Welshman Hughes takes over the reigns following Roy Hodgson's departure for Liverpool, after he took the Cottagers on an incredible run to the Europa League Final.

Manchester City sacked Hughes in December, after he led the club to fourth place in the Premier League.

Hughes started his managerial career with a five-year stint with Wales - and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Euro 2004 finals.

He then enjoyed a successful reign at Blackburn, taking them to three domestic cup semi-finals.

A Man United favourite as a player, Hughes turned to the blue half of Manchester as he was appointed as City boss in the summer of 2008.

Splashing out on the likes of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Barry, Hughes' side got off to a blistering start to the 2009/10 season. but too many draws led them to falling out of the Champions League places prior to his surprise departure.

Fulham had a well-publicised attempt to prise Martin Jol away from Ajax rejected, with former Tottenham manager Jol seemingly keen to leave the Dutch side.

But Jol stayed in his contract at Ajax and Fulham owner Mohammed Al-Fayed turned to Hughes after a long-winded pursuit for a new man to take charge.