West Bromwich Albion have named Pepe Mel as their new head coach on an 18-month contract. The Spaniard, 50, spent three years at the helm of Real Betis, but was sacked in early December and replaced by Juan Carlos Garrido. He has had 14 years in management. Albion dispensed with Steve Clarke before Christmas, leaving assistant Keith Downing in caretaker charge over the festive period. He will remain in the dugout for the away trip to Southampton with the incoming Mel watching from the stands. Mel held talks with the Baggies last month, but they broke down as he wanted to bring his own backroom staff to The Hawthorns. It is understood he has since agreed to work with Downing and Albion goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely. Talking to West Brom's official website, club Sporting & Technical Director Richard Garlick said:
"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. "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."
Mel becomes the Baggies' third boss from outside the British Isles after Osie Ardiles and Roberto Di Matteo. Albion currently sit 14th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
