Brighton and Hove Albion have appointed Gus Poyet as the club’s new manager.
Poyet, 41, a former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, has accepted a contract which runs until the end of next season.
The former Uruguay international takes up his first manager’s job with the Argentine defender Mauricio Taricco, 36, as his assistant. Poyet has had spells as assistant manager at Leeds and Spurs.
Tony Bloom, Albion’s chairman, said: “Gus is one of the best up and coming young coaches in this country and we are delighted to give him his first opportunity in management.
“His credentials are exceptional and all of the reports we have had on his coaching ability are outstanding.
“I am certain he will be a big success with the Albion, and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both Gus and Mauricio to the club.”
The club issued a press release confirming Poyet’s appointment this morning and held a press conference at the Grand hotel this afternoon when he took questions from reporters.
Poyet, whose contract expires just as the Seagulls will be ready to land in their new stadium at Falmer, is quoted on the Albion website as saying: “I’m delighted to be here. I have been waiting for this opportunity since I left Tottenham, so I want to thank the chairman and everyone at the club for giving me this chance.
“After I left Spurs I made the decision to become a manager myself. I’d done alright being an assistant and knew it was important for my career, but it was time to step up and be manager.
“But I had to feel that the job is right for me. I think this is what happened here. I have a very good feeling about being here. I’m convinced we can do well.”
Poyet will take training for the first time on Thursday. His first match in charge will be the South Coast derby against Southampton on Sunday which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
