Fulham have tonight confirmed the appointment of Marco Silva as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

The former Everton boss has succeeded Scott Parker, who left the club to join Bournemouth on Monday. Silva will be assisted by the former Fulham winger Luis Boa Morte, who makes an emotional return to Craven Cottage after a seven year playing career with the Whites. The Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract having held successful talks with Fulham chairman Shahid Khan earlier this week.

Silva, 43, told Fulham’s official website: “I’m really pleased and proud to be appointed Head Coach of such a historic football club. I want to thank the owner, Mr Khan, Tony Khan and the entire football structure of Fulham Football Club, for the trust shown in us. I’m excited to get started and my message for our fans ahead of this big challenge is we will all be working very hard together to be successful so they can feel proud at the end of the season.”

Shahid Khan added in a statement: “I met Marco Silva in Portugal last week and was inspired. Marco’s body of work in football was evident, but listening to him break down in detail his experiences at each of his stops as a head coach was thoroughly impressive. Marco also came prepared, with a full understanding of the players we have and ideas on how we can move forward this season. I loved his energy and optimism, and I’m confident Marco Silva is the right choice to lead Fulham Football Club as our new head coach.”