Mané quits as Athletic coach

Having helped Athletic Club Bilbao avoid their first relegation from the Spanish top flight yesterday, José Manuel Esnal - nicknamed 'Mané' - has stepped down as coach at San Mamés.

A point clear
The 57-year-old, who replaced Félix Sarriugarte on 30 November 2006 with the Basque club in the relegation zone, said he had made the decision to clear the way for the club's presidential elections in July. He said: "I didn't want to get drawn into the electoral process and be linked with any particular candidate. When a candidate has been elected, I would be available for negotiations. I'm proud to have worked for Athletic with all my heart." Athletic finished a point above the relegation zone after a 2-0 victory at home against Levante UD on Sunday.