Sports Betting: Middlesbrough Set For Promotion Under Strachan?

Sports betting firms offer new bets on Middlesbrough winning promotion with Gordon Strachan.

Bookmakers have opened up a number of new betting markets on Middlesbrough following Gordon Strachan's appointment as manager at the Riverside Stadium.

The 52-year-old former Celtic boss takes over from Gareth Southgate, who was sacked by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson last week.

Strachan arrives in the north-east with the club fourth in the Championship, three points behind leaders Newcastle United.

Sky Bet is offering 2/1 on the Scotsman winning promotion back to the Premier League with Middlesbrough this season, while he is 6/1 to guide his new club to the Championship title.

"With a chairman like Steve Gibson, Strachan should be given plenty of time to prove himself and settle in," commented Sky Bet's Tim Reynolds.

Strachan was in charge at Coventry City and Southampton before his appointment as Celtic manager in June 2005.

Middlesbrough drew 2-2 at Preston North End on Saturday (October 24th) and face struggling Plymouth Argyle at home next weekend.