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Mike Phelan has signed a deal to become the permanent manager of Hull City after spending 83 days as caretaker boss. Phelan, who took over after the departure of former manager Steve Bruce in the summer, put pen to paper after talks reached a successful conclusion in recent days. The 53-year-old's first match as the club's new full-time manager will be at Bournemouth on Saturday. Phelan has steered the Tigers to seven points from their opening seven games of the season and guided them into the last 16 of the EFL Cup. Phelan said of the deal: "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. "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." Phelan will have to cope without Stephen Clemence, who has left his job as first-team coach to take up the same role at Aston Villa following Bruce's appointment as boss on Wednesday. Bruce said of Phelan: "He's an experienced man, I think he's handled the situation with aplomb, I have to say that. "I'm extremely grateful we took in Stephen Clemence, Mick was very instrumental and there was no problem in Stephen coming here. "So I wish him the best of luck, he's finally got the gig and I wish him all the best." Speaking before the international break, he said he was relaxed about the situation. Adding that he believed a deal was close, he said: "My future will take care of itself -- I'm not in a position of panic or worrying too much about it. "The talks I've had have been very, very good." The move comes just one day after Bruce found a new job as manager of Aston Villa.
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