Threatened Murcia turn to Toshack
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Relegation-threatened Murcia have sacked coach Joaquin Peiro and announced their intention to appoint former Real Madrid boss John Toshack as his replacement until the end of the season.
"After thinking the matter over for two days I have taken the decision to dismiss Joaquin Peiro as coach," said club president Jesus Samper.
"It is a sad duty, but it is a result of the circumstances in which the club now finds itself," added Samper.
"Peiro 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."
Former Malaga boss Peiro, who at 67 was the oldest coach in the Primera Liga, 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 Liga and have slipped to the bottom of the table after winning just one of their 20 games.
The much travelled Toshack began his coaching career with Swansea City, briefly coached Wales and has worked with Real Sociedad, Deportivo Coruna, Turkish side Besiktas, St Etienne, Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid.
The 54-year-old Welshman quit his last coaching post with Italian Serie B side Catania in January 2003 after he was criticized for his team selection by the club president.
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