Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of Tony Mowbray as the club's new manager.
Blues have been searching for a new boss ever since they made the decision to part ways with Wayne Rooney after only 13 games last week.
At a time when Birmingham drew 1-1 with Hull City in the FA Cup third round at the weekend, negotiations were already underway to bring Mowbray to St Andrew's.
The 60-year-old has been out of work since being sacked as Sunderland boss last month, just over six months after guiding the Black Cats to the Championship playoffs.
However, Mowbray, who is no stranger to the Midlands after his spells at West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, now has the opportunity to lead Birmingham having penned a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Speaking to the club's official website, Mowbray said: "I am excited to be joining Birmingham City at this time. I can't wait to get back on the training pitch and start working with this talented group of players.
"My focus is on building their confidence, delivering results, and giving Blues' fans a team they can be excited by and proud of.
"I know from personal experience how passionate Bluenoses are, home and away, and I'm looking forward to having their full support for the team starting on Saturday at home to Swansea City."
Chief executive officer Garry Cook added: "We are delighted to welcome Tony Mowbray to Birmingham City. Tony is a widely respected figure in the game and brings a wealth of Championship experience.
"He knows what it takes to be successful at this level. Tony has rightfully earned a reputation as a manager who delivers results, likes to play attractive football, and gives young players a chance.
"He is the right leader at the right time for our club and I know that our supporters will be right behind him and the team."
While Birmingham have ambitions of promotion to the Premier League, Mowbray arrives at a club that sit in 20th position in the Championship table, just six points above the relegation zone.
Darren Plant
