West Brom appoint Pepe Mel as head coach

London, Jan 10: English Premier League side West Brom have appointed former Real Betis manager Pepe Mel as their new head coach on an 18-month deal.

Mel is replacing Steve Clarke, who was sacked Dec 14, Xinhua reported.

The BBC said that Spaniard Mel, 50, held talks with West Brom in December but was ruled out after it became clear he wanted to bring his own backroom staff.

After three years in charge of Betis, Mel was replaced by Juan Carlos Garrido at the start of December.

Mel will take the team for the first time for the home game against Everton Jan 20.

West Brom, who face Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace after the games against Southampton and Everton, are 14th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone.