Premier League - Jol signs two-year deal at Fulham

Premier League club Fulham have confirmed the appointment of Martin Jol as their new manager on a two-year contract, with the option for a further year.

Jol replaces Mark Hughes, who resigned from his position at Craven Cottage last week amid talk of a possible move to Aston Villa. However, Hughes was adamant his decision was not made in response to outside interest and he remains unemployed at present.

Fulham initially targeted Jol last summer following Roy Hodgson's move to Liverpool and even agreed personal terms with the Dutchman before he opted to stay at Ajax. The Cottagers subsequently appointed Hughes, while Jol lost his job in Amsterdam in December.

Now the former Tottenham manager has accepted a position under Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.

Jol told the club's official website: "I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club. It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base. I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he’s shown in me."

The Dutchman founded his reputation in England when twice leading Tottenham to fifth place in the Premier League between 2004 and 2007.

Originally recruited by Spurs as assistant to Jacques Santini in the summer of 2004, having also been courted by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he assumed control at White Hart Lane following the Frenchman's departure in November of that year.

A poor start to the 2006-07 season saw Jol sacked by Spurs, with the news emerging as he managed the side during a UEFA Cup tie against Getafe at the end of October.

He subsequently joined German club Hamburg in July 2008 and spent one season in the Bundesliga before being tempted home by Ajax.