In a significant move for the club, PEC Zwolle has announced the appointment of Henry van der Vegt as their new head coach, effective from the start of next season. Van der Vegt, currently serving as the assistant to Johnny Jansen, will take over the reins after Jansen's departure, which comes as a result of his contract not being extended. The 53-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the helm until the summer of 2027, marking his first role as a head coach.
Van der Vegt's journey in football has been extensive. He played as a midfielder for PEC Zwolle for many years before stints at Willem II and the Italian side Udinese. His playing career was cut short at the age of 28 due to cardiac arrhythmias, but he quickly transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career with the youth academy of PEC Zwolle in 2017 and has been an integral part of the technical staff since the 2019-2020 season.
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Van der Vegt stated, "I have had a strong ambition to become a head coach for a long time. It feels like the right moment to take this step and further develop the team, staff, and club." He emphasized the significance of taking on this role at PEC Zwolle, a club he has been associated with for a long time.
PEC Zwolle is currently in a strong position to secure their place in the Eredivisie for next season. With three matches remaining, they sit in fourteenth place, holding a nine-point advantage over Willem II, who are in sixteenth place. A single point from their remaining fixtures will ensure their safety in the league.
Technical director Gerry Hamstra elaborated on the decision to appoint Van der Vegt, highlighting his clear football vision and ambition. "With Henry, we have chosen a head coach who possesses the PEC DNA and is fully committed to a top-sport mentality. His leadership style and ambition to improve players have been evident in our discussions," Hamstra noted.
Jansen's tenure as head coach will conclude at the end of this season after two years in charge. Hamstra believes that bringing in a new face will help the club take the next step forward. "It’s good to have a new face in front of the group, with whom we want to make progress," he added.
As Van der Vegt prepares to step into his new role, he reflects on his long-standing relationship with the club. Having played and worked within the organization for many years, he is well aware of the challenges and expectations that come with being the head coach of PEC Zwolle.
The official presentation of Henry van der Vegt as the new head coach will take place after the current season concludes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter for both the coach and the club.
