John Heitinga was unfairly judged by Ajax Amsterdam, and it is great that he can now resume his coaching career under David Moyes at West Ham United.
That’s according to his brother-in-law, Dutch icon Boudewijn Zenden, who believes the Dutch side were wrong to treat the former defender as they did.
Heitinga took temporary charge at Ajax last season following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder, stepping up from his role with Jong Ajax to see the Eredivisie club through to the end of the season.
At one point it appeared he would be given the job on a permanent basis but that was quickly taken away in the summer, with Ajax deciding to hire Maurice Steijn instead.
That left Heitinga looking for work and he’s now signed for West Ham, reuniting with David Moyes, whom he worked alongside at Everton during his playing career, this time joining as part of the Scot’s coaching team.
The move ha been praised in some quarters, with the belief Heitinga has joined the Hammers to try and get his enjoyment back from football after the difficulties at Ajax last season.
Zenden doesn’t back that up but does say the opportunity is a nice one for his brother-in-law after the way he has been treated.
“If you look at John, Ajax has had matches in which Brian Brobbey stood alone in front of the goalkeeper three times, but the ball did not go in,” he said.
“Ultimately, John is judged as a trainer by the new technical director, while he had stepped in to help Ajax with a selection that was not his and a staff that was not his.
“It is great for John that he has now resumed his career as assistant to David Moyes at West Ham United.”
