He will replace Martin van Geel, who left recently with tthe rest of the outgoing administration. Blind had been employed as technical director at Sparta Rotterdam, with his new employers successfully negotiating the terms of his release.

Blind's main duties will involve work with the youth academy, scouting and transfers. Incoming head coach Marco van Basten believes his help will be invaluable.

He told the club's official website: "I am very happy that Danny has joined us. Because of the departure of Martin, I would have too many affairs on my plate.

"I want to be able to focus my attention on the first team. It was necessary that we would sign a successor as soon as possible. Important months are coming, which will have an influence on the coming seasons.

"Danny knows the ins and outs of this club. I have much trust in him. We have spoken in detail about who will do what and I am looking forward to our co-operation."

43-year-old Blind officially starts work on May 15, ahead of the arrival of van Basten and his assistants John van't Schip and Rob Witschge from the national team. All three are former teammates of Blind, who spent 13 years as a player at the Amsterdam ArenA.

He said: "There are two clubs in my life, who have played an important role in my life. They are Ajax and Sparta Rotterdam. When I signed as technical director at Sparta Rotterdam, it was for four years.

"I was convinced that I would stay there for four years. We nevertheless put some conditions in the contract which made it possible to leave, if the possibility occurred.

"I have worked at Sparta Rotterdam with much pleasure but this offer I could simply not refuse."

Blind also served Ajax in an ill-fated one-year spell as coach in 2005 and has experience of the youth set-up, having previously headed the youth academy.

He will also be able to call on the help of another two former teammates in Aron Winter and Frank de Boer, who are now youth coaches at the club.