Skenderovic, who also turned down the opportunity to link up with compatriot Arthur Papas in India, will play a key role in the establishment of a football academy in the emirate.

The former VPL coach and Melbourne Knights player is the first Australian to coach in the UAE and says staying put is the best option at this stage of his fledgling career.

In just one season he’s rubbed shoulders with the likes of ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson (Al Nasr ) and the world renowned former head of the Barcelona youth academy, Albert Benaiges.

Skenderovic says Benaiges, now technical director at Dubai club Al Wasl, is an inspiration, having nurtured the careers of global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

“For someone of his stature and position in world football, who’s produced some of the best players in the world, he’s just incredibly humble and generous with his views,” he added.

“I’ve sat with him a couple of times and talked about football in the UAE and his work, watched his teams. Obviously he plays the 1-4-3-3 which is very similar to the Australian national curriculum.

“I think FFA (Football Federation Australia) should feel that we’re really ticking the boxes in terms of our junior development. When you see what Albert is doing and you see what we’re trying to do back home you realise, hey, we’re on the right track.”

Skenderovic will oversee Ajman’s entire youth program from the under-7s upwards and says after one season there’s already been a marked improvement in the style of play.

But his long-term future lies in senior football.

“Season one I used as a transitional year, especially working with the coaches and the different teams, and we’ve already seen three players from the U17s invited to train with the first team,” he said.

“Now we’re going to take the next step and start with really implementing the vision and philosophy that I’ve put forward.

“I just felt one year as a technical director wasn’t enough and that I needed to be here for a few years to see the results of what we’ve been working on.

“Three years is a good time to see some fruit on the tree. But I’ve also been very open about my desire to get back into senior football and that, if a good offer comes up during that period, I’d seriously consider it.”