VV Diepenveen has extended the collaboration with head coach Patrick Kieftenbelt and assistant coach Yoël Finke for a year. With this, the village club once again opts for peace, recognisability and continuity. Both trainers will also be at the helm of the first team together next season.
This time the chairman and board did not have to think long. The playing group clearly expressed confidence in the technical staff, and the feeling was mutual. “Patrick and Yoël have visibly improved the group in recent times, both in terms of play and mentality,” says the club management.
From crisis to direction
The contract extension is also a logical continuation of last season. Then Kieftenbelt – at the club’s request – took over halfway through the year in a difficult phase. The Deventer, who has been associated with VV Diepenveen for more than fifteen years, gave the team new impetus and subsequently remained active as head coach.
“I’ve actually done everything here,” he said at the time, laughing Deventer Football. “From youth coach to head coach, but it remains special to work with this group. This is my club.”
That bond with the club is now firmly established. Since 2015, Kieftenbelt has been continuously active within the youth and senior department of Diepenveen. He now combines his work at De Zunnebargh sports park with a position in the youth academy of Go Ahead Eagles, where he leads the Under 14s – the team that recently became champions.
New energy in addition to experience
Assistant coach Yoël Finke also remains on board. The former goalkeeper, who played for Diepenveen two seasons ago, grew rapidly in his role as trainer. Last season he was also responsible for Diepenveen Under 23 and is an example for young trainers within the club.
The duo complement each other well: Kieftenbelt brings experience, structure and a keen eye for talent development, Finke brings energy, fresh ideas and a natural fit with the group of players.
Peace and recognizability
With the extension of the two trainers, VV Diepenveen emphatically opts for stability. After a period of mixed results, the club hopes to rebuild in the coming seasons based on a recognizable playing style and a technical staff that knows the club inside and out.
The board speaks of “a well-considered choice that fits the identity of VV Diepenveen”. “We want to move forward, but in our own way: with people from the region who understand the club.”
