Edward Sturing has been appointed to replace the suspended Mike Snoei as coach of struggling Eredivisie club Vitesse.

Sturing has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until 2005. It is the third time in as many years that the former youth coach has taken charge of the club in mid-season

“I am fully convinced, 100 per cent, that this team can stay in the Eredivisie,” he said.

“All that matters now is the attitude of the players in games. If that’s OK the qualities can come to the surface again. But for now I need players that battle. That they have more than enough quality I know from last season. With this team we were able to play in the UEFA Cup.”

“I was asked by Vitesse to become their coach and to such a request I cannot say no. I have been at this club for 16 years and have gone through so many things here. The coming two months are so decisive for the club, even for its existence. If they call upon me at such a moment I have to say yes.”

The future of Snoei remains. Suspended by the club, he mayreturn as youth coach for next season.