The 51-year-old, who jointly managed the Pilgrims with great success between 2009 and 2011, makes a welcome return to Lincolnshire after agreeing to become Graham Coughlan's successor in the United dugout.

The former Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town and Ipswich Town boss will be supported by long-term assistant Chris Doig – and the pair will be in charge for Saturday's National League trip to FC Halifax Town.

As a consequence of the appointments of Hurst and Doig, United can confirm the departure of Coughlan's assistant manager Lee Bullen, who moves on with the club's sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

Hurst's initial spell with the Pilgrims, in partnership with Rob Scott, saw the club win three trophies in 2009-2010, including promotion via the UniBond Premier League play-offs.

United were well set for another promotion when Grimsby came calling for the pair in March 2011 – and Hurst twice guided the Mariners to promotion from the National League, in 2016 and 2022.

He was also the League One manager of the year in 2017-2018 as Shrewsbury reached both the play-off final and EFL Trophy final.

United chairman David Newton commented: "We are delighted that Paul has agreed to re-join Boston United. We enjoyed great success during his previous spell at the club, along with Rob Scott, which led to a very successful period for Paul – and I was delighted to see him rise to managing in the Championship.

"I am sure some will point to the way Rob and Paul departed the club back in 2011. I had no issue with their ambition to manage at a higher level – but did not feel that it was done in the correct manner. The matter was dealt with at the time – and the club received the right compensation for their move. That drew a line under things for me, and I was delighted when Paul continued to bring teams over for pre-season fixtures, and we have kept in touch ever since.

"I am also delighted that Chris Doig has agreed to join Paul, once again, as his assistant which completes a very successful management team.

"Sadly that does mean that we have had to part company with Lee Bullen. It has been an absolute pleasure having Lee at our club. Not only is he an excellent coach, but also a top man with respect and good values. He leaves with huge thanks from ourselves – and very best wishes for the future.

"This is a key appointment for the club as we seek to not only cement our place in the National League but hopefully build on that going forward. As with all managers, we will support Paul all we can to achieve the club's ambitions.

"The support home and away has been just brilliant these past two seasons, so I am sure everyone will pull together as we move into this new chapter for the club."