Keith Downing: 'I didn't know who Pepe Mel was'

West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Keith Downing has admitted that he was unfamiliar with new manager Pepe Mel prior to the Spaniard's arrival at the club.

The former Real Betis coach was announced as the new Baggies boss on Thursday evening, and Downing said that he did not know much about Mel before Steve Clarke's sacking last month.

"It's a name I wasn't aware of until a few weeks ago but he plays exciting, attacking football," said Downing.

"I haven't had a chance to meet Pepe yet. I'm going to meet him over the weekend. I'm aware he is going to be at the game against Southampton and then we'll crack on next week.

"I've heard good things about the job he did at Real Betis, when he got them up into La Liga and stabilised them. The Spanish press like him."

Downing takes charge of his last match this afternoon.