Gus Poyet has been confirmed as Brighton & Hove Albion's new manager.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has agreed a contract until the end of next season. Mauricio Taricco, Poyet’s former team-mate at White Hart Lane, will become the club’s assistant manager.

"Gus is one of the best up and coming young coaches in this country and we are delighted to give him his first opportunity in management,” Tony Bloom, the Bridghton chairman, said. "His credentials are exceptional and all of the reports we have had on his coaching ability are outstanding.

"I am certain he will be a big success with the Albion."

The 41-year-old Uruguayan enjoyed an illustrious playing career, moving to Europe in 1990 to join Real Zaragoza. He joined Chelsea in 1997 on a Bosman free transfer, making 145 appearances at Stamford Bridge, before moving to White Hart Lane in 2001 for a fee in the region of £2 million.

Poyet’s coaching career has included spells at Swindon Town and Leeds United, as assistant to Dennis Wise, before returning to Tottenham as Juande Ramos’s assistant manager. With Ramos, Poyet helped guide Spurs to Carling Cup success in 2008, before leaving the London club last October.

He will celebrate his 42nd birthday taking charge of Brighton for the first time on Sunday at Southampton.