John Toshack was
given a hero's welcome as he returned to Real Sociedad to begin his third spell in charge of the Spanish club today.
More than 1,000 fans saw his first training session in preparation for this weekend's league match at home to Real Zaragoza.
The former Liverpool and Wales player was released from his contract with French first division St. Etienne yesterday after they reached a compensation agreement with Real. Toshack has signed a deal until June 2003.
Real Sociedad are in the middle of one of the worst crises in their 90-year history and they have been through two coaches this season in Javier Clemente and Periko Alonso.
The team are anchored to the bottom of the table with 12 points from 16 games and were eliminated from the King's Cup in the first round by third division neighbours Beasain.
Reuters
