Chris Coleman today became the Premiership's youngest manager when he was rewarded for saving Fulham from relegation by being appointed full-time boss on a one-year rolling contract.
The former player, who turns 33 next month, is one of the least experienced top-flight chiefs in history and beat Klaus Toppmoller and George Burley in the race to succeed Jean Tigana.
Coleman had been in temporary charge of the team since Tigana's departure on April 17th.
"I am absolutely delighted," Coleman told a news conference today. "I have to pinch myself the fact that I've been asked to take charge of a premiership club when I'm not quite 33 yet.
"Who is to say if we bought an experienced guy in he was going to last a long time? Fulham have backed me and showed a lot of faith. I am determined to repay that faith with results on the pitch."
The former Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace defender's playing career at Fulham ended prematurely after he suffered serious leg injuries in a car crash in January 2001.
"When I took on the role as caretaker manager I said that it was too early for me to consider management, especially at this level," he said. "However, after the first few games I realised that it was not going to be easy to give up this position as I had relished every minute of it."
Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed said: "I know that Chris does not necessarily have the managerial experience of other candidates, but I believe that what he lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in his commitment and passion for the game and for this football club.
Coleman said his aim would be to ensure Fulham, who finished 14th in the 20-team premier league, improved on that position next season.