Feyenoord Announce Fred Rutten as Koeman's Successor

Rotterdam club Feyenoord have confirmed that Fred Rutten will replace the outgoing Ronald Koeman as first-team coach this summer.

As Joe Wright of Goal.com reported, current manager Koeman had announced his departure earlier this month and is set to exit De Kuip this summer after three years in charge of De club aan de Maas.

Rutten, who is currently without a club having left Vitesse Arnhem last summer, will initially sign a one-year deal with the club.

The 51-year-old manager, who has enjoyed previous spells with fellow Eredivisie clubs FC Twente and PSV and a 12-month stint with German outfit Schalke, will officially take charge of Feyenoord on July 1.

Feyenoord will hope that Rutten can rediscover the midas touch which saw him named Coach of the Year in 2008, during his time at PSV. As per the club's official statement, technical director Martin van Geel is reportedly delighted with the appointment and is already looking to a bright future with the Dutchman at the helm.

The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Feyenoord saw their title dreams dashed by league leaders Ajax, after the Amsterdam club claimed a 2-1 victory in Rotterdam.

Rutten has expressed his personal joy at signing for the club and gave special praise to Feyenoord's fans. However, the future manager vowed to stay in the shadows in order to allow Koeman the best chance to complete his work in Rotterdam with a positive result.

Feyenoord currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie table, trailing FC Twente and Vitesse by four points. With eight games remaining, the Rotterdam giants remain in the hunt for Champions League football next season.

Rutten will be amongst those praying that they achieve their goal.

Do you think Rutten is the right man for the job? Post your views below.