Everyone breathe a collective sigh of relief. Following a tumultuous start to the season that makes Villa look organised, the Tigers finally have a manager.
Mike Phelan admits he is ‘excited’ to be finally announced as the permanent manager of Hull City, according to Sky Sports.
The appointment of the former Manchester United assistant was confirmed on Thursday afternoon after weeks of negotiations, meaning The Tigers finally have a full-time replacement for Steve Bruce (below), who departed during the summer due to a lack of investment from the club’s controversial owners, the Allam family.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce and Alex Bruce celebrate with the trophy after winning promotion back to the Premier League
Phelan initially appeared to be a temporary solution as Hull returned to the Premier League in turmoil, their squad depleted by departures and serious injuries.
However, the Allam’s were sufficiently impressed by Phelans’ ability to approach such instability with a positive outlook and hardy mentality, guiding a threadbare squad to impressive wins away at Swansea and at home to Champions Leicester at the start of the season.
Three successive defeats to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have stalled progress, but the 54-year-old admits he is enthused by the prospect of his first ever managerial role.
“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,” Phelan said, according to Sky Sports.
“It has taken time but things have to be done correctly with these matters. What is important now is that we move forward and help this squad of players be successful for this football club.
“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.
“The support I have received from everyone has been magnificent and I want that to continue because the challenges ahead are huge. The fans have been excellent through the last few months and the players have given me their full backing.”
Phelan recently admitted that he had grown frustrated with the slow progress of negotiations concerning his future, so the eventual resolution will come as a great relief to everyone concerned with the club after months of instability.
However, August’s Premier League Manager of the Month, may have to call upon all of his experience, and influential contacts, as he aims to maintain Hull’s place amongst English football’s elite.
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