Confirmed: Tony Pulis appointed as the new Middlesbrough manager

Tony Pulis has been appointed as the new manager of Middlesbrough, the Championship club have announced.

The club parted company with former boss Garry Monk on Saturday after a 2-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday left them ninth in the table.

New gaffer Pulis had been out of work since November when he left Premier League strugglers West Brom, but the Teesside club have now announced he has joined their staff.

The 59-year-old will watch the Boxing Day game against Bolton at the Riverside Stadium from the stands, with academy manager Craig Liddle taking charge of the team.

"We're delighted to appoint Tony as our new manager. His experience and knowledge speaks for itself and he has a tremendous track record," said Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson in a statement on the club's official website.

"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."