Ex-Russia head coach Slutsky confirmed as Hull City boss, becomes 1st Russian manager in England

Former Russian national team and CSKA Moscow head coach Leonid Slutsky has been confirmed as the new manager of EFL Championship club Hull City, becoming the first Russian to manage a team in a major English league.

Hull confirmed Slutsky's appointment on Friday, ending several days of speculation that the Russian would replace former manager Marco Silva, who departed after the club were relegated from the Premier League last season.

“I am delighted to become the Head Coach of Hull City and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of guiding the Club back to the Premier League," Slutsky said in a club statement.

“I already know that this is an important Club with a big and loyal fanbase, I’ve had a good feeling about it ever since meeting the Allam family [Hull City owners] and I can’t wait to get started next week.”

The 46-year-old has been in the UK since leaving his post as manager of CSKA Moscow in January and will arrive in Hull next week, subject to international clearance.

“I am delighted to welcome Leonid as our new Head Coach. After a thorough recruitment process, Leonid’s attention to detail, thoughts on playing style and his ambition made him the stand-out candidate," Hull vice-chairman Ehab Allam said.

“The Club has made plans for pre-season training and friendlies, with some exciting fixtures to be announced next week, and squad planning with Leonid is already underway. Leonid has enjoyed success at both club and international level and I am excited about his plans for guiding us back towards the Premier League.”

As well as taking intensive English lessons, Slutsky has been taking advice from Chelsea owner and compatriot Roman Abramovich, while seeking a move into English football.

It is believed that the billionaire businessman’s recommendation to the Hull City board was vital in sealing the appointment.

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Slutsky faces a tough ask to return Hull to the Premier League, after the club won just 9 of their 38 Premier League games last season to finish 18th overall, a record which sealed their drop to the Championship. 

During his time at CSKA Moscow, Slutsky guided the club to three Russian Premier League titles and to the quarter-final stage of the Champions League in 2010.

"Good luck to our ex-coach in his exciting new adventure," CSKA tweeted after his appointment was announced. 

Slutsky also managed the Russian national team between August 2015 and June 2016, ensuring qualification to Euro 2016 in France, but presiding over a disappointing tournament in which Russia went home after the group stage after claiming just one point.

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The Russian will reportedly have ample funds to spend at Hull, as the club will receive a £40 million parachute payment following their relegation from the Premier League.