Chris Hughton is the new manager of Brighton after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal to replace Sami Hyypia.
The Championship strugglers announced the appointment on Twitter on Wednesday morning.
#BHAFC have appointed Chris Hughton as first-team manager on a three-and-a-half-year contract. pic.twitter.com/8WinLqQXpv
- BHAFC (@OfficialBHAFC) December 31, 2014
The 56-year-old had been out of work since being relieved of his duties by Norwich in April with the club 17th in the Premier League.
Hughton has Championship experience, having led Newcastle to the title in 2009-10 and Birmingham to the playoffs two seasons later.
He takes over a Brighton outfit struggling at the wrong end of the table, although four points from two games under caretaker boss Nathan Jones means he begins his reign with the club outside of the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.
Hughton's first game in charge will be Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Brentford at Griffin Park, where he ended his playing career.
After eight months away from management, Hughton is relishing the opportunity to be back in work.
Brighton, beaten in the playoff semifinals last season, have struggled this time round and go into the new year teetering on the brink of the relegation places.
But the former Tottenham, West Ham, Brentford and Republic of Ireland full-back does not think relegation will be an issue come May.
''I'm thrilled to be back in management and Brighton & Hove Albion is a fantastic club, with a first-class infrastructure both in footballing and business terms," Hughton told the club's official website.
"We've got one very obvious initial challenge, and I am aiming to hit the ground running, but I am confident with the resources at the club we can succeed in retaining our status in the Championship.
"Once that is achieved we can work towards getting the club back challenging at the top end of the division."