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Middlesbrough 2-0 Bolton Wanderers: Tony Pulis watches on as Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga fire his new side into promotion mix

No wonder Tony Pulis is so happy about taking over at Middlesbrough if all his afternoons on Teesside prove as straightforward as this.

Having been officially confirmed as Middlesbrough's new manager around three hours before kick-off, Pulis watched on from the Riverside stands as second-half goals from Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga fired his new employers back into the heart of the promotion mix.

Having won at Sheffield Wednesday in the game that preceded Garry Monk's surprise dismissal, Boro are enjoying a successful festive period despite their off-pitch upheaval.

Tony Pulis (left) watched on with a smile on his face as Middlesbrough beat Bolton Wanderers
Tony Pulis (left) watched on with a smile on his face as Middlesbrough beat Bolton Wanderers
Pulis, who was appointed Boro boss hours before kickoff, sat next to chairman Steve Gibson
Pulis, who was appointed Boro boss hours before kickoff, sat next to chairman Steve Gibson

Pulis will be hoping to build on the positive signs and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.