Former Egypt manager Saleh suddenly handed in his resignation following Smouha's 1-0 defeat by Military Production on Thursday in their maiden top-division appearance.

Reports said that he opted to leave the Alexandria-based club to work as a television pundit.

Smouha have quickly found a replacement in Neveu, who is no stranger to Egyptian football having managed Ismaili for six months in 2007.

"We reached an agreement with Neveu that will see him take charge of the first team," Smouha's vice-president Ismail Fayed told FilGoal.com.

"He will arrive in Alexandria on Sunday night to officially sign the contract."

Neveu, 56, has recently left DR Congo after two years at the helm.