Almeria hire Francisco as coach to replace Gracia

MADRID, June 29 (Reuters) - Promoted Almeria have appointed the inexperienced Francisco as their coach on a one-year deal after failing to agree a contract extension with Javi Gracia, the club said on Saturday.

 The 34-year-old Francisco, a former Almeria player, has coached the Andalusian club's B team in the third tier of Spanish soccer for the past two seasons. He will be the youngest coach in the top flight, the club said on its website .

"After not reaching a contract extension agreement with Javi Gracia, the club was clear about who was their preferred choice, a young coach who can give academy graduates a prominent role," they added.

 Almeria secured the third and final La Liga promotion berth last Saturday when a 3-0 win at home to Girona in the return leg of their playoff final sealed a 4-0 aggregate success.

They return to La Liga after two seasons in the second tier.

 Alicante-based Elche, the second division champions, and second-placed Villarreal secured the two automatic promotion places. Real Zaragoza, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca were relegated from the top flight.