Peiró steps in at Murcia

Ideal candidate
Murcia president Jesús Samper confirmed the move, a week after Vidal led the club into the top flight as second division champions. "When we signed David Vidal everyone said we were mad, but he was the most appropriate candidate," Samper said. "However, that is no longer the case."

Back at the helm
The 67-year-old Peiró is the new man at the helm having agreed to return to the club he coached from 1991-93, when Murcia were in the third division. The former Málaga CF trainer said he was "really looking forward" to the challenge.

Vidal offer
Samper also revealed that Vidal had been offered the role of sporting director though it was not clear whether he would accept the post. Vidal, who signed a three-year contract with the club in July 2002, was previously in charge of Cádiz CF, CD Logroñés, Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal CF, Hércules CF and SD Compostela.

Successful era
Meanwhile, Peiró parted company with Málaga last month after the Andalusian club decided against renewing his contract. He had guided Málaga into European competition for the first ever time in 2002/03, when they played in the UEFA Cup via the UEFA Intertoto Cup.