The Melbourne Heart Syndicate has confirmed its desire to make an impact in the Hyundai A-League by securing former Dutch international John van ‘t Schip as its inaugural head coach.
The Melbourne Heart Syndicate has confirmed its desire to make an impact in the Hyundai A-League by securing former Dutch international John van ‘t Schip as its inaugural head coach.
After an extensive search, van ‘t Schip emerged as the premier candidate to take the reigns at Australia-s latest football institution, signing a two-year deal to lead the club into its debut campaign.
Having spent the last six years honing his craft under footballing great Marco van Basten as an assistant at both Ajax Amsterdam and the Netherlands national team, van ‘t Schip is arguably the most highly credentialed manager to head down under in two decades.
The 45-year-old has also previously completed a stint as head coach of Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente, the club which is currently home to Qantas Socceroos David Carney and Nikita Rukavytsya.
Van ‘t Schip said his decision to move to Australia and fill the head coaching role with the Heart Syndicate was inspired by his love for a challenge, and the professionalism of the Hyundai A-League-s latest expansion club.
“I love the game, I’m passionate for football and the challenge that I see here is unique, because you can help build a club from scratch. That was for me, very important also,” he said.
“I’ve worked in Holland and Holland is great country to work in, but the thing that got me was the challenge to go abroad again. It-s not that I only want to work in the Dutch League or the European leagues.
“I think it-s good to have your attention around different parts of the world.”
As a player, van ‘t Schip collected 41 senior caps for the Netherlands across his career, earning selection for the 1990 World Cup and Euro -92, in addition to his crowning glory as a member of the Oranje, winning Euro -88, confirming his outstanding footballing pedigree.
At club level, van ‘t Schip was able to forge a significant legacy, claiming a swag of winners medals with European giants Ajax Amsterdam across an 11-year period, including the 1987 Cup Winners Cup and 1992 UEFA Cup.
Van ‘t Schip closed out his professional career with a spell in the Serie A with Genoa during a period when the Italian league was undoubtedly the most talent laden in the world.
Melbourne Heart Syndicate Chairman Peter Sidwell said van ‘t Schip-s signing is an obvious sign of the club-s ongoing ambition and determination to establish a culture of footballing excellence.
“He has a background that is second to none,” he said. “John represents very much what will be the culture of our club into the future.
“Our club in large measure will be determined by the character, nature and personality of the coach.
“It’s that sense of understanding and responsibility that gives us such excitement about the appointment.”
