PAUL ANDERSON will succeed Nathan Brown as Giants head coach from the end of next season.

The 40-year-old former Great Britain prop will step up from his role as assistant on a three-year contract when Brown returns to Australia after Super League XVII.

The appointment was confirmed by the club today to “provide clarity and stability for the long term” and Anderson was recommended for the post by the man he’ll succeed.

“I’m naturally exited by my appointment,” said Anderson, who has been with the Giants since 2007 and will be in charge for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons.

“But my focus at the moment is solely on the immediate task in hand, which is assisting Nathan and the other staff in getting us ready to play in next year’s Super League.

“The people I’ve been fortunate to work at the Giants – firstly Jon Sharp and Kieron Purtill – have had an influence on my development path, and the impact Nathan has had on me as a coach and a person will be long lasting.”

Speculation over former St George coach Brown’s future has partly disrupted each of the last two play-off seasons, but his and the club’s plans are now set in stone.

Brown, 38, said ahead of his fourth season at the helm: “I’m personally delighted that Paul is taking over at the helm.

“The past four years have, in my opinion, seen Paul grow as a coach and he is as ready as he is going to be for the top job.

“He has served a great apprenticeship here along with playing at the highest level at winning clubs, so he knows what is required to be successful.”

The Giants launch Brown’s last season with a trip to Wigan on February 5.