Dutch coach Guus Hiddink yesterday signed an 18-month contract to manage ambitious Russian top flight side Anzhi Makhachkala, the latest big international name to join the side.

“Today Guus Hiddink signed the contract. As well as the post of chief coach, Hiddink will also occupy the post as vice president of the club in charge of development,” Anzhi said in a statement.

Hiddink said Suleyman Kerimov, Anzhi’s owner, had made it clear to him that he was being invited to take part in an “extensive project” to develop football throughout its home region of Dagestan in the Northern Caucasus.

Financial details were not disclosed although press reports said Hiddink’s net annual salary may reach 10 million euros.

Hiddink, who won huge respect in Russia for taking the national side to the semi finals of the 2008 European Championships, said he had already been in discussions with Anzhi at the end of last year.

“I am happy that I got such an opportunity,” Hiddink was quoted as saying by Anzhi’s website yesterday.

“It is especially important for me that the club is building serious plans to develop football in the republic (of Dagestan) and this is no less important than what the first team achieves.

“I know the ambition of the shareholder, the club, the fans and the whole world knows about this now. And I will do everything to make sure that the team’s game corresponds to these ambitions,” Hiddink said.

Founded in 1991, Anzhi had enjoyed little success in Russian football until being acquired by Kerimov last year and going on a spending spree that landed them Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and Brazilian Roberto Carlos.

Anzhi are currently seventh in the Premier League with 52 points from 32 matches, 13 points behind the leaders Zenit SP.