Southampton executive director of football Les Reed has revealed his delight that Claude Puel has agreed to become the club's new manager on a three-year contract.

Puel, who has replaced Ronald Koeman at St Mary's, has joined the Premier League club after spending four years with French outfit Nice.

Puel will be joined at Southampton by former Aston Villa interim boss Eric Black, who has been appointed assistant manager.

"Claude has a fantastic platform to work from and is aware that our ambition is to repeat and improve on our performances in the Premier League over the past three seasons," Reed told the club's official website.

"Claude has a track record of improving the situations he has been presented with and we are confident he can repeat this at Southampton.

"His Champions League and European experience will be valuable in our Europa League challenge this coming season and with the support of our excellent staff at the club I am sure he will do well. We are once again excited about what the new season will bring, and we will continue to chase records as we have done in recent years."

Puel, who represented AS Monaco as a player, guided Lyon to their first ever Champions League semi-final in 2010.