Carlos Carvalhal has been installed as the new manager of UAE side Al Wahda FC.

The Portuguese coach has a one-year deal with the Dubai-based club, ending any hopes Rovers had of appointing him as their next manager.

Carvalhal had met with Rovers, and interviewed about the prospect of taking on the job, having been firmly in the club's thoughts.

Interest from the middle East was well known since Carvalhal’s departure from Portuguese side SC Braga at the end of the season.

And they have secured his services on a bumper one-year deal which will see him become their new manager.

 

 

A club statement read: "Al Wahda Football Club has contracted Portuguese coach Carlos Carvalhal to lead the first team as of June 2022.

"The club’s management wishes success to the able coach and his staff and to fulfill the aspirations of the club’s leadership, management and fans."

Carvalhal enjoyed success in both domestic and European football during his 99-game stint with Braga, only for him to leave in the summer at the end of his contract.

It was understood he was keen on a return to England where he had previously managed twice before, at Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.

He had experience of the Championship during a two-and-a-half year stay in which they reached the play-offs.

But the 56-year-old’s jet-setting career will continue, making the move to Al Wahda who finished third in the Arabian Gulf League in 2021/22.

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