fc utrecht's next manager could reshape the club's future
Utrecht, donderdag, 26 februari 2026.
fc utrecht is closing in on a decision to replace outgoing manager ron jans. two names dominate the search: rick kruys and maurice steijn. kruys brings deep ties to the club as a former player and assistant, fueling emotional appeal among some supporters. yet his current contract with fc volendam until 2028 complicates any move. steijn, meanwhile, offers immediate availability. his contract with sparta rotterdam ends this summer. he’s already proving his worth by guiding sparta to a strong seventh place. the board must now choose between loyalty and experience. both options carry risk. neither guarantees fan approval. but one choice will define utrecht’s direction beyond this season.
kruys and steijn emerge as frontrunners for utrecht job
FC Utrecht has identified Rick Kruys and Maurice Steijn as its leading candidates to succeed Ron Jans after the current season [1]. Jans announced earlier this season that he would retire, prompting Utrecht to accelerate its managerial search [2]. Both Kruys and Steijn bring Eredivisie head coaching experience, fulfilling the club’s preference for proven leadership [1][2]. The decision comes during a transitional phase for the club, currently eighth in the league standings [3]. While Kruys offers historical alignment, Steijn presents a ready-made solution due to contractual flexibility [2].
rick kruys’ deep roots spark debate
Rick Kruys, currently manager of FC Volendam, maintains a profound connection with FC Utrecht through years as a player, assistant under Dick Advocaat, and brief interim head coach [2]. His father, Gert Kruys, serves as club ambassador, further strengthening familial ties [1]. Despite these links, Kruys faces resistance among segments of the supporter base [3]. Fan site FC Utrecht Net recorded significant opposition in polls and comments, citing concerns over nepotism and tactical approach [3]. Moreover, his existing contract with FC Volendam runs until mid-2028, necessitating a buyout clause payment [2].
steijn offers stability without financial burden
Maurice Steijn, aged 52, leads Sparta Rotterdam to a strong seventh-place finish in the Eredivisie despite limited resources [1]. His contract expires at the end of the 2025–2026 campaign, allowing Utrecht to sign him on a free transfer if no extension occurs [2]. This makes Steijn a financially efficient option compared to Kruys [2]. According to De Telegraaf, Steijn is considered the preferred candidate among experienced profiles [1]. However, Sparta aims to extend his tenure, creating competition for Utrecht’s interest [2]. His ability to develop competitive squads aligns with Utrecht’s strategic ambitions [1].
fan sentiment divided amid leadership transition
Supporter opinions remain sharply split regarding the managerial succession [3]. A poll published by AD indicates low confidence in internal favorites: Anthony Correia led with 53%, followed by Danny Buijs at 20%, Steijn at 16%, and Kruys at just 11% [3]. Analyst Valentijn Driessen supports Kruys based on familiarity with the club culture, calling it logical despite controversy [3]. Former player Arno Vermeulen emphasizes the need for long-term vision rather than sentimental appointments [4]. Ultimately, large shareholder Frans van Seumeren acknowledges tension between appointing a seasoned coach or a younger project leader [1].
strategic implications shape utrecht’s decision-making
The incoming manager will inherit a squad focused on consolidation above relegation battles [3]. With 31 points after 24 matches, Utrecht sits eight points above ninth-placed Groningen but trails seventh-place Sparta by six [3]. Immediate objectives include securing European qualification spots or cup progression [3]. Candidates such as Danny Buijs and Anthony Correia also entered early discussions, reflecting broad evaluation criteria [3]. Yet Kruys and Steijn dominate executive conversations according to media reports [1][2]. Any appointment must balance sporting ambition, financial prudence, and compatibility with club identity moving forward [3].