FAI appoint the brilliantly named Ruud Dokter as their new High Performance Director

RUUD DOKTER HAS been named as the FAI’s new High Performance Director.

The Dutchman, who has coached a number of the Netherlands’ underage teams as well as their senior women’s side, replaces compatriot Wim Koevermans after he departed for the Indian national job last summer.

He has also previously coached the Qatar U20s and spent time working in the US.

Dokter, 57, will begin on August 1 and look after the men’s programme, with exception of the senior squad, as well as the women’s and underage groups and the Emerging Talent Programme.

“I am really looking forward to taking up the role of High Performance Director for the FAI. I will be getting involved in Irish football at an exciting time for the game here with the emergence of many promising young players and solid performances at underage international level.

“My first priority will be to cultivate relationships with those people who invest so much time in nurturing young Irish talent, provide a good sense of direction and influencing everyone to work together.

Ireland has a fine footballing tradition and I want to build on that, using my experience to optimise the development of the coming generation of elite players.”

FAI chief executive John Delaney added: “Ruud will be working closely with all of the affiliates involved in Irish football with an emphasis on coaching and the development of our elite player pathway.

“His experience will be a great addition to the Association and we look forward to having him on board.”

5 things to look out for in tonight’s Airtricity League games

Martin O’Neill hits back after Sunderland exit