Middlesbrough confirm Tony Pulis appointment

Middlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of former Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis as their new head coach.

The 59-year-old, whose career in the game spans 25 years, was sacked by the Baggies in November after a run of 10 Premier League games without a victory.

Pulis, who replaces Garry Monk, will watch Boro's Boxing Day home Championship game against Bolton Wanderers from the stands, with Craig Liddle taking caretaker charge.

"I wanted a challenge - a real challenge - and this reminds me so much of Stoke when I went there with Peter Coates," Pulis told reporters.

"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, who currently sit ninth in the Championship table, have not disclosed the length of Pulis's contract.