Madrid, Oct 21 (IANS): Miroslav Djukic was named as the new coach of struggling La Liga football club Cordoba shortly after Albert Ferrer was fired from the position after their poor start on their return to top-flight for the first time in over 40 years.

Djukic, who was sacked midway through his first season in-charge at Valencia last season, Monday signed a contract until the end of the current campaign and replaces Ferrer, under whom Cordoba managed just four points from as many matches and are currently placed at the bottom of the standings, reports Xinhua.

Several coaches such as former Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez, former Betis boss Pepe Mel and Fernando Vazquez, who was sacked by Deportivo la Coruna over the summer, were in contention for the post.

Ferrer said after the 1-2 defeat at home to Malaga that he didn't "fear for his job" but the club wasted little time in sacking him.

Cordoba were promoted last season after beating Las Palmas with an injury time goal in the final of the play-offs from the second division, after ending the regular campaign in seventh place.