Vicente Miera


Vicente Miera Campos is a Spanish retired football defender and manager.
He appeared in 139 La Liga games over ten seasons and scored two goals, mainly at the service of Real Madrid. Later, he embarked on a managerial career which lasted more than 25 years, and included a brief spell with the Spain national team.

Playing career

Born in the neighbourhood of Nueva Montaña in Santander, Cantabria, Miera played for two seasons for hometown's Racing de Santander, moving in 1961 to Real Madrid. Never an undisputed starter safe for the 1964–65 season, he was part of the latter club's squads as they conquered seven La Liga titles, adding the European Cup in 1966.
Miera moved to Sporting de Gijón in 1969, helping it promote to the top level in his first year and retiring the following season. He won his sole cap for Spain on 10 December 1961, in a 1–1 friendly draw in France.

Coaching career

A manager since 1974, Miera started at the professional level with Real Oviedo, suffering top flight relegation in his second year, then moved to neighbours Sporting where he would remain for five years, except for the 1979–80 campaign at RCD Español. He worked in both major divisions for more than 20 years, his last stop being Sevilla FC.
Having already served as assistant during four years, Miera was handed the reins of the national team in 1991, remaining there for seven months as the nation failed to qualify for UEFA Euro 1992. That summer he switched to the Olympic squad, leading them to the gold medal in Barcelona.

Honours

Player

Real Madrid
Spain