Hughes takes charge of Fulham

Last season's UEFA Europa League runners-up Fulham FC have appointed Mark Hughes as their new manager on a two-year contract.

Premier League team Fulham suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat by Club Atlético de Madrid in the inaugural UEFA Europa League final in May and subsequently lost manager Roy Hodgson to Liverpool FC on 1 July. They have now filled that void with former Manchester United FC forward Hughes, who left the Manchester City FC helm in December. "I would like to welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham," said Mohamed Al-Fayed, chairman of the west London outfit. "I know he understands my vision for the club and believes in what we want to achieve."

The 46-year-old Hughes, who has also managed Wales and Blackburn Rovers FC, added: "I am joining on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the club's history, and that in itself brings with it the challenges of expectation and ambition. I am confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward in the right direction. I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that."