Fulham have appointed former Blackburn and Inter Milan boss Roy Hodgson as their new manager. Hodgson, who had been linked with the Republic of Ireland vacancy, has signed what a club statement described as a "long-term contract" and will take over after tomorrow's match against Birmingham.

The caretaker management team of Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will remain in charge for the trip to St Andrews with the Londoners third from bottom of the Premier League.

Hodgson said: "I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity with Fulham. After long talks with the chairman and the board I am convinced that we can take the club to a new level.

"I am determined that we will overcome the current position, which I understand will be a challenge, but one that I will relish.

"I am very much looking forward to training with the team on Sunday, and will of course be at St Andrews tomorrow to watch the vital clash against Birmingham City."

Hodgson achieved fame in international football with Switzerland, whom he led to the finals of the 1994 World Cup and 1996 European Championships.

He recently took charge of Finland for their Euro 2008 qualification campaign and just missed out on securing a place at a major tournament for the first time in that country's history.

At club level, Hodgson took Inter to the UEFA Cup final in 1997.

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed said: "It is my vision to combine the best of the fantastic traditions of the English Premier League with the flair and innate professionalism of the continental game — which I hope will return Fulham to its tradition of playing attractive, passing football.

"I believe that Roy has immense experience in all areas of football and can drive this club forward for the long term.

"My commitment to this club has never dwindled, and I am more than ever determined that we have the right man to turn round our current predicament and build for a successful future."

Cottagers defender Chris Baird had expected former Fulham midfielder John Collins to take over, following his departure from Hibernian last week.

Baird told Sky Sports News: "I'm very surprised — we thought John Collins was going to be the next manager but we were kept in the dark."