Robin van Persie secures impressive first senior managerial role

In a piece of news that is guaranteed to make you feel old, former Manchester United, Arsenal and Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie has secured his first job as a senior head coach.

The 40-year-old, who decided to hang up his boots at the end of the 2019/20 campaign following a stellar career, went on to work under Arne Slot as a striker coach at Feyenoord.

He impressed many with his methods and in 2022, he was invited to spend the week at his former stomping ground by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Van Persie, who scored 58 goals in 105 appearances during a trophy-laden three-year spell at Old Trafford, posed for pictures with Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri during their winter camp in Andalusia.

The Dutchman also revealed that he rejected an offer from Ten Hag to become part of the United coaching staff in the summer of 2022, when the former Ajax boss took charge.

But now, after getting the necessary coaching badges to make the grade, Van Persie has taken his first steps into senior management by taking the job at Eredivisie side Heerenveen.

Van Persie says he is looking forward to a new challenge at De Superfriezen, who currently sit 10th in the Eredivisie table after 10 wins from a possible 33, and is enthusiastic about the conversations he's had with the club.

"The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I practice it with great passion and pleasure," he said after being handed the role.

"I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal. I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that sc Heerenveen offers me.

"Heerenveen is a very nice Premier League club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters. It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach."

Van Persie has been coaching Feyenoord’s under-18s and under-19s this season but is said to have turned down an offer to manage their under-21s team in favour of a more senior role.

Brian Pinas, a former Feyenoord player, will be part of Van Persie's coaching staff at Heerenveen alongside Paul Simonis, Henk Brugge and goalkeeping coach Ruud Hesp.

Nico Romeijn, a specialist development coach, and video analyst Yöri Bosschaar will also come over from Feyenoord, with Romeijn contributing to the development of their coaching staff.