short space of time, and I can assess everything.”

Middlesbrough Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Tony Pulis as manager

https://t.co/vFepPbvrKv #UTB pic.twitter.com/ZXyIbNBWFb

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) 26 December 2017