Former English Premier League manager Alan Pardew is ready for battle in his new job - as the general of Bulgaria's 'Army', CSKA Sofia.
The ex- Newcastle and Crystal Palace gaffer recently branched out by taking his first job outside of England at ADO Den Haag but lasted only four months.
That hasn't tempered his appetite for a new challenge and the capital city club - once the stomping ground of Motherwell's Tony Watt - welcomed Pardew as their new technical director with a particularly grand announcement, proclaiming: "welcome to the Army".
The CSKA abbreviation translates in English to Central Sports Club of the Army and they played up to their roots in the reveal.
A statement on the club's website read: "Army men, English football specialist Alan Pardew will henceforth be part of the big red family of the Army.
"He will take the position of technical director and will help with his vast experience and contacts in the overall development of the club and attracting players to the representative team.
"The 59-year-old Briton has already signed his contract and started working immediately. Welcome to the Army, Mr Alan Pardew!"
