Soccer: Koeman is new Ajax coach

Ajax have confirmed the appointment of Ronald Koeman as coach.

The club have agreed compensation with Vitesse Arnhem, where the former Dutch international was in charge, and today announced the return of Koeman to the club he once played for.

He replaces Co Adriaanse, who was sacked by the Dutch giants on Thursday.

Koeman, 38, had not been happy at Vitesse Arnhem and was on the verge of walking out on the club in September after their surprise defeat in the Amstel Cup against Fortuna.

His return to Amsterdam is sure to be welcomed by the fans, who had grown disenchanted with Adriaanse after a bad run of results.

As a player, Koeman won four Dutch championships with his first coming at Ajax in the 1984-85 season.

Ajax won the Dutch Cup in his third season at the club before PSV Eindhoven signed him in 1986.

Koeman will coach the club for the first time tomorrow night against Fortuna Sittard at the Amsterdam Arena.