Real Sociedad have confirmed the appointment of Philippe Montanier as their new coach. Montanier joins the Spanish side from French top-flight club Valenciennes, who have been paid €500,000 in compensation.

The 46-year-old spent two years at Valenciennes and guided them to 12th place in the recently completed Ligue 1 season.

Montanier succeeds Martin Lasarte, who parted company with the San Sebastian club last week despite leading them back to La Liga before keeping them up on the final day of the 2010/11 campaign.