Former Premier League manager Pepe Mel has been rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after suffering a stroke over the weekend. The 63-year-old, who spent a brief period in charge of West Bromwich Albion in 2014, was taken to hospital immediately and underwent surgery.
Surgery successful but recovery ongoing
The surgery is said to have been a success, but Mel has remained in the intensive care unit at Virgen del Rocio Hospital. Doctors are monitoring his progress before giving him the all-clear to return home.
Mel had been out of work since departing Moroccan side Ittihad Tangier in the spring. The Madrid native has managed 17 different clubs during his managerial career, which spans nearly three decades, with the West Brom job his only posting in England.
Former clubs send support
In an official statement, former club Las Palmas said: “We want to send all our encouragement and affection to Pepe Mel, after suffering a stroke, for which he has undergone surgery. The great yellow family wishes him a speedy recovery. Stay strong, Pepe!”
Rayo Vallecano wrote: “We want to convey all our support and affection to Pepe Mel, after suffering a stroke, for which he has had to undergo surgery. We wish him a swift and complete recovery. Stay strong, Pepe! Always with you!”
Almeria’s statement read: “All our strength and support to Pepe Mel and his family. We wish you the best recovery, we’re sure we’ll be able to see you soon at the UD Almeria Stadium.”
West Brom tenure and career highlights
While he was only in charge of the West Midlands outfit for 120 days, his time at the Hawthorns was clouded by controversy. That’s because Mel was at the club when they sacked Nicolas Anelka for ‘gross misconduct’ after making the ‘quenelle' gesture.
A statement from West Brom at the time read: “The club required Nicolas Anelka to apologise to it, its supporters, sponsors and the wider community for the impact and consequences of his gesture made on December 28 and secondly, that he accept a substantial fine. The club considers the conduct of Nicolas Anelka on December 28, coupled with his purported termination on social media, to be gross misconduct.”
He was also in charge when Saido Berahino and current West Brom manager James Morrison were involved in a dressing room bust-up. His best days as a manager came at Real Betis, where he earned them two promotions to La Liga and European qualification across two spells in charge.
