Sparky’s Column

Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

In what must be one of the most audacious moves in UAE football history, Cosmin Olaroiu has made the switch to Al Ahli from champions Al Ain. The move is as unexpected as it is controversial. The Romanian's pen was hovering over a contract at Al Ain before he decided to put the biro back in his pocket and hotfoot it down the E66 to Al Ahli.  So far everyone has remained tight-lipped on the reasons why, but Al Ahli are the ones to gain most from the Romanian's change of heart. The great thing about his first photo on the Al Ahli Facebook page is that he is draped in a club scarf whilst wearing a purple jacket. It's not any purple but an exact match for Al Ain's colours. Can someone draft a memo to Al Ahli's webmaster with regard to the purchase of Photoshop for future such occasions!

Fabio Cannavaro was Instagramming pictures of himself on a coaching course in Italy as he looks to move into management. It didn't take too long to get his first job as the World Cup winner will fill the role of assistant to the incoming Cosmin Olaroiu. I'm sure I can hear the shouts of dream team from the Al Ahli fans, on paper it sounds formidable but, as the cliche goes, football is not played on paper.

Walter Zenga has been busy in the press this week putting himself forward for the vacant Al Ain post. The Italian is understandably keen to remain in the UAE, a country he considers home. He was at Al Ain at a tumultuous time which nearly resulted in relegation. Though the near miss was not directly under his stewardship he had a difficult time with the current champions. He did however go onto prove himself in UAE football with Al Nasr securing Champions League football in the process. His pedigree and experience mean he would be a great addition for any club.

The latest signing to arrive on these shores is Jair Eduardo Britto da Silva, or just Jair to his friends. The 25-year-old Brazilian is Emirates Club's latest loan signing from JEF United, Japan. He was not a regular starter for the Japanese outfit scoring just 4 goals in 16 appearances. The most productive part of his career was in Korea with 20 goals in 55 games. The player has the advantage of being in the prime of his career aged 25, and in the energy-sapping conditions of early season that will prove a massive advantage.