Sheffield Wednesday have named Steve Bruce as their new manager from February 1, with his coaching assistants Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence taking temporary charge.
Bruce promised to spend Christmas and New Year with family after a traumatic year when he lost both his mum and dad, and will take up the role after a pre-planned holiday.
The vastly-experienced Bruce had been Wednesday's top target to succeed Jos Luhukay following the Dutchman's sacking last month after just under a year in charge at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday were aware of this from earliest stage of negotiations of his holiday but were determined to get Bruce so they accommodated his wishes.
Bruce has won four promotions from the Championship - with Hull in 2013 and 2016, and Birmingham in 2002 and 2008.
The Owls will be a 10th managerial appointment for the 58-year-old, who was most recently Aston Villa boss until his sacking in October.
He takes over a club currently sitting 16th in the Championship, 10 points above the relegation zone after a disappointing start to the campaign.
The club are also undergoing some off-field change, as owner Dejphon Chansiri has said he will sell the club should he receive a suitable offer but his asking price is understood to be prohibitive.