Van Marwijk to succeed Van Basten as Dutch coach

Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk has agreed a two-year contract from July 1 to succeed Marco van Basten as coach of the Netherlands, the Dutch football association (KNVB) said yesterday. Van Basten, who took charge in 2004, had said after the Dutch...

Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk has agreed a two-year contract from July 1 to succeed Marco van Basten as coach of the Netherlands, the Dutch football association (KNVB) said yesterday.

Van Basten, who took charge in 2004, had said after the Dutch qualified for Euro 2008 that he would step down following the June tournament in Switzerland and Austria. He will take over as coach of Ajax next season.

"We are pleased with this agreement as Bert was on our shortlist from the beginning," KNVB director Henk Kessler said in a statement.

"He made his name on a domestic level but also internationally. Now we will handle the final details about the composition of the technical staff."

"This is the highest level you can reach as coach," said the 55-year-old Van Marwijk.

"It is a fantastic prospect and a big challenge to work with the best Dutch players.

"I am pleased that the players and board of Feyenoord allowed me (to take) this job."

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