Leeds United have appointed Daniel Farke as their new boss as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Yorkshire club, who were relegated on the final day of last season, have turned to the German following his sacking as Borussia Moenchengladbach boss last month.
Farke, who managed Norwich between 2017 and 2021, secured the Championship title in both the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons, before he was sacked by the Canaries in November 2021.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the really warm welcome, I’m really grateful at this moment, to work for this amazing club," he said.
“I feel humble at this time, I know the responsibility to fulfil all the expectations and I want to repay the trust shown.
“The most important thing is to create a togetherness and unity within this club again and from today onwards, I will work on it with my staff and players, and I trust our supporters will be there when we need them. I can’t wait for the first game of the season.”
He started his managerial career with SV Lippstadt in Germany in 2009, and has also had spells in charge of Borussia Dortmund's second team and Russian side Krasnodar. His Borussia Moenchengladbach side finished 10th in the Bundesliga last season.
Leeds have returned to the Championship after three seasons in the Premier League, where veteran boss Sam Allardyce was unable to keep them up after being appointed for the final four games of last season.
Jesse Marsch, who succeeded promotion-winning boss Marcelo Bielsa in February last year, was sacked after just under a year in charge, while his replacement Javi Gracia lasted just 11 league games as the Whites tumbled toward relegation.
Leeds vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, who joined the club following the takeover by the San Francisco 49ers, said: “After a thorough recruitment process, we are excited to confirm Daniel’s appointment as our first team manager.
“His record in the Championship is clear, and I am impressed by his leadership and plan to guide us back to the Premier League.
“We welcome Daniel and his staff to the club and look forward to a strong season.”
Allardyce, 68, had spoken to Leeds about taking the job on a permanent basis, but was ultimately not considered for the role, and said: "At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to."
Leeds, who returned to pre-season training on Monday, have so far released eight players this summer, including goalkeeper Joel Robles, midfielder Adam Forshaw and Welsh international striker Tyler Roberts.
