Peiró out, Toshack in at Murcia

Relegation-threatened Real Murcia CF have sacked coach Joaquín Peiró and announced their intention to appoint former Real Madrid CF boss John Toshack as his replacement until the end of the season.

'Sad duty'
"After thinking the matter over for two days I have taken the decision to dismiss Joaquin Peiró as coach," club president Jesús Samper said at a news conference on Monday evening. "It is a sad duty, but it is a result of the circumstances in which the club now finds itself.

'Great professional'
"Peiró has shown himself to be both a great professional and a great person, but the reality of football has to take precedence. Subject to sorting out a few final details John Toshack will take over as coach on Wednesday until the end of the season. I hope he and the team have better luck."

Bottom of the table
Former Málaga CF coach Peiró, who at 67 was the oldest in the Primera División, took charge of Murcia at the beginning of the season following their return to the top flight as second division champions. However, without any major signings his side struggled to adjust to the demands of the Primera División and have slipped to the bottom of the table after winning just one of their 20 games.

Much travelled
The much-travelled Toshack began his coaching career with Swansea City FC, briefly coached Wales and has worked with Real Sociedad de Fútbol, RC Deportivo La Coruña, Turkish side Besiktas JK, AS St Etienne, Sporting Clube de Portugal as well as Real Madrid CF. The 54-year-old Welshman quit his last coaching post with Italian Serie B side Catania Calcio in January 2003 after he was criticised for his team selection by the club president.