Jamshedpur FC, on Friday, announced the appointment of Antonio Iriondo as the team's new head coach for the upcoming season. The Spaniard will take over the reins from his fellow countryman Cesar Ferrando, who led the side to a fifth-place finish in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19.

Iriondo comes with almost three decades of coaching experience and has been in charge of several Spanish Segunda B clubs like Toledo, CD San Fernando, SS Reyes and others. He also has coaching experience in the La Liga, having been in charge of Rayo Vallecano for nine matches during their 2003 season.

The 65-year-old's last stint was with Madrid-based side Rayo Majadahonda, with whom he spent seven years before stepping down earlier this year. Having coached exclusively in Spain till now, this will be Iriondo's first venture outside his native country.

Having coached in 985 matches over his career, Iriondo brings in a lot of experience and will be eager to help Jamshedpur taste success in the 2019-20 season. “I am thrilled to be joining a club of Jamshedpur FC’s stature. The philosophy along with the grassroots and youth development structure that the club follows is the right way forward. I’m excited about what we can do together, and I look forward to giving everyone who loves the club some special moments,” Iriondo told the official Jamshedpur FC website after formalizing the one-year deal.

Jamshedpur FC CEO, Mr. Mukul Choudhari said, “In Antonio, we have appointed a very experienced head coach. His methodology and passionate approach along with his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.”