Tony Pulis back in a job just five weeks after West Brom exit as former Stoke boss replaces sacked Garry Monk at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough

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Middlesbrough have appointed Tony Pulis as their new manager with the ex-Stoke boss replacing Garry Monk at the helm.

Pulis joins Middlesbrough just five weeks after being sacked by West Brom and with the Teesiders just three points off the Championship play-off spots. 

The 59-year-old will watch from the stands as Middlesbrough host Bolton on Boxing Day, with caretaker boss Craig Liddle set to take charge. 

Tony Pulis has taken over as Middlesbrough manager following the departure of Garry Monk

Monk was sacked by Middlesbrough despite the 2-1 comeback victory at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, a match which also saw the Owls part ways with their manager Carlos Carvalhal. 

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said he was 'delighted' with the appointment after beating out 'strong interest' from two other clubs to get their man. 

'We're delighted to appoint Tony as our new manager,' Gibson told Middlesbrough's official website. '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.

Monk was sacked by Middlesbrough after Saturday's 2-1 win away at Sheffield Wednesday

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said two other clubs had a strong interest in Pulis

'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 described the Middlesbrough job as a 'real challenge' and said Gibson reminded him of Stoke chairman Peter Coates. 

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

Pulis is back in management just five weeks after being sacked by West Brom on November 20

Craig Liddle will take charge of Middlesbrough's home match against Bolton on Boxing Day

Pulis was sacked by West Brom amid pressure from supporters, who were critical of the style of football the Baggies were playing under the Welshman.

Alan Pardew replaced Pulis but so far has been unable to turn around their fortunes with two draws and three defeats from his five games in charge.  

Middlesbrough sacked Aitor Karanka last season midway through getting relegated from the Premier League and appointed Monk as his permanent replacement in June, following Steve Agnew's caretaker spell in charge.  

Monk was dismissed following 10 wins, five draws and eight losses from his 23 league matches in charge at the Riverside.