Stam becomes assistant coach at Ajax

09/01/2013 1:25:00 AM

The ex-Lazio star will join the Dutch champions in July and will work alongside Frank de Boer and Dennis Bergkamp as he looks to develop as a coach with the Amsterdam outfit

Former Netherlands defender Jaap Stam has agreed to join Ajax as their assistant coach from the start of next season.

The 40-year-old has signed a deal until 2016 with the Dutch champions and will move to the Amsterdam ArenA after his contract with PEC Zwolle ends in July.

The former Manchester United and AC Milan centre-back admitted that he is looking forward to returning to the Dutch capital where he ended his playing career in 2007, while he hopes to continue to learn from working at one of the biggest sides in Europe.

"It's a new challenge at one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands," he told the PEC Zwolle website.

"I think it's nice to go back there since my playing career ended in Amsterdam.

"Moreover, I will experience how things work in the technical staff at a Dutch club. I hope I therefore continue to develop as a coach."

Stam will work alongside his former Netherlands team-mates Frank De Boer and Dennis Bergkamp at the Eredivisie winners, with his focus on the defensive side of the game.

Inside Goal.Com

The Dossier: Stop Martinez, stop Bayern
With the Mario Gotze missing through injury, Marco Reus will be charged with the task of stopping Javi Martinez from dictating proceedings in the middle of the park
Dortmund better off in final without Gotze
Sham Majid believes Borussia Dortmund will benefit - rather than be hurt - by the absence of Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze in Saturday's Champions League
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
The top-30 EAFF clubs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goal Asia will list its top-30 EAFF clubs, featuring the heavyweights of Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. This time, it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima who are the focus