Heitinga joins West Ham as Moyes unveils new-look coaching team
Left to right: Henry Newman, John Heitinga, David Moyes and Mark Robson
Written by Training Ground Guru — September 5, 2023
FORMER Holland international John Heitinga has been appointed as an assistant at West Ham after manager David Moyes named his new-look backroom staff for 2023/24.
Moyes has had gaps to fill following the departures of assistants Paul Nevin and Mark Warburton since the end of last season.
Heitinga, who played under Moyes at Everton, was Interim Head Coach at Ajax from January to the end of last season after the departure of Alfred Schreuder. He helped turn around the club’s season, winning 11 of his final 16 matches in charge.
The Dutchman had coached in Ajax’s Academy after finishing his playing career, leading the Under-19s for four years and then the reserves before stepping up to first-team duties.
The UEFA Pro Licence holder won 87 caps for Holland and played for Everton from 2009 and 2014, predominantly under Moyes.
The Scotsman’s other new assistants will be: Mark Robson, who, as previously reported by TGG, who is stepping up from U21s Lead; and Henry Newman, who moves up from Opposition Analyst.
Newman has worked for the Hammers since January 2020 and is a UEFA A Licence coach. He was previously Interim Head Coach at Barnet in 2016/17 and has coached at Charlton and Brentford’s Academies.
Moyes’ existing staff are Billy McKinlay, Kevin Nolan and Goalkeeping Coach Xavi Valero, who remain in place for 2023/24.
“John, Mark and Henry will each bring experience in different areas and complement the strengths we already have in the coaching team alongside Billy, Kevin and Xavi,” the Scot said. "I look forward to working with them and building on the positive start we have made to the new season.
“John is someone I have known for a long time. He has gained some very good experience since beginning his coaching career in the Ajax Academy and working his way up to their first-team.
“Mark and Henry are both already familiar to everyone here at the club and have deserved the opportunity to step up within our structure.”
