Coach Zlatko Dalic’s turnaround at Al Ain is complete after he agreed a  contract extension with the new hierarchy.

Dalic, 49, had widely been expected to leave the Garden City under the previous regime after his deal expired last month. But his trophy-laden stay – which began in March 2014 – has now been prolonged, with an official announcement imminent about the length of the arrangement.

The Croatian has benefited from the boardroom cull which followed the release of a controversial BMW and Abu Dhabi Motors advert last week, which has since been pulled. A temporary committee is set to be revealed by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Vice-President of the Boss, who is a noted supporter of Dalic’s work.

Attention will now switch to assembling the squad to lift the 2016 AFC Champions League and regain the Arabian Gulf League title in 2016/17.

Extensive discussions have been under way about fresh additions during the last week, with dialogue continuing despite Dalic arriving in his native country for a break on Monday.