Middlesbrough have appointed Sam Ellis as their assistant manager, with the 71-year-old linking back up with Tony Pulis at the Riverside Stadium.

Confirmation has come on Middlesbrough’s official website that David Kemp, who has retired, will be replaced by Ellis, who will link back up with Pulis again having worked with Boro’s manager at Stoke City previously.

The pair first worked together back in 2006 at Stoke.

Ellis has also had spells with Manchester City, Burnley and Leeds United as an assistant, helping the latter reach the play-off final under Kevin Blackwell back in 2006.

The 71-year-old was in the dugout for Boro’s friendly with Spennymoor Town and will head out to Germany with Pulis’ squad.

He replaces Kemp at the Riverside Stadium, as Boro step up their preparations for the 2018/19 campaign.

Last year, Pulis and Kemp led Boro to fifth in the Championship table, but were unable to mastermind a play-off victory.

Boro came unstuck at the first hurdle in the play-offs, losing 1-0 on aggregate to Aston Villa in the semi-finals.

Pulis’ side begin their 2018/19 campaign with a clash Millwall on August 4^th.

The Verdict

Pulis having people on board that he trusts is vital for Boro.

This is a good appointment, with Ellis also bringing a wealth of experience with him.

He’s worked at some big clubs, and alongside Pulis, will be sure to have a big impact at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!