Bert van Marwijk is the new Netherlands coach 04/03/2008 00:00

Bert van Marwijk will become Dutch national team coach after Euro 2008 in succession of Marco van Basten, the Dutch football federation KNVB confirmed on Monday.

4 March 2008

THE HAGUE - Bert van Marwijk will become Dutch national team coach after Euro 2008 in succession of Marco van Basten, the Dutch football federation KNVB confirmed on Monday.

The KNVB said in a statement that Van Marwijk is to receive a contract from July 1 onwards until the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for which the Dutch hope to qualify. The 55-year-old is currently at the helm of Feyenoord Rotterdam.

He will take over from van Basten after the 7-29 June Euro finals in Austria and Switzerland. Van Basten moves on to become Ajax Amsterdam coach from next season onwards.

"This is the biggest job as a coach," said van Marwijk. "It is a huge challenge to work with the best Dutch players. If you get such an opportunity you must grab it."

The official presentation is due to take place on 31 March. KNVB boss Henk Kessler said he was happy with van Marwijk as the 38th Dutch coach.

"We are delighted about the agreement. Bert was on our list from the start. He has gained national and international merits," said Kessler.

Van Marwijk was Feyenoord coach 2000-2004, winning the UEFA Cup 2002 against German side Borussia Dortmund. He then moved on to Dortmund until 2006 and rejoined Feyenoord last year.

[Copyright dpa 2008]