Albion appoint Mel

Last updated : 10 January 2014 By Wba-mad Editor

West Bromwich Albion has appointed Pepe Mel as the club's new first-team head coach.

Fifty-year-old Mel replaces Steve Clarke and brings with him more than 10 years' managerial experience from his Spanish homeland. 

The former Real Madrid striker most recently guided Real Betis to 7th in La Liga before departing the club in December. 

Mel, who has signed an 18-month deal, will be assisted by Keith Downing and Dean Kiely. 

Sporting and Technical Director Richard Garlick said: “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. 

“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.”