Jans holds firm at Groningen

FC Groningen coach Ron Jans has committed himself to the Dutch club for two more years as his side prepare for the home leg of their UEFA Cup tie against ACF Fiorentina.

Ongoing process
The 48-year-old's new contract will expire in 2010. Jans is in his sixth season with the team known as 'The Pride of the North' having been appointed in October 2002 as successor to Dwight Lodeweges. He is the longest-serving coach in the Eredivisie. "Although this is my sixth season at Groningen, we are still in the process of developing the club," he said. "I do not see this process ending any time soon, so I am glad to be able to continue my work here." A Groningen player between 1982 and 1984, he has taken the side into the UEFA Cup in the last two seasons.