Cervera takes over at Racing Santander

Racing Santander was today appointed Alvaro Cervera as the successor to Juan Jose Gonzalez, who was sacked as coach this week, the struggling Spanish first division side announced on their website. This is Cervera's first stab at managing a top flight club. He joins Racing from second division Recreativo Huelva. "Having negotiated his release from Recreativo Huelva, Racing has finalised an agreement with Alvaro Cervera," a club statement reported. "The new Racing coach's contract will run until 30 June." Cervera, a former Racing player, takes over a side fighting for their first division lives. They are languishing third from bottom on 24 points, three shy of safety. The new man in charge is set for a baptism of fire as his first match in charge is Sunday's visit by giants Barcelona.