Brighton & Hove Albion appoint former Liverpool star Sami Hyypia as their new manager

Hyypia during his time at Bayer Leverkusen

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has made a return to management and has been confirmed as the new manager of Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Fin previously managed Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen for two years before he was sacked after a string of poor results.

The 40-year-old will replace Oscar Garcia who stepped down from his role after failing to guide Brighton to the Premier League.

Hyypia spoke to the clubs official website saying: "I am absolutely thrilled by this appointment; Brighton & Hove Albion are an ambitious club and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity.

"I've held extensive talks with the chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber. I have looked at the club from top to bottom and I am very impressed by what I've seen at all levels.

"I've seen the Amex Stadium and the club's new training ground and they are amongst the best I've seen anywhere in the world.

"The chairman is ambitious and for me that is absolutely key. I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead and our aim is to take the club forward to the next level."

Hyypia spent ten brilliant years at Liverpool where he won as many trophies including the Champions League in 2005.