Elche CF appoints Alberto Gallego to lead Ilicitano and push for promotion

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Elche CF confirmed this Wednesday the hiring of Alberto Gallego as the new coach of the club’s subsidiary, with the aim of pushing for promotion to the second tier, the RFEF Second Division, in the coming season. The Catalan coach had been the primary candidate to replace the previous manager, as reported by this newspaper. René Martínez, the club’s former coach, did not see his contract renewed. Gallego is expected to form a coaching duo with Nino, who will continue in principle as the Ilicitano’s assistant coach.

The new subsidiary coach spoke through the club’s official channels, expressing his enthusiasm and commitment: “I am thrilled to take charge of Ilicitano. I feel honored to be part of a historic club like Elche CF, and I am eager to start a remarkable season and reach our objectives.”

Alberto Gallego, born in Lleida on March 16, 1974, is 48 years old. His first managerial role came during the 2013-2014 season with Club Esportiu EFAC Almacelles, where he led the team from his hometown and secured promotion to the Tercera Division.

His career continued in 2015-2016 with Vallecano B, where he worked as a scout in the technical secretariat and coached one of the youth teams. The following year, the Madrid club sent him to the United States to oversee Oklahoma City Lightning, a franchise of the newly formed Madrid club. He guided the squad to the NASL semi-finals, marking a notable milestone in his career.

Gallego later served as the second coach for New York Cosmos and, after two seasons in the United States, chose to return to Spain. In the 2017-2018 season, he took charge at Mafumet Town in the Catalan Third Division and later had a stint abroad with Volos in the Greek Super League.

Upon returning to Spain, he took on another challenge two seasons ago with Ibiza, earning promotion to the second RFEF and repeating the feat in the following term with another project. His journey then continued with Huelva, a move that was announced shortly before. After achieving promotion, he departed due to disagreements with the board.

Known for his extensive experience both in Spain and abroad, Gallego has also contributed to the development of players within academy structures, including time with Rayo Vallecano. He arrives at Martínez Valero with the responsibility of training the first team players while guiding the subsidiary to climb through the leagues, ensuring that rising talents do not experience a significant gap when they reach the top level.

Gallego’s arrival at Elche CF signifies a strategic focus on integrating the youth pathway with the first team, reinforcing the club’s long-term plan to nurture young prospects and accelerate their progression through the grades. His track record suggests a coach who values player development, tactical flexibility, and a cohesive working relationship with the broader sporting staff. The goal is clear: build a sustainable pipeline that translates into strong performances for the senior squad while keeping a steady stream of homegrown talent ready for promotion.

From the perspective of the club, the appointment aligns with a philosophy of continuity and growth. The collaboration with Nino as assistant coach could provide stability and an established framework for both coaching staff and players. The new leadership structure is expected to bring a fresh balance of experience and youthful energy to the Ilicitano side, linking the reserve team’s development with the ambitions of the main squad. This relationship aims to minimize the typical gap between levels, offering young players a clearer path to the first team and a more coherent progression through the club’s competitive ladder.

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