Mansford has joined the club as part of a new-look set-up which sees Jordi Cryuff come in as team coach. The Dutchman steps into the dugout following a five-year spell as technical director.

Speaking to the Maccabi Tel Aviv website, Mansford said: “I am delighted to be joining the premier and most successful club in Israeli history.

“I look forward to working with chairman Mitch Goldhar and everyone at  Maccabi to bring further success on and off the pitch both in Israel and in Europe over the next few years for the Club’s magnificent supporters.”

Mansford spent the last year at Leeds following a three-year stint at Barnsley. A law graduate from the University of Leicester, he qualified as a solicitor in Leeds and specialises in sports-related issues. He also has experience working at leading sports management firm Wasserman where he managed professional athletes and advised on commercial licensing and sponsorship agreements.

Maccabi owner Mitch Goldhar commented: “Ben’s background and experience are a welcome addition to our senior management team and I am looking forward to Ben helping to lead the club forward on all fronts.”

(Photo courtesy of leedsunited.com)