Former AFC Ajax and Greece national team head coach, John van ‘t Schip, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Armenian national team, reports the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA). The FFA announced the decision on Monday following approval from the FFA Executive Committee. Former Netherlands international Aron Winter will serve as his assistant coach.
FFA President Armen Melikbekyan introduced van ‘t Schip to the FFA Executive Committee, which unanimously approved his candidacy for the position. Born on December 30, 1963, the 61-year-old Dutch manager will assume his duties starting March 1, 2025, under a 1+1 contract format.
Playing Career
Van ‘t Schip had a distinguished career as a professional footballer:
- Netherlands National Team (1986-1992) ” 41 games, 2 goals
- AFC Ajax (Netherlands) (1981-1992) ” 273 games, 29 goals
- Genoa (Italy) (1992-1996) ” 107 games, 11 goals
As a player, he won the 1988 UEFA European Championship with the Netherlands. At the club level, he claimed multiple titles with AFC Ajax, including:
- 4 Dutch league titles (Eredivisie) (1981-82, 1982-83, 1984-85, 1989-90)
- 3 Dutch Cups (KNVB Cup) (1982-83, 1985-86, 1986-87)
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1986-87)
- UEFA Cup (now Europa League) (1991-92)
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, van ‘t Schip moved into coaching, taking charge of several clubs and national teams:
- 1997-2000 ” AFC Ajax (Under-17 & Under-19 teams)
- 2000-2001 ” AFC Ajax (Assistant Coach)
- 2001-2002 ” Twente FC
- 2002-2004 ” Jong Ajax (Ajax’s reserve team)
- 2004-2008 ” Netherlands National Team (Assistant Coach to Marco van Basten)
- 2008-2010 ” AFC Ajax (Assistant Coach)
- 2009 ” AFC Ajax (Interim Head Coach)
- 2010-2012 ” Melbourne Heart (Australia)
- 2012-2013 ” Chivas Guadalajara (Mexico)
- 2013-2017 ” Melbourne City (Australia) ” Won the 2016 Australian Cup
- 2017-2018 ” PEC Zwolle
- 2019-2021 ” Greece National Team
- 2023-2024 ” AFC Ajax
Van ‘t Schip brings decades of international experience, having coached both club and national teams. His time leading the Greek national team and multiple Dutch clubs highlights his ability to build competitive squads and introduce a modern footballing approach.
Armenian football fans will be eager to see how van ‘t Schip leads the national team as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.
