De Graafschap loses trainer Marinus Dijkhuizen to VVV-Venlo. The 54-year-old trainer signs a two-year contract with VVV-Venlo. Dijkhuizen was previously working for De Graafschap and had a breakthrough as a trainer at Excelsior. He achieved great success with Excelsior and was later picked up by Brentford. After a disappointing adventure in England, Dijkhuizen worked for NAC Breda, SC Cambuur, FC Utrecht and again for Excelsior. Now he makes a transfer-free move from Doetinchem to Venlo, where he will succeed Peter Uneken. 'We are very enthusiastic that we have been able to appoint Marinus after an extensive and careful process', said technical director of VVV Lino Dörrer. 'In the many conversations we had with each other, it became clear that there is a strong match. Not only on a personal level, but also in the vision for the future of VVV-Venlo.' 'The conversations with VVV were extensive and thorough, which gave me a good feeling', added Dijkhuizen. 'There is a clear plan with a lot of ambition. We want to set up and develop a talented and ambitious team together. I have already gone through this process with Excelsior and De Graafschap and it speaks to me again now.'