TONY PULIS has called on some familiar faces after confirming his backroom team at Middlesbrough – including a former Real Madrid man.
The former West Brom manager, who joined Boro on Boxing Day as Garry Monk’s replacement, announced the first appointments to his staff today.
His long-term assistant Dave Kemp has linked-up once again with the Welshman as his No2.
And the duo are joined by ex-Baggies goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould at The Riverside.
A man more recognisable to Boro supporters will also be in the first-team dug-out after being promoted from his position as the club’s Under-18s assistant coach.
Teessider and old Boro captain Jonathan Woodgate stepped up to help the man who signed him for Stoke City in 2011 following Monk’s departure.
And Pulis has decided to keep the ex-England star on with the seniors as part of his trusted lieutenants.
Despite 37-year-old Woodgate’s appointment, the experienced boss has opted to go with his tried and trusted as he attempts to revitalise Middlesbrough’s promotion charge.
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Kemp was described as “priceless” by Pulis when the veteran coach announced his intention to retire from the game at the end of last season.
The duo have worked together at Portsmouth, Plymouth, Stoke, Crystal Palace and West Brom.
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Gould has left his position at The Hawthorns to work under Pulis again in the North East.
The 49-year-old former Scotland international played 150 times for Celtic during a distinguished career of over 400 senior matches.
He joined the Baggies as goalkeeping coach back in 2015 after a spell as manager in New Zealand.
Pulis has got off to a mixed start to life at Boro as he quickly tries to assess his underachieving squad.
His reign began with a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa but his men bounced back and came from behind to win 3-2 at Preston on New Year’s Day.
That result left them two points outside of the play-off places and eight off automatic promotion.
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This weekend his side welcome neighbours Sunderland to town for an FA Cup third round clash.
Meanwhile, one player has already left the club this transfer window.
Young goalkeeper Connor Ripley was recalled from his loan spell at Burton Albion after making just five appearances yesterday.
The 24-year-old ex-England youth stopper has joined League One’s bottom side Bury until the end of the season.
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