LONDON: English Premier League side Fulham on Thursday named former Wales and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes as their new manager to succeed Roy Hodgson.

Hughes, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea and has also coached Blackburn Rovers, has signed a two-year deal with the London club.

"I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation regarding the appointment of a new manager," said Hughes.

"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."

The Welshman will take charge for the friendly fixture against Werder Bremen on August 7. "I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that," added Hughes.

"I'm looking forward to working with the squad as soon as possible, and in making sure the on-pitch preparations are complete before the first competitive ball is kicked in August."

Hughes was contacted by Fulham, last year's Europa League runners-up, after the west London club were unable to lure Ajax coach Martin Jol to Craven Cottage.

With the new Premier League season starting in just over two weeks, Fulham officials had been desperate to find a replacement for Hodgson, who left earlier in pre-season to take over at Liverpool.

Hughes, 46, is likely to be given around 15 million pounds (18 million euros) to spend by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed and he will link up again with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, with whom he worked closely during his time at City.

The former Welsh international first went into management with the Wales national team and was close to guiding them to Euro 2004 but lost out in a play-off to Russia.

He then moved to Blackburn in 2004 and led Rovers to an FA Cup semi-final and UEFA Cup qualification.

Four years later he joined City but despite pushing the club into the top six, expectations had changed when the Abu Dhabi United Group took charge and he was dismissed midway through last season.