Former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins has returned to football.

Charlton Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Adkins as the club's new manager.

The former Hull City boss has signed a two-and-half-year contract with the Addicks and will take his first training session at the club on Thursday morning.

Adkins' appointment comes after Lee Bowyer quit the high-flying League One side on Monday to join Championship strugglers Birmingham.

Speaking of his appointment, Adkins said: "It's a really exciting opportunity for me – something that has happened very quickly. I'm really pleased to be here and am looking forward to meeting the players and getting started.

"I had a conversation with Thomas and he highlighted where he wants this club to go. It's an exciting and long-term vision. Getting to the Premier League is something that we all want and something that I have done before. I want to achieve that again.

"The team got a great result on Tuesday night and now we need to keep driving on together, because we have got a chance of winning promotion this season."