Poyet makes triumphant return to football in Spain

Matt Stead

Gus Poyet has agreed to take over as Real Betis coach for the next two seasons.

The former Brighton and Sunderland boss left AEK Athens last month after announcing his intention to step down at the end of the campaign.

His next stop will be the Primera Division, replacing interim Betis boss Juan Merino.

A statement from the club read: “Real Betis have signed Uruguayan coach Gustavo Poyet as new Betis coach for the next two seasons.

“Poyet will be one of the cornerstones of the new sports project headed by Miguel Torrecilla.

“Real Betis want to especially thank the work done by Juan Merino and his coaching staff this season, who has managed to ward off the team from the lower part of the division.”

Merino will lead the side for the final time in the season-ending clash with Getafe on Sunday, with Poyet due to be unveiled on Wednesday.