Verbeek handed new AZ deal

AZ Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek has pledged his future to the Eredivisie side by signing a contract extension until June 2015.

Verbeek, 49, joined AZ in 2010 and was originally contracted to club until 2013.

But after turning the Alkmaar side into title contenders this season, he has been rewarded with a two-year extension.

“I am happy,” Verbeek told reporters after signing the new deal.

“I have been here for a year and a half and I have a pleasant relationship with everybody.”

“In the Netherlands there are not many clubs that suit me. For me it is very important to work with the right people, people you can trust. This is the case here. That’s why this is the right club for me.”

AZ technical director Earnest Stewart expressed his delight in the former Feyenoord coach agreeing to the extension.

“Verbeek fits in with the philosophy of the club,” Stewart said.

“He knows how we want to work. Gertjan has the ability to help players improve and we’re proud that he’s staying with us.”

Former Heerenveen player Verbeek guided AZ to a fourth-place finish in his first season as coach last term.