Born in Oviedo in Asturias, Monchu began managing local Turón before moving to SD Ibiza, where he won promotion from the Tercera División in 1977–78.

[2] Monchu arrived at Real Burgos in 1991 as an assistant to José Manuel Novoa, and became secretary when the latter moved to Espanyol.

[3] He was assistant manager at the club in La Liga, when he succeeded the sacked Theo Vonk in December 1992.

[5] Having achieved only four draws in 12 games, he resigned in late March to be succeeded by his assistant José Luis Manzanedo.

[7] He was then assistant to director of football Novoa at Sporting de Gijón in his native region, as well as their scout in South America.