Former Premier League manager Pepe Mel, 63, recovering in intensive care after suffering stroke as former clubs offer support

Former West Brom boss Pepe Mel is recovering in intensive care after undergoing surgery following a stroke.

Mel's former club Real Betis, who he managed in two different spells, announced at the request of his family that Mel suffered a stroke on Sunday and subsequently underwent surgery.

The operation was successful with Mel, 63, now recovering in intensive care at the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville.

Mel has largely coached in Spain during his managerial career, but had a short spell in charge of West Brom.

The Spanish coach took over the club in January 2014 when they were four points above the Premier League relegation zone, with the Baggies having sacked Steve Clarke the previous month.

Mel took charge of 17 matches during his time at the Hawthorns, winning three, drawing six and losing eight.

West Brom ultimately finished 17th in the Premier League, with the Baggies ending three points above relegated Norwich.

Mel was sacked 24 hours after the final day of the season.

Former West Brom boss Pepe Mel is recovering in intensive care following a stroke

His brief spell in charge included having to deal with the aftermath of several dramatic incidents.

West Brom had sacked striker Nicolas Anelka after the veteran forward announced he was quitting the club, having been fined and suspended over his controversial ‘quenelle’ goal celebration.

Mel also needed to handle the fallout following a dressing room bust-up between Saido Berahino and James Morrison.

The Spaniard ultimately returned to Real Betis for a second spell later in 2014 and led the club to promotion back to LaLiga for the second time, having done so for the first time in 2011.

He had also previously led Rayo Vallecano to promotion to Spain's second tier.

Mel's former clubs have been among those to offer him support following his surgery.

'From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey all our support and affection to Pepe Mel, after suffering a stroke for which he has had to undergo surgery. We wish him a swift and complete recovery,' a Rayo Vallecano statement read.

'From LALIGA we send all our affection and a speedy recovery to Pepe Mel. We're with you, Pepe,' LaLiga shared.

Mel, who has coached 16 different clubs during his managerial career, was last in charge of Moroccan side IR Tanger but left earlier this year.