7 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Francisco Chalo takes reins at Naval

Goalkeeper Dani re-signs; striker Nei attracting interest

Naval will have a new coach next season and as they appointed Francisco Chalo for the position. This will be the ex-Feirense tactician’s first foray into the top flight as Chalo has spent his entire coaching career in the lower ranks of Portuguese football.

Chalo will be the club’s fourth coach within the calendar year after the departures of Rogerio Goncalves, Mariano Baretto and interim coach Fernando Mira.

The side from the holiday resort of Figueira da Foz have also announced the re-signing of goalkeeper, Dani. It will be the Spaniard’s second spell at the club after having played for Naval between 2002 and 2004.

Club president, Aprigio Santos, confirmed the capture of the shot stopper and was delighted to have the player back.

“I am very satisfied with the return of Dani. I know him well. I consider him to be a man of great character and an excellent professional.” The 33-year-old’s contract will be for one year.

Naval are now facing a fight to keep hold of their top goal scorer, Nei. The striker scored 10 goals this past season and is attracting interest from across the continent. The next few days should be telling for player and club alike.

One club that keeps surfacing in the rumours is Romanian side, Cluj. The Romanians are not impartial to contracting from the Portuguese league as they can already boast 10 players from Portugal on their books.