The 56-year-old replaces Dariusz Wosz, who took charge of the final two games of the season after taking over from Heiko Herrlich, but who was unable to halt their slide into the second division.

Funkel was also relegated as coach of Hertha Berlin, but his contract with the club from the capital was not extended, leaving him free to negotiate with Bochum.

"The aim is to be promoted straight back to the Bundesliga," announced Funkel, who was officially presented at a press conference today.

Funkel has been given just a one-year contract which will automatically extend by a further year if he succeeds in leading the Ruhrside club back into the top flight.

And that should be an achievable target for a man who has a pedigree in leading clubs into the Bundesliga.

He has managed it already with four different clubs, leading Uerdingen (twice), Duisburg, Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt into the top flight.