Socceroos coaching staff strengthened

Football Federation Australia today announced that Henk Duut has been added to the Socceroos coaching staff in the role of Assistant Coach.

Football Federation Australia today announced that Henk Duut has been added to the Socceroos coaching staff in the role of Assistant Coach.

The 43-year-old who was most recently active as the Assistant Coach at major Dutch club Feyenoord, will work as second assistant behind Graham Arnold and under newly named Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek.

Duut had a ten-year playing career in the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard before commencing his coaching career. He coached Fortuna Sittard and Japanese club Oita Trinita before assisting Verbeek with Netherlands Antilles national team. In June 2004 he was appointed assistant at Feyenoord under Dutch legend Ruud Gullit and remained in the role until mid 2007.

"We are very pleased to add Henk to our technical staff where his experience and expertise will be important during the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign," said Football Federation Chief Executive Officer Ben Buckley.

"Some of the main tasks of the role will be to scout future opponents and also to play a significant role in monitoring the progress of our many European-based players."

"This is an extremely important role especially being our eyes and ears in Europe, and we will provide Henk with all the support needed to deliver his responsibilities effectively."

The appointment will also provide additional cover, in recognition of the heavy schedule involving Graham Arnold in his role as Qantas Under 23s coach as that team prepares for the 2008 Olympic Games.