Dubai: Al Ahli has assured that the investiture of Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro is only a part of the ambitious plans the club has outlined for an exciting future.
"It's not about investing money, but it's about investing time and dedication towards what lies ahead," Al Ahli's new sporting director Mark Bell told Gulf News.
"Ultimately, it's about having a plan for the future."
Bell, a long-time friend of the new club chairman of the board of directors Abdullah Al Naboudah, accepted the offer as sporting director to oversee these aspects with the former five-time league champions.
"Initially, what we need to do is to have a plan in place in supporting the basics in supporting the players," Bell said.
"We cannot talk about results as yet until we know where we are and what foundation we can successfully implement with the players we have.
"I wouldn't talk about results as those can be very, very volatile."
Al Ahli won the inaugural UAE Football League (UFL) in 2008-2009, but slumped to a dismal eighth in the 12-team standings last season.
Next level
Following a reshuffle at the top level, the club said it now wanted to migrate to the next level starting this year.
As part of his role, Bell will oversee all of the club's sporting aspects starting from coaching staff and methodology to medical care and sports sciences.
"I have known Mr Al Naboodah for a while now and while we were discussing the club we came up with a plan to take us to the next level," Bell said.
"We came up with a plan on how to develop basic football infrastructure and sports sciences that includes physiology and nutrition."
Bell said the Cannavaro signing could not have come at a better time.
"The boost is really in his reputation and as a world class individual and player," Bell said.
"He has a world-class track record and when you bring that kind of an individual to an environment then he is in a position to bring in a lot of experience and earn a lot of respect.
"His mere presence can boost things at the club and we will be one big happy family."
He rubbished the claims that Cannavaro's signing would create a disparity in wages.
"There is no disparity in finances if you run a football club properly."
