Sturing prospect for Vitesse

Edward Sturing has replaced the suspended Mike Snoei as coach of SBV Vitesse, after signing a contract to keep him at the club until 2005.

Third takeover
Former youth coach Sturing has taken charge of the club in mid-season for the third time in as many years after Snoei was suspended from his position last Thursday. In 2000, he took over from the sacked Herbert Neumann and last season, took the club to fifth place in the Eredivisie table after Ronald Koeman left to join AFC Ajax.

Youth responsibility
Last summer Sturing - a former Vitesse player - agreed a five-year deal to head the Arnhem side's youth department, and he has signed a similar term of contract as head coach. He must now dedicate himself to dragging the club away from the relegation zone in the Netherlands, where they sit 15th in the 18-team Eredivisie table.

'Players that battle'
"I am fully convinced, 100 per cent, that this team can stay in the Eredivisie," he said. "All that matters now is the attitude of the players in games. If that's OK the qualities can come to the surface again. But for now I need players that battle. That they have more than enough quality I know from last season. With this team we were able to play in the UEFA Cup."

Vitesse responsibility
Reflecting on his decision to take charge, Sturing added: "I was asked by Vitesse to become their coach and to such a request I cannot say no. I have been at this club for 16 years and have gone through so many things here. The coming two months are so decisive for the club, even for its existence. If they call upon me at such a moment I have to say yes."

'Yellow-and-black blood'
Sturing has appointed Frits van den Berk and Jan Jongbloed as his assistants. "Them coming back to the first team was a condition for me to sign," he said. "I know these two people. They have been with the club for years too and have, just like me, yellow-and-black blood."

Uncertain fate
It is not yet know what will happen to Snoei who remains suspended by the club. Because of their precarious financial situation, Vitesse are unlikely to be able to sack the 39-year-old coach, but it is likely that he will return as youth coach for the coming season.