FA to court Ajax guru
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE Ajax coach Louis Van Gaal is the latest name to be considered by the Football Association in their search for a new technical director to revitalise the English game.
The FA's chief executive, Graham Kelly, was in Amsterdam last Wednesday, and although he was representing Uefa as their official observer at Ajax's Champions League match against Grasshopper Zurich, he took the opportunity to meet Van Gaal for the first time and discuss the Ajax organisation with club officials.
"We are looking for somebody with presence, a communicator and educator who has a track record with professionals," Kelly said. "It would seem Van Gaal has these things. We are looking for somebody of stature and he is certainly somebody of stature."
The 44-year-old Van Gaal was a player with Ajax in the 1970s and has worked his way up from their youth development officer to head coach and technical director. Last season he led Ajax to the European Cup.
The FA are drawing up a list of possibles before deciding on a short list in the New Year. The appointment will be made after next summer's European Championship finals. So far five names have been linked with the job. Terry Venables, Howard Wilkinson and Roy Hodgson, the new coach of Internazionale, have ruled themselves out, leaving the French technical director Gerard Houllier and the former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh.
The new man will be responsible for the development of the game in this country at all levels, starting with primary schools. A widespread shortage of proper coaching there has led to a call by the former England midfielder Trevor Brooking for the FA to launch an initiative to improve the input of parents.
Dutch lessons, page 30
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments