Mel factfile

West Bromwich Albion have placed their trust in Spaniard Pepe Mel with the Premier League outfit having named the former Real Betis coach as successor to the ousted Steve Clarke. 

Mel has been handed the reins at the Hawthorns until the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

Here, Sky Sports takes a look at the career of a man charged with the task of helping the Baggies steer clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table

1963: Born in Madrid, on February 28.

1974: Joins the Real Madrid youth system at the age of 11.

1982: Makes his first professional appearance for Real Madrid C.

1983: Steps up to Real Madrid B, going on to make 71 appearances and scoring 15 goals. The striker does not make the step up to the first team.

1987: Goes out on loan to Osasuna but does not make his official debut before switching to Castellon in the Segunda Division, where he spends two years.

1989: Joins Real Betis and helps the Andalusian side to promotion in his first season at the club.

1990: Plays his first - and last - season in the Spanish top flight for Betis, scoring 14 times before the side is relegated.

1993: Leaves Betis and joins Granada where he stays for two years.

1995: Joins Benidorm for a season.

1996: Makes the switch to Madrid-based Getafe.

1997: Splits his final season as a player between Andalusian side Ecija and French side Angers before announcing his retirement at the age of 35.

1999: Coaches his first side, the amateur club Coslada in Madrid.

2000: Manages Merida for a year before switching to a coaching role at Segunda Division side Murcia.

2001: Replaces Valencia-bound Rafael Benitez at Tenerife. His first spell as a manager in the Spanish top flight ends in the side being relegated.

2003: Has a spell at Getafe before moving to Alaves.

2004: Manages Brazilian side Corinthians for a one-year period before returning to work in Spain a year later.

2006: Is named manager at Rayo Vallecano and helps the side earn promotion to the Segunda Division in his second season in charge.

2010: Sacked by Rayo following a poor run of results. Signs for Real Betis in the summer.

2013: Leads Betis to seventh place in the Primera Division standings, earning them qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

December 2 - Sacked by Betis and quickly linked with the role at West Brom, although is later ruled out.

2014: January 9 - Signs an 18-month contract with West Brom.

source: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9108413/mel-factfile