Bruce appointed Hull manager

Steve Bruce has been unveiled as the new Hull City manager following protracted negotiations with the club’s owners Assem and Ehab Allam.

The former Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City man has been without a job since his sacking from Sunderland in November 2011.

He was reportedly reluctant to take the reins at the KC Stadium amid fears of a lack of available transfer funds.

But the 51-year-old has accepted the opportunity to succeed Nick Barmby as manager, who was dismissed following public criticism of the owners’ transfer policies.

Former Hull City midfielder Bryan Hughes told the BBC: “I think it’s a fantastic appointment, I really do.

“He’s shown what his capabilities are as a manager and he’s done it at the top level as well as getting promotion from this division.

“When I played under him he just gave everyone a belief that they could do well and he’s great to work with.

“I think Hull have done really well to get him. It’s a real coup.”

Hull finished eighth in the Championship last season, seven points outside the playoff places.