Jon Beale has been hired as Hull City’s new permanent academy manager, the club has confirmed.

Beale has been in the role since November 2016, when a coaching reshuffle saw former academy head Tony Pennock work with the first-team.

Pennock later left the club in January as current head coach Marco Silva brought his own team of staff into the club, including assistant Joao Pedro Sousa, first team coach Goncalo Pedro and goalkeeping coach Hugo Oliveira.

The development side has won just three of their ten games under his management. They are currently second in the Professional Development League 2 North table, nine points behind Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-23s.

A number of the side’s players have been on the fringes of the senior squad, including highly-rated defender Josh Tymon.

Beale said that he is happy to be able to continue on in the role.

“I am extremely proud and delighted to have been given this opportunity,” he said.

“To be honest, it all seems a little bit surreal. When I first joined the club just short of three ago I never thought that I would be in this position.”

Beale also praised the effect that Pennock had on him during his time as his colleague.

“He has been a great mentor to me and I count myself as fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn my trade under his guidance for so many years.”