Romanian soccer coach Jardanisco has signed a contract with the Al Ain club to replace Tunisian caretaker trainer Murad Mahjoob who led Al Ain to victory in the 20th GCC clubs league championship in January.

The new coach signed for $450,000 including monthly salary up to the end of the 2001-02 season. Jardanisco was on a short visit to the UAE last week mainly to hold negotiations with the Al Wasl club of Dubai.

He watched the team's league encounter against Al Nasr and headed to Al Ain straightaway after the game when he was contacted by club officials. He signed his contract and flew back home on Thursday.

The Romanian will commence his stint on March 20 to prepare the team for the President's Cup championship.

Ali bin Hamoda, president of the Al Ain executive committee, said that the new coach will hold a press conference when he arrives here next week.

Meanwhile, Al Ain's current coach Murad Mahjoob expressed his displeasure at the procedure Al Ain followed in signing the Romanian coach. He told Gulf News he was not officially informed of the change.

Murad thanked Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces, head of the Al Ain club and the honorary council, his deputy Sheikh Haza'a bin Zayed Al Nahyan and everybody who contributed to his work and helped him to make it a success.

Murad will lead Al Ain in their last league match against Ahli Al Fujairah due to kick off on Wednesday at Qattara stadium.