Mike Phelan was finally appointed Hull City manager on a permanent basis yesterday after 83 days in charge as a caretaker.
Phelan took over from Steve Bruce, who resigned in July before the season began and was appointed manager of Championship side Aston Villa this week.
“It’s been a while in coming, but I’m happy with the position I am now in and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” the 54-year-old told the club’s website.
“It’s exciting to step over that threshold into management, and I’m looking forward to working with this group of players that has done so well so far.”
Under Phelan’s stewardship, Hull began the season with wins over defending champions Leicester City and Swansea, before being beaten at home by Man. United.
Hull picked up just one point from their next four league fixtures, which have included home defeats by Arsenal and Chelsea and a 5-1 drubbing away to Liverpool.
The club are currently 15th in the 20-team table and travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Promoted Hull began the season in the grip of a full blown crisis, with Bruce’s resignation adding to the upheaval caused by on-off takeover talks.