West Brom appoint Pepe Mel as manager

West Bromwich Albion FC have named former Real Betis Balompié coach Pepe Mel as their new manager.

The 50-year-old has signed an 18-month deal with the Premier League club, who relieved Steve Clarke of his duties in the middle of last month. Madrid-born Mel had been dismissed by Betis, a team he represented as a player, a fortnight earlier having steered the Verdiblancos to a seventh-place Liga finish last season and into the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Mel has also had spells in charge of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, CD Alavés, Getafe CF, CD Tenerife and Real Murcia CF. He will be supported by goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely and assistant head coach Keith Downing, who took the reins temporarily following Clarke's departure on 14 December.

West Brom 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 No1 candidate. He is a forward-thinking coach whose teams are renowned for playing an attractive and positive style of football."

Mel will watch West Brom's weekend game against Southampton FC from the stands as Downing continues in his caretaker role. Everton FC are the visitors to the Hawthorns on 20 January for his first match at the helm of a side sitting 14th in the English top flight, four points above the relegation zone.