Mike Phelan confirmed as permanent Hull City head coach

Mike Phelan watches on during the Premier League game between Hull City and Chelsea on October 1, 2016
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Mike Phelan is confirmed as Hull City manager on a permanent deal, almost three months after he was put in caretaker charge.

Hull City have announced that Mike Phelan has become the club's head coach on a permanent basis.

The 54-year-old took over as caretaker boss in July following the departure of Steve Bruce, who is now in charge of Aston Villa.

Phelan - a former Manchester United assistant boss to Sir Alex Ferguson - became a frontrunner for the permanent position after a strong start to the Premier League season.

The Tigers claimed back-to-back wins in the first two weeks of the campaign, with victories over defending league champions Leicester City and Swansea City.

The team have recorded four defeats and one draw since then, and in that time there was growing uncertainty over Phelan's position as contract talks were drawn out.

However, it has now been confirmed by the club that Phelan will take the team forward on a permanent basis.

"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 told the club's official website.

"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. I'm looking forward to what is to come now so roll on the next few games."

Hull are currently 15th in the league table.

Mike Phelan watches on during the Premier League game between Hull City and Chelsea on October 1, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City86111981119
2Arsenal86111991019
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs8530134918
4Liverpool85211810817
5Chelsea8512159616
6Everton8431126615
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd8422138514
8Southampton8332107312
9Crystal Palace8323119211
10Watford83231313011
11Bournemouth83231212011
12West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom824298110
13Leicester CityLeicester8224814-68
14Burnley8215612-67
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham8215917-87
16Hull City8215820-127
17Middlesbrough8134711-46
18Stoke CityStoke8134716-96
19Swansea CitySwansea8116815-74
20Sunderland8026615-92