Rayo part with Sandoval

Rayo Vallecano have announced the departure of their manager Jose Ramon Sandoval after only just escaping relegation from La Liga.

The move by the club was a surprising one as Sandoval was a hugely popular figure with fans after he led the Madrid-based club back into La Liga after an eight-year absence. Rayo, who are also in administration, won over many neutral supporters with their positive attacking play and were pushing for a European place until the last couple of months of the season when they fell down the table. They were only saved from relegation by a 90th-minute winner against Granada on the final day of the season. "The club have decided not to renew Sandoval's deal," sporting director Felipe Minambres told a news conference. "We consider it a very difficult decision but it is the best one for the club."