New Melbourne Heart boss John van’t Schip is returning to lift the A-League’s worst side to the finals.
Formally announced as John Aloisi’s successor for the rest of the season on Monday afternoon, van’t Schip made the lofty declaration of ambition in conversations with the club over the weekend.
The foundation Heart boss has form – he led the club to its only finals appearance in his second season in charge.
Walking away from the role for “personal and professional” reasons after that game – a loss to Perth Glory in April 2012 – van’t Schip has since managed leading Mexican club Chivas and returned to Heart as a part-time technical manager in August this year.
Chief executive Scott Munn said van’t Schip was hungrier than ever following his spell with Chivas, but did not expect this level of ambition.
“John made it clear to me he was coming here to make the finals,” Munn said.
“He’s coming here thinking he’s got the talent to do it.”
Echoing a call from club chairman Peter Sidwell that Heart hadn’t given up on playing finals this season, van’t Schip confirmed as much himself.
“Melbourne Heart is a club that means a lot to me and deserves to be challenging for the finals,” he said in a club statement.
“I firmly believe we can turn the current situation around and produce some good results. There is still a lot of time left this season to change things and I am confident that we have a squad that can do that.”
Heart lie bottom with no wins and four draws from 12 games, six points from second last Wellington and 12 points from a finals berth.
Van’t Schip’s return to the club was confirmed two days after the axing of John Aloisi on Saturday.
With Heart football operations boss John Didulica, Munn prepared a number of options for the board’s consideration, including alternative targets as interim coach.
Munn said van’t Schip’s primary strengths were the stability he offered, his existing knowledge of the club and his tactical ability.
Van’t Schip will arrive in Melbourne in time for the club’s Friday training session and will travel with the squad for their match against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
The Heart will now begin a search for a long-term manager for the 2014/15 season onwards.
JOHN VAN’T SCHIP FACTFILE
Age: 50
Playing:
Netherlands national team – 41 caps, 2 goals
1981-1992 – Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands
1992-1995 – Genoa, Italy
Coach:
2001-03 FC Twente, Netherlands
2009 – Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands
2010-2012 – Melbourne Heart
2012-2013 – Chivas, Mexico
2014 – Melbourne Heart
Also assistant coach to Marco van Basten for the Netherlands national side.
Johan
Guest
I merely state that it matters not how he goes as manager of the heart unless you hail from working class Melbourne and like the heart in which case if may matter a tiny bit. What's the worst that could happen, there is no relagation after all. Just because peeps are working class such as tradies and other blue collar folks doesn't mean that their opinion is completely worthless stevo old boy!!! As an Aussie of Dutch aristocratic heritage I like to be generous and kind to working class folks most of whom I've noticed follow the global game. Some are even in my employ (in the warehouse naturally).
Stevo
Guest
Your contribution is incomprehensible. What are you saying?? You don't like the HeartFC? You follow some other HAL team?
Johnno
Guest
Johan why would he chill out on holidays for 2 years. His reputation is on the line, and if gets dismal results with Melb Heart JVS, may not get a another head coach gig. I think he is brave coming back, once bitten twice shy doesn't apply here. Brave call JVS, he'll need some good luck, JVS sure wants a challenge. And JVS did take Melb Heart to it;s only finals appearance, Johnny Aloisi has not even won a game or maybe 1 or 2, but plenty more losses. He was coaching Chivas in Mexico, so JVS has the hunger back for the A-league, and wants to make the finals this year.
Johan
Guest
This new coach should will take the coin and chill on holiday for a year or two. It matters not what the heart do they have few fans and even if they finish last can hardly be relegated in the ring fenced a league. Enjoy your holiday JVS. How much is the club worth anyway? 1.5 -2 million according to the experts. Chicken feed. Still if it makes the working classes of Melbourne happy then I guess it is worth it.
ken oldman
Guest
You don.t coach with Ajax or become an assistant coach to the great Marco Van Basten if you are not able to control egos of star footballers. Ajax have had for many many years one of the best youth academy set ups in the football world......unfortunately they are a selling club and their first team changes each year..............and JVS was involved with this club and will be a success with Heart if only the players will listen and be prepared to learn. I doubt that this will be the case somehow as most young players know everything and couldn.t care less about yesterdays man and if this scenario eventuates then I can hear the club and supporters saying that JVS 'couldn.t coach a choko vine to grow over a fence" Good luck JVS.
Scott
Guest
As a Heart supporter it's good to hear that he is hungry for success...let's hope he can convert that into wins. I hope the young players can get more of a run too Eg Garuccio Mauk - a big criticism for mine of Aloisi