De Haan ready for long goodbye

'More to life'
The 60-year-old has been with Heerenveen since 1985, as assistant coach, head of youth development, and since 1992, head coach. "I am announcing my departure now so everyone can get used to the idea," he said. "There is more to life than football and I want to have more space in my life."

'I did not need more money'
De Haan, who hopes to remain at the club in some capacity, has rejected several offers to leave Heerenveen down the year. "Why does a coach normally leave a club?" he said. "Because he needs a new challenge or can make more money. Well, I did not need the money, and at Heerenveen I could fulfil most of my ambitions. I did not want to desert them."

Greatest achievement
De Haan's record at the Abe Lenstra stadium has been outstanding. He led Heerenveen to promotion in 1992/93, as well as two losing appearances in the Dutch Cup final in 1993 and 1997. However, his greatest achievement came in 1999/00 when Heerenveen finished second in the league and qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

Intertoto success
Currently in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, the club are favourites to reach the semi-finals, having beaten K. Lierse SK of Belgium 4-1 in a third round first-leg tie last Sunday.