Dubai club Al Ahli said Sunday it had hired former Leeds and Aston Villa manager David O'Leary as its new coach.
The signing of former Ireland and Arsenal defender O'Leary came just weeks after Al Ahli agreed a two-year deal with former Juventus and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Al Ahli sporting director Mark Bell told The Associated Press that O'Leary has signed a contract to coach the club, and said further details would be released in a formal announcement later this week.
O'Leary, who couldn't immediately be reached for comment, has kept a low profile since being let go by Aston Villa in 2006.
He emerged as a contender to take over at Newcastle on a temporary basis in 2008 following the departure of Kevin Keegan, but turned the job down.
Word of O'Leary's appointment came as Al Ahli announced that Cannavaro will be the club's captain for the upcoming season.
Al Ahli said it hired the 36-year-old defender to improve its chances of winning more trophies, developing local talent and gaining new fans.
Cannavaro said he was looking forward to starting training with his new club. He announced his international retirement last month, following Italy's early exit from the World Cup.
``I have met my new teammates and am impressed by the direction the club is taking. Our first goal is simple: Win games,'' he said.
