Van Hanegem to quit FC Utrecht after this season

Monday 22 December 2008

FC Utrecht coach Willem van Hanegem has announced he will quit as coach of FC Utrecht after this season.

As a reason he states that his position has been abused during the aftermath of the dismissal of his four assistants.

"I have been used as a shield in that affair, as a scapegoat really. They had me smeared while it was clear to management how things really went. I don't mind, but there hasn't been any contact with the club's owner Van Seumeren since and that is a bit sad," Van Hanegem says in his weekly column in the Algemeen Dagblad.

"When the decision to fire these guys was due I was offered a contract extension. I thought that was bad timing. Since then I have come under the impression - now that things are quiet again - they might just want to get rid of me as well. There is no other way I can interpret that lack of communication. I will save the boss the trouble and quit."

Van Hanegem also says that Van Seumeren's interference with the club's football policy annoys him.

"That submarine says he doesn't know much of football, but in the mean time he is the one who decides everything. This way things will never work out for the club. There are all sorts of personal interests at play that do not serve the benefit of the club."

With the arbitration case of keepers trainer Maarten Arts due Monday night Van Hanegem thought it wise to open up on things.

He will have to testify and wants to speak the truth.

"They even wanted to have me sign a statement about what I was going to say. What's gone into them? I shall speak at that arbitration case and it will be in favor of Maarten."