City go Dutch as coach Kaanen and Cruyff heed Sciriha's call

Valletta will be led by a Dutch coach next season after Ton Kaanen reached agreement with club president Victor Sciriha to take over the reins of the team.

The Dutch connection at Valletta will be further enhanced by the signing of former Manchester United player Jordi Cruyff who has also struck a deal with Sciriha to become one of the Citizens' foreign players next season.

Kaanen, who spent most of his coaching career in Israel where he had spells with Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Netanya, succeeds Paul Zammit whose contract with the Citizens expired last week.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Sciriha said Zammit left the club on amicable terms.

"I believe this decision is in the best interest of both parties," Sciriha said.

Zammit's exit from Valletta had been on the cards for some time amid mounting speculation that Sciriha had set his sights on a foreign coach to guide his team next season.

Valletta's failure to retain the Premier League title and their defeat to Sliema Wanderers in the U*Bet FA Trophy final last Friday can only have strengthened Sciriha's conviction to bring in a new coach.

Sciriha yesterday confirmed Kaanen's appointment.

"Ton Kaanen is the new coach of Valletta FC," Sciriha said.

"Kaanen was in charge of a number of high-profile clubs in Israel, including Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and more recently had a spell with a professional team in Ukraine."

Kaanen's arrival as Valletta coach is believed to have been central to Cruyff's decision to join the Citizens. At 35, Jordi Cruyff, the son of Dutch great Johan, is in the twilight of his career but his experience should benefit Valletta who will compete in the Europa League after finishing second in the league.

Cruyff started his career with Barcelona before signing for Manchester United where he spent four seasons between 1996 and 2000.

After leaving United, Cruyff turned out for Alaves, Espanyol, Barcelona's B team and Ukrainian club Metalurh Donetsk.

Sciriha announced Cruyff's signing during a supporters' rally on the eve of the FA Trophy final.

Kaanen and Cruyff are expected to arrive in Malta on June 12, two days before Valletta hold their annual general meeting in which Sciriha is expected to propose significant amendments to the club statute.