West Brom name Pepe Mel as head coach
West Bromwich Albion today embarked on a new era after gambling on little-known Spaniard Pepe Mel to be their new head coach.
The Baggies have confirmed the 50-year-old as Steve Clarke's successor on an 18-month contract after Mel performed a U-turn and agreed to work alongside current coaches Keith Downing and Dean Kiely.
Negotiations between Albion and Mel had broken down two weeks ago after he demanded that two of his own coaches join him at The Hawthorns.
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The former Real Betis last night told Spanish radio that he still hopes to recruit Roberto Ríos and David Gomez in the summer but for the time being he will be assisted by Downing, who has been in caretaker charge since Clarke's sacking on December 14, and goalkeeping coach Kiely.
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Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "Pepe was a strong contender from the outset due to his impressive achievements and has emerged as our No.1 candidate.
"He is a forward-thinking coach whose teams are renowned for playing an attractive and positive style of football.
"I'm delighted to welcome Pepe to the club.
"His appointment concludes an extensive recruitment process during which we have cast the net far and wide to identify the most suitable candidate to take the club forward."
Reaction to new boss Pepe Mel on Twitter:
Downing will oversee tomorrow's Premier League game at Southampton before Mel takes over for the televised home game against Everton on Monday, January 20.
Garlick added: "The Board is extremely grateful to Keith, the coaching staff and players for their efforts over the past month, which has yielded six points from four unbeaten league games.
"Keith will have an important role to play in supporting Pepe as he coaches in England for the first time."
Pepe Mel is serenaded by fans after being sacked by Real Betis
Mel has managed a host of clubs in Spain but his most successful spell came in recent years, when he led Seville-based Real Betis to promotion to the top-flight of La Liga then took them to seventh place, qualifying for the Europa League.
He was sacked in December.
He had previously played as a striker, including a successful spell with Betis in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
