Rutten to succeed Koeman at Feyenoord

Fred Rutten has been appointed to succeed Ronald Koeman as Feyenoord coach next season.

Rutten, 51, has signed a one-year deal starting on 1 July, when Koeman had previously announced he would end his three terms at the De Kuip helm. A defender that spent his entire playing career at FC Twente, Rutten went on to coach that club and later PSV Eindhoven, FC Schalke 04 and Vitesse, who he left last summer.

"As visiting coach I have visited De Kuip often," Rutten said. "Every time I got that special feeling that we did not only have to beat the team in Feyenoord, but also De Kuip with that unique atmosphere from those truly loyal fans. I have already thought that it must be fantastic to be able to work for this club. Now that will happen and I am really looking forward to that."

Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel, whose side currently lie fourth in the Eredivisie, four points off second place and a UEFA Champions League berth, added: "After Koeman we preferred to have an experienced leading Dutch trainer in charge of our squad again. So it is very nice that you can easily and smoothly reach an agreement with someone who was high on our list. Fred Rutten is an experienced coach who has proved to be able to make players better and have his teams play attractive football."