Coach Darren Abdilla, who led Gżira United to the Premier League last season, will prolong his stay with the Maroons but in a different role after signing a contract that will see him directly involved in the club’s technical sector.

Gżira are reportedly close to appointing Branko Nisevic, formerly of Hibernians, as their new coach for season 2016-17.

However, they were reluctant to part with Abdilla who had been in charge of the team for the past 18 months and who helped the Maroons end a 34-year-long exile from top flight football.

Talks started in earnest between both parties and yesterday Gżira confirmed that Abdilla had agreed terms and penned a three-year deal.

“Darren Abdilla will stay with Gżira United for the next three years,” a club statement said.

“He has signed a contract and will form part of our technical staff.”

Gżira United also confirmed that they will be appointing a foreigner as first-team coach for the new season.

However, they stopped short in naming their candidate, only adding that Gżira United will be informing the media about other appointments at the club in the near future.

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