Ajax has officially named John van ‘t Schip as the interim head coach of Ajax 1. The former Ajax player has signed a contract with the club, effective from October 30, 2023, through June 30, 2025. Additionally, Van ‘t Schip and Ajax have agreed that he will assume a position in the technical management starting from July 1, 2024.
In another key appointment, Michael Valkanis, who served as the head coach at Hapoel Tel Aviv until today, will take on the role of assistant coach. Valkanis, an Australian born on August 23, 1974, and a previous collaborator with Van ‘t Schip at the Greek national team, Melbourne City, and PEC Zwolle, has signed a contract that runs until June 30, 2024. Hedwiges Maduro, who briefly filled the role of head coach last week, will return to his position as assistant coach. Starting today, temporary assistant coach Dave Vos will resume his duties as the head coach of Jong Ajax.
Welcome back, John van ‘t Schip! ❌❌❌
Advertisement— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 30, 2023
Jan van Halst, commenting on the appointment, said, “John is a true Ajax player who has gained a wealth of experience at home and abroad, both on and off the field. We believe he is the right person to positively impact the team’s performance, starting with his role as head coach with the first team. In the longer term, another technical role will be on the horizon for him. John has previously collaborated effectively with Michael Valkanis as an assistant coach, and we see Michael as a valuable addition to our technical staff.”
John van ‘t Schip expressed his excitement, saying, “I am pleased that everything is now finalized, and I am greatly looking forward to beginning at the club where it all started for me. From the discussions I’ve had with everyone involved, I have a very positive feeling. Ajax must quickly regain its sporting momentum, and I am eager to contribute to that.”
