Tinkerman happy to 'home' in Valencia

CLAUDIO RANIERI was unveiled as the new coach of Valencia yesterday after he returned to the club he left for Atletico Madrid in 1999.

The Italian, sacked by Chelsea last week despite guiding them to the Champions League semi-final and to second in the Premiership, had been widely tipped to take over at the Mestalla.

He replaces Rafael Benitez who resigned last week despite clinching a Primera Liga and UEFA Cup double. Benitez has been tipped to succeed Gerard Houllier at Liverpool.