FC Nordsjalland owner Tom Vernon says he's inspired by the model of Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam- culminating in the decision to hire Chelsea legend Michael Essien as player-coach.
Ajax ae famed for engaging former players in senior executive positions over the years.
Former Manchester United great Edwin Van der Sar - who clinched the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is the is the current chief executive of the club.
Former winger Marc Overmars is the sporting director while Dennis Bergkamp works with the U-15 team.
Motivated by the model of Ajax Amsterdam, the Danish side have hired former Ghana star Michael Essien as a player-coach.
The Danish side have worked with current Ghana coach CK Akonnor as well as former Black Stars midfiedler Otto Addo before he joined the staff at Borussia Dortmund.
“I’m inspired by the Ajax model where you see [Edwin] Van der Sar is the CEO, [Marc] Overmars is the sporting director and [Dennis] Bergkamp with the under-15s,” says Vernon. “African talent is so often overlooked in this regard.
"There is some incredible experience, insight and perspective if you are investing in African coaches that I think many people miss out on. For us it’s just an amazing opportunity.”