Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10:46 am• Wessel Antes

Dick Lukkien will finish the season as head coach of FC Emmen, the club has announced via the official channels. The fifty-year-old Winschotenaar can therefore stay on, despite his transfer to fellow relegation candidate FC Groningen next summer. We thank everyone for the requested input. Our main goal is to maintain in the Eredivisie. We look forward to the upcoming matches with Dick, the players and the support of supporters and sponsors with confidence.

Technical manager Mike Willems speaks of a well-considered decision. “After Dick’s announced departure, we took the time to sort things out. We have spoken frequently with Dick himself and also with the players group and various stakeholders inside and outside the club. After these conversations, we have established that there is sufficient support at all levels to finish the season with Dick.” Although Groningen’s announcement has caused quite a stir, Lukkien still gets confidence.

Lukkien is relieved that his current employer has come to this decision. “I am happy with the outcome of all of us taking on the battle for enforcement. Nothing changes for me: since I started here as a trainer I give everything I have and I will continue to do so in the coming months. I want to end the season well and together with my staff, all other colleagues and all supporters we will do our best for that.” Lukkien has been head coach in Emmen since 2016. In his second season he secured a historic promotion to the Eredivisie.

At Groningen they are delighted with the arrival of Lukkien, said general manager Wouter Gudde via the club website. He also makes no secret of the fact that he tried to tempt Lukkien into a switch earlier this season. “That didn’t work out at the time because FC Emmen kept him to his contract. We recently asked Dick about the possibilities after the current season, when his contract in Emmen expires. Dick was positive about this and after a number of conversations that led to a agreement from the new season.” Lukkien has signed in the Euroborg until mid-2026.