Pepe Mel's return to Real Betis confirmed

Mel has agreed a contract until the end of the season with the option for a two-year extension should Betis be promoted to La Liga.

A Betis player in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mel previously sat on the bench between July 2010 and December 2013, overseeing promotion to the top flight and qualification for the Europa League.

Mel left Betis with the club struggling at the foot of La Liga and later had a spell in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, helping the Baggies avoid relegation.

Betis were relegated last season under Gabriel Calderon and Juan Merino, who had been in charge of first team affairs and will return to his role with the B team.

Mel has expressed his happiness at his appointment, which will become official on Monday, after the last round of Segunda fixtures of the year.

“I am home with my Verdiblanco family. Now to work hard and with enthusiasm,” he tweeted.

Mel will be at the Villamarin for Sunday’s game against Racing Santander, sitting in the President’s box, Betis have said.

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