Fulham Football Club has today confirmed the appointment of Mark Hughes as its new Manager on a two year contract. Hughes begins his work with the team immediately, following their return from pre-season tour, and will take charge in the dugout for the friendly fixture against Werder Bremen on August 7, and will be officially unveiled to the media at a press conference on Tuesday August 3.

Mark Hughes' managerial career began with his appointment as the Welsh national coach in 1999. He remained in charge for five years and came close to qualifying for Euro 2004. In their qualifying group Wales beat Italy, but were denied a place in the final tournament after losing to Russia in the playoffs.

Hughes resigned from the Welsh national side in September 2004 to take charge of Blackburn Rovers in the F.A Premier League, the club he finished his playing career with. His aim on appointment was to keep Blackburn clear of relegation which he succeeded in doing, whilst also taking the club to an F.A Cup semi-final for the first time in over 40 years.

In his second season, Blackburn finished in the top six of the Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Cup, beating teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal during the campaign. After just missing out on the League Cup final, his team sealed their spot in Europe by defeating champions Chelsea 1-0. During the 2006-07 season Rovers finished 10th and reached the FA Cup semi-final for the second time under Hughes' tenure, but were defeated by Chelsea 2-1.

In June 2008, Hughes left Blackburn Rovers and was appointed as manager of Manchester City, and finished 10th in his first season with the club, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. During this period City's home form was among the best in the league. He remained with Manchester City until December 2009, losing only two league games that season, prior to his departure.

The Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed, said:

'I would like to welcome Mark Hughes to Fulham. I know that he understands my vision for the Club, and believes in what we want achieve.

'We have enjoyed two incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue. I am confident that with his Premier League and National Team successes, Mark will be a great guy for the job.'

Mark Hughes commented:

'I am happy to have joined Fulham following much speculation regarding the appointment of a new Manager. I have discussed my aspirations with both the Chairman and Alistair Mackintosh and believe that we are aligned in our aims for what can realistically be achieved here.

'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. 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.'