Hasselbaink, 46, takes over from Gary Rowett, who recently left to take over Championship side Birmingham.

The former Dutch international had a prolific career in the Premier League, including spells at Chelsea, Leeds and Middlesbrough as well as playing for Charlton and Cardiff.

It is his first coaching role back in England since he left his U21s post at Nottingham Forest, having been brought there in 2011 by Steve McClaren, who managed Hasselbaink at Middlesbrough.

McClaren left the club after two months but the Dutchman stayed on at the club for 18 months.

Speaking of his appointment, he said, “When I was given the opportunity by the chairman I could not say no.”

“I’m very excited to join Burton Albion and follow in the footsteps of Gary Rowett and Nigel Clough. I can’t wait to get started and I’m delighted to be given the opportunity. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the players. Until now they have done really well and I’m looking to take them a step further. I have seen quite a bit of them and I’m excited to be working with a talented group.”

His assistant will be former Manchester City and and Stoke player David Oldfield, who has been released from his commitments with the MK Dons academy to take the role.

Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson was delighted at signing such a high profile candidate for the job.

He said: “We had a large number of high-quality applications but Jimmy was an outstanding candidate. His football career speaks for itself and it’s a great appointment for the club."

“Jimmy and David have great records as professional footballers and have already gained some knowledge of football management. They are inspirational individuals, great coaches and this is a marvellous opportunity for them to take important steps on the managerial ladder. 

"We are looking to them to carry on the great work started by Gary Rowett in pushing us towards promotion to League 1."