Last updated on .From the section Football

Jol is ready for a new challenge at Craven Cottage

Fulham have appointed Martin Jol as their new manager following the resignation of Mark Hughes last week.

The former Tottenham and Ajax boss joins the Premier League club on an initial two-year contract, with the option to extend it for a further year.

Jol said: "I am very happy to join Fulham. It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.

"I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust shown in me."

Hughes left his role at Craven Cottage on 2 June after less than a year in charge.

The former Wales manager had joined Fulham in July 2010 and had been in talks about a new contract prior to his resignation.

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed believes Jol can maintain the club's place in the top half of the Premier League.

He said: "He [Jol] understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we are striving to achieve here.

"I know that he will dedicate himself to helping us move forward, and is with us for the long term, to help us build and progress.

"We have enjoyed three incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue."

Jol moved to Spurs in 2004 as assistant to Jacques Santini but took over as head coach in November 2004 after Santini stood down.

Martin Jol facts Born 16 January 1956

Begins playing career at his hometown club ADO Den Haag in 1973

In 1991 starts coaching at ADO Den Haag amateur side.

Named 2001 Dutch Football Writers' coach of the year and 2002 Dutch players' and coaches' coach of the year.

Guides Hamburg to semi-finals of Uefa Cup in 2009

But despite finishing fifth in the Premier League in two consecutive seasons, he parted company with the White Hart Lane outfit in October 2007.

In May 2008 he was appointed coach of Hamburg but left a year later to join Ajax.

Last summer he was linked with Fulham after the departure of Roy Hodgson to Liverpool but opted to remain with Ajax.

He has been out of work since quitting the Dutch club last December.

As a manager, Jol has a reputation for encouraging passing, stylish football, and is committed to bringing young players through.

"He is a trainer who has shown that he gives talented young players a chance," said Ajax chief executive Rick van den Boog.

Jol's new team will play in the Europa League next season after the west London club qualified via Uefa's Fairplay table.