Sociedad turn to Coleman

Former Fulham manager Chris Coleman was today appointed as the new coach of Real Sociedad.

Club president Maria De La Pena said the arrival of the Welshman, who will be unveiled in the next few days, would bring ‘freshness and new ideas’ to Sociedad, relegated from the Primera Liga last season for the first time in their history.

Coleman was recommended by compatriot and current Wales coach John Toshack, who has managed the San Sebastian side on three separate occasions.

De La Pena said that Coleman's contract would be ‘objective-based’, with the ‘main aim’ of immediately restoring the club's top-flight status.

The club's former coach Salva Iriarte will work alongside Coleman after being given the post of sporting director.

The move is subject to the new board being ratified on Saturday.