Controversial former Reading chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has taken up a role at Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.

The vastly-experienced businessman has over 25 years in football, making his name in a five-year stint at Champions League winners Chelsea.

Arriving with the Royals in 2017, his time was an unmitigated disaster, linked heavily to high wages and a disenfranchised staff.

The Scot was with Championship side West Brom from 2022 until 2023- another side with a fanbase frustrated with a Chinese owner.

According to the press release, Gourlay's appointment is 'aligned with Al-Ahli Saudi Club's Company overarching strategy as well as the transformation of the sports sector to meet the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, through attracting esteemed talent to improve the club's competitiveness and develop the sports sector as a whole.'  

Co-owned by the same investment fund at Newcastle United, Al-Ahli has won 34 official championships