Van ’t Schip who left the A-League club suddenly mid-season to be with his ill father, who has since passed away, signed a two-year deal with the Eredivise outfit.

The 53-year-old will replace current manager Ron Jans after this season, taking the reins at the former club of Socceroo Trent Sainsbury.

PEC president Adriaan Visser told the club's website: “After Ron had indicated in the winter not to renew his contract, the club took the time to critically examine our current structure. 

"What is going well? Where we can still make a profit? Such questions were discussed internally. 

"When we clearly got the desired structure and profile of the new head coach, we arrived - after having held talks with several candidates - at the conclusion that John best fits this profile."