VAN GEEL QUITS AJAX ROLE

Ajax technical director Martin van Geel has resigned from his post at the Dutch outfit.

Van Geel revealed he made his decision because he felt his presence would amount to "two captains on one ship" ahead of Marco van Basten's arrival at the club.

The current Holland boss is set to take over the coaching reins following this summer's European Championships.

"In the proposed co-operation I see no place for myself as independent functioning technical director," Van Geel told the club's official website www.ajax.nl.

"Ajax and I have the same opinion: two captains on one ship, that is unworkable."

New chairMan Uri Coronel accepted Van Geel's decision, but added he was disappointed to see the 47-year-old leave.

"It's a pity that we see Martin van Geel leaves us, because I know that he is a hard working, loyal and reliable director," Coronel said.

"But we can only respect his decision. We have had talks with him to keep him at Ajax, but his decision could not be changed."