Hull City appoint Nigel Pearson as new manager

The 46-year-old has signed a 12-month rolling contract after the Tigers agreed compensation with Leicester City of around 350,000.

Pearson's arrival is a major lift for Hull ahead of the squad returning to pre-season training tomorrow and brings to an end a near two-month search for a permanent successor to Phil Brown.

Leicester's success in following the League One title by reaching last season's Championship play-offs is understood to have impressed the Hull board, who had also sounded out Steve Cotterill, Paul Hart and Dave Jones.

Iain Dowie, who took charge of the final nine games of last season, was not considered.

Adam Pearson, said: "We are delighted to welcome a manager of Nigel's experience and calibre to the club.

"We feel it is a real coup for Hull City and that Nigel is the best man to mould the existing squad into a competitive Championship team.

"Nigel had two outstanding seasons at Leicester and I feel sure this experience and winning formula will ensure the very best chance of bringing success back to the club."

Pearson will be joined at the KC Stadium by Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh, the pair having played a key role in the success enjoyed by Leicester over the past two seasons.

The news of the former Sheffield Wednesday defender's switch has come as a massive blow to the Foxes.

Chairman Milan Mandaric said: "We were greatly surprised to receive the initial approach from Hull. The past few years have been a turbulent time for both me and the supporters at Leicester City. We have been striving to get a degree of continuity at the club.

"However, Nigel has done a fantastic job for us and it would have been wrong of us to deny him the opportunity to speak to another club if he wished.

"After speaking to him, we have reluctantly agreed that if he wished to pursue this opportunity at Hull, we would permit it."