John Toshack was yesterday named as the new coach of European Cup holders Real Madrid, nine years after the Spanish club fired him.

The 49-year-old Welshman leaves his job at Turkish Premier League side Besiktas and replaces Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who was sacked last night. Former Liverpool striker Toshack agreed a deal with Real until the end of next season and will be presented at a news conference tonight.

Toshack coached Real Madrid from 1989-91 and guided them to the Spanish championship in 1990.

Real, who must pay #370,000 compensation to the Turkish side, have slumped to sixth in the Spanish league, although they do have the compensation of a Champions' League quarter-final against Dynamo Kiev to look forward to on March 3.