Martin Hinshelwood took over as Brighton and Hove Albion manager yesterday and admitted: "I have waited a long time for this."
Hinshelwood has agreed a two-year contract and will lead the Seagulls into their first Division One campaign for a decade.
He was formerly director of youth with the Seagulls and has been on the coaching staff of Crystal Palace and Portsmouth.
Hinshelwood will be assisted by Bob Booker, who was also number two to title-winning managers Micky Adams and Peter Taylor.
The appointment comes 26 days before the start of the league season and ends 11 weeks of suspense for fans who saw Taylor leave the club in the wake of the Division Two title triumph.
For Hinshelwood, who has been involved in coaching for 25 years, the wait to be top man has been even longer.
He said: "I will take this chance with both hands. I believe we have the squad to have a very good season."
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