Stoke City have announced that they have appointed Paul Lambert as the club's new boss on a deal until 2020.
Over the weekend, the Premier League side were dealt a double blow as first-choice target Quique Flores decided to remain at Espanyol, before Martin O'Neill opted to stay with the Republic of Ireland.
The setbacks appeared to leave Stoke in limbo and needing to continue a frantic search to replace Mark Hughes, but the Potters have acted to bring in Lambert on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Reports had initially suggested that an extended deal would only be given if Stoke remain in the top flight, but the Staffordshire-based outfit have instead shown a commitment to the Scot.
Lambert had been out of work since the summer when he was replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the 48-year-old has previously managed in the Premier League with Norwich City and Aston Villa.
Stoke play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, but Lambert will watch the game from the stands.
Darren Plant
