Former Melbourne City boss Michael Valkanis has reunited with John van ‘t Schip, becoming the assistant to the Dutchman at Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle.
Valkanis has signed a one-year deal to join the Zwolle coaching staff – with the option of a second season – officially starting his new role in July.
It’s the 44-year-old’s first serious coaching gig since leaving City – where he was assistant to Warren Joyce – in November last year.
“What started for me as a dream has now become reality. I feel honoured to work at PEC Zwolle as an assistant to John van ‘t Schip,” Valkanis said on the PEC Zwolle website.
“The Eredivisie is one of the most beautiful competitions in Europe. I see plenty of challenges ahead of me and am looking forward to this season’s new club.
Michael Valkanis maakt 'Team Van 't Schip' compleet: https://t.co/6ojqAeMri8 #peczwolle pic.twitter.com/beJDvVwUnS
— PEC Zwolle (@PECZwolle) May 8, 2018
“Together with John and Gert Peter, the players and the blue-white supporters, we will do our best to take the next steps forward with PEC Zwolle. “
Valkanis has previously worked under van ‘t Schip at Melbourne City, with the pair guiding the club to win the 2016 FFA Cup.
He took the reins at City for the second half of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season, when van ‘t Schip suddenly quit the role to return to the Netherlands to be with his terminally ill father.
Zwolle completed their Eredivisie campaign on the weekend with a 6-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar to end the season in ninth position.
