Tony Pulis named new Middlesbrough manager after leaving West Brom
Former Stoke manager was not out of work very long after being snapped up by Championship Boro
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MIDDLESBROUGH have named Tony Pulis their new manager after sacking Garry Monk.
The Welshman was linked with the Swansea job after leaving struggling West Brom but he is dropping down into the Championship to chase promotion with Boro.
Middlesbrough currently sit 19 points behind leaders Wolves and 12 points adrift of second-placed Cardiff.
Academy manager Craig Liddle has prepared the players for this afternoon's game with Bolton with Pulis in the stands.
The 59-year-old was axed at the Hawthorns after the Baggies' 10-game winless run.
Pulis said: “I wanted a challenge - a real challenge - and this reminds me so much of Stoke when I went there with Peter Coates (Stoke chairman).
"Steve Gibson (Boro chairman) 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.
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“I wanted to come at this time because we have so many games in a short space of time, and I can assess everything.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson said: “We’re delighted to appoint Tony as our new manager.
"His experience and knowledge speaks for itself and he has a tremendous track record.
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"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 Teeside club axed Monk two days before Christmas after their promotion charge stuttered.
The club had beaten Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the day but dropped the guillotine to two victories in their last three outings.
Defeat to Millwall the previous weekend was damaging and the knowledge Pulis was available and keen sealed the ex-Swansea man’s fate.
Boro said: "Middlesbrough Football Club have parted company with manager Garry Monk.
"The club would like to thank Garry for all his hard work and dedication, and wish him all the best for the future”.