Middlesbrough have moved quickly to replace Garry Monk, with Tony Pulis appointed as the club’s new manager on Boxing Day.
The club parted company with Monk following victory over Sheffield Wednesday three days earlier, with Pulis arriving at the Riverside little more than a month after being relieved of his duties as West Bromwich Albion boss.
The Welshman brings a wealth of managerial experience to the north east, having taken charge of over 1000 games during his career as a boss.
In a statement on the club’s website, Pulis said: “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.”