RICHARD AGAR will be in charge of Hull for Friday's clash at the Giants.

The east coast club yesterday appointed Australian Peter Sharp as their new coach following the departure of John Kear.

Even though Sharp has been linked with previous vacancies in Super League, he is not expected to arrive in this country for another fortnight because of red tape.

Until he receives his work permit, assistant coach Agar will remain in temporary charge for the game against Huddersfield on Friday and then at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Easter Monday.

Hull officials have been full of praise for the way Agar and the rest of the coaching team have handled Kear's exit.

The Airlie Birds gave a highly creditable display on Friday when they produced a battling display at the KC Stadium against Leeds Rhinos before falling 34-26.

And Agar brings his Hull side to the Galpharm on Friday with the full backing of the club's board.

"We are delighted with Richard Agar and (fellow assistant coach) Andy Last and the rest of the coaching staff," said chief executive David Plummer.

"They both have a very strong work ethic, and they are two of the brightest talents in the game.

"I've no doubt they will do a good job preparing the side for Friday's game at Huddersfield."

Hull's appointment of veteran Australian Sharp as their new coach has received ringing endorsements from both sides of the world.

The vastly-experienced Sharp, who applied unsuccessfully to fill the vacancies at Parramatta and Newcastle, will take over the reins at Hull for the rest of this year and the next two seasons in succession to Englishman Kear.

Sharp has relinquished his role of assistant to former Hull boss Brian Smith at Parramatta in a bid to revive his career as a head coach, after being axed by Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the 2003 season.

"I'm very happy for him - he's one of the great guys and he will do a terrific job over there," said Smith, who cut his coaching teeth at Hull from 1988-91 and was also in charge at Bradford in 1996.

Fifty-one-year-old Sharp, who will take over from Kear as the oldest coach in Super League, also had stints at Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm, where he was in charge of current Hull captain Richard Swain.

"He is a great tactician who will gain the utmost respect from the players," said Swain.

Sharp is Hull's eighth overseas coach in the last 18 years, and his appointment means Australians once more outnumber English coaches in Super League by seven to five.

"His reputation is enormous," said Hull chairman Kath Hetherington. His ability to develop individuals will ensure all the players will reach their full potential."