Legendary Costa Rican soccer player Paulo Wanchope was appointed yesterday as the new manager of his former club CS Herediano, a day after the team sacked previous coach Javier Delgado.

The decision to fire Delgado was made despite the club's standing at No. 2 in Group A of the “Verano 2008” tournament. According to a report in the daily La Nación, CS Herediano President Aquil Ali “guaranteed” that Delgado's job was safe the day before he was fired.

“Basically, Javier left following an agreement by the CS Herediano board, based on the last two defeats against Cartaginés and UCR, both of which are at the bottom of the league,” said Noren Alfaro, a spokeswoman for the club.

“Paulo is very familiar with the club and knows the team well,” she added.

Alfaro insisted that the team was unconcerned about Wanchope's lack of experience as a coach.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity,” she told The Tico Times of t he 31-year-old former striker, who played in two World Cups and scored 45 goals in 76 appearances for his country.

“We trust his experience and are confident that he can pass it on to the players.”

In a recent interview with The Tico Times, Wanchope admitted he was looking to move into coaching.

“I have a project for a soccer school and along with that I am looking to get my coaching qualifications,” he said.

However, the opportunity has come earlier than expected.

Wanchope is also involved in the commission that is overseeing the construction of the new national stadium in La Sabana.

Furthermore, Wanchope's brother, also named Javier, looks set to be confirmed as his assistant coach.

“He could well be,” said Alfaro, adding that the decision would be made last night (after completing this report).

Having started his career at CS Herediano, Paulo made his name in England with Derby County, West Ham United and Manchester City. He left England in 2004 and, increasingly hampered by knee injuries, played in Spain, Japan, Argentina and the United States before returning to finish his career with CS Herediano in 2007.

He played his last game for “La Sele” (the Costa Rican national team) against Sweden on Jan. 13, before bowing out completely the following week after playing for his club side against Brujas FC.