Emery to take on Valencia challenge

UD Almería boss Unai Emery will be unveiled as the new coach of Valencia CF after agreeing a two-year contract at the Mestalla.

Merry-go-round
The 36-year-old will be unveiled at a media conference on Friday and will begin work officially on 1 July. He will fill the void left by Ronald Koeman's sacking in April, with Salvador 'Voro' González – who led Valencia away from relegation trouble – having been in caretaker charge.

Almería success
It is reported that Emery accepted the Valencia offer after being assured that the east-coast club would not be selling key players this summer. The Basque trainer has caught the eye with Almería, winning promotion last season and then gaining an eighth-placed finish this term. Previously, the former Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Racing Club de Ferrol player coached Lorca Deportiva CF, lifting them from Spain's Segunda División B.

'Great opportunity'
Valencia hope that his appointment will bring stability to a squad that was overseen by three coaches in 2007/08: Quique Sánchez Flores, Koeman – who guided them to their Copa del Rey final triumph over Getafe CF and UEFA Cup qualification – and Voro. Emery moves on with Almería's blessing, with president Alfonso García saying: "He was very comfortable here, but he was attracted by the size and history of Valencia and we know it is a great opportunity for him." Valencia ended up tenth in the table after winning four of their last five matches.