Former Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate has been named permanent manager of AFC Bournemouth.
Woodgate was handed the role on an initial caretaker basis but has been given the reins at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the season.
Bournemouth have won three, drawn one and lost one of Woodgate's five games in charge since replacing Jason Tindall and are sixth in the Championship table and in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who is currently manager at CF Montreal, had been linked with the role, but the Cherries have opted to hand Woodgate the job on a short-term deal.
“Jonathan’s professionalism and leadership has impressed the board of directors since taking on the role of caretaker manager in difficult circumstances," AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said.
“The team’s performances and results have improved under his stewardship, and even our defeat at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday was a display which deserved a better result.
“As we head into a crucial part of the season, stability and clarity is of paramount importance for everyone at the club.
“With that in mind, and having concluded an extensive search for a new manager, we believe Jonathan is the best candidate to lead the team for the final 15 games of the season.”
It is Woodgate's second crack at management after a disappointing stint as manager of hometown club Middlesbrough last term.
The 41-year-old, who has worked as a scout for Liverpool in the past, was originally appointed as a first team coach to replace Graeme Jones, after he was appointed as Newcastle's assistant manager last month.
Woodgate, of course, enjoyed a successful 18 months as a player with Newcastle between 2003 and 2004 and is still widely regarded as one of the club's greatest ever central defenders.
