Ambitious Bajević appointed by Aris

Less than a fortnight before entering the UEFA Cup with a first-round tie against Real Zaragoza, Aris Thessaloniki FC have appointed the experienced Dušan Bajević as their new coach.

Greek return
The 58-year-old Serbian takes the place of Juan Carlos Oliva, whose reign lasted less than three months. Bajević, who has signed a one-year contract with the option to extend until 2010, left FK Crvena Zvezda last month and has previously had five spells coaching in Greece – two each with AEK Athens FC and Olympiacos CFP plus another at Aris's city rivals PAOK FC.

Ambition
Bajević said: "I have accepted Aris's offer because they have a good team, talented players and they are a side that a coach can work with to create an ambitious outfit. My goal is to build a strong team, something that the players and fans of Aris also want, because it's been a while since their club have occupied centre stage. The only thing I can promise is that I will do my best to create a side that, two years from now, will produce beautiful football that the fans can be proud of." Fourth last season, Aris drew their Greek Super League opener 1-1 at home to Panionios NFC last week and welcome Zaragoza for the first leg of their European tie on 20 September.