NEW DELHI: Fabian Hurzeler has become the youngest full-time manager in the English Premier League.
Brighton confirmed their appointment of the 31-year-old as their new head coach on Saturday.
Hurzeler, who led St Pauli to win Germany's Bundesliga second division last season, has committed to a contract with the south coast team lasting until 2027.
The Texas-born manager will lead a Brighton squad featuring several players older than him, such as James Milner, 38, Danny Welbeck, 33, and Lewis Dunk, 32.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom highlighted Hurzeler's impressive record, explaining that his success at St Pauli made him a "standout candidate" to replace Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club last season.
Hurzeler's tenure will begin when he secures a work permit, aligning with Brighton's pre-season activities starting in July.
"From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Fabian was always a standout candidate and one who had caught our attention with his exceptional work at St Pauli over the past 18 months," said Bloom in a club statement.
"He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton and Hove Albion team to play and I'm confident it is one our supporters will appreciate and enjoy.
"Fabian also has an excellent coaching pedigree and has worked with the German federation at various age group levels. We are really excited to start working with Fabian to prepare for the upcoming season."
Hurzeler, who took his first coaching role in 2016, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be the new head coach of Brighton and Hove Albion.
He added: "The club has a unique history and bold vision for the future, so I am truly excited to be part of the project."
St Pauli sporting director Andreas Bornemann, while sad to see Hurzeler leave, said the club respected his "desire" to work in the Premier League.
"Fabian has done an excellent job both as assistant and head coach of St. Pauli," said Bornemann.
"We knew that he could also be of interest to other clubs. We would have liked to continue down this path with him...We wish Fabian all the best and plenty of success for the future."
Ryan Mason was the youngest coach to lead a Premier League team as Tottenham’s interim boss in 2021 at age 29. However, Hurzeler is now the youngest full-time manager in the league's history since its inception in 1992.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, who took over Brighton in September 2022, the team achieved its highest top-flight finish by placing sixth in the 2022/23 season.
De Zerbi also led Brighton to their first European competition, reaching the Europa League last 16 before losing to Roma 4-1 on aggregate.
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