Mandia, who narrowly failed to lead Hercules to promotion from the Segunda Division last term, replaces Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz, who stepped down a fortnight ago after just one year at El Sardinero before returning to former club Malaga.

Lopez Muniz led Racing to a 12th-placed finish during his year in charge, which came after one of the greatest seasons in the Cantabrian club's history.

Under Lopez Muniz's predecessor Marcelino Garcia Toral, Racing finished the 2007/08 season in sixth spot in La Liga - earning the club their first crack at UEFA Cup football - while they also reached their first-ever Copa del Rey semi-final.

Mandia stopped short of promising a similarly successful season next term, but the 42-year-old is determined to ensure the fans are entertained.

He said at his presentation: "I would like to convey to the players that the fans come to the stadium to have a good time, to enjoy themselves and our mission will be to have a team that gives everything for the shirt and the badge on the pitch.

"We want the fans to feel they can identify with the team that is going to give its all on the pitch."

Mendia, who has penned an initial one-year contract with Racing, added: "I was eager to coach a top-flight team and Racing offered everything I wanted: a good team, a city with a footballing history and fans devoted to the team. And this is something that motivates us a lot."