Norwich City have made a significant move in their quest for Championship stability by appointing Stephan Van Der Heyden as assistant coach. The seasoned Belgian brings a wealth of experience to Philippe Clement's staff, having previously collaborated with him at Rangers. Read more about McLean's Wonder Goal Seals Scotland's World Cup Return.
The journey that has led Van Der Heyden to Carrow Road is marked by a shared history with Clement, dating back to their time at Club Brugge. Their professional paths have intertwined at various points, including Van Der Heyden's role as an assistant at Waasland-Beveren prior to Clement's arrival, setting the stage for their eventual partnership. Both coaches have navigated diverse experiences across the football landscape, enriching their tactical acumen. Read more about Clement Targets Revival as Norwich Appoint New Head Coach.
At 56, Van Der Heyden's career trajectory is noteworthy. After retiring from professional football in 2003 due to a serious cartilage injury sustained during his time at Lille and Beerschot, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He founded “Voetbal-Fun” soccer camps, dedicated to nurturing young talent while deepening his understanding of the game. His adaptability was further demonstrated during a six-year stint in futsal with KK Malle, which expanded his coaching repertoire.
Van Der Heyden's return to club football began as an assistant at Waasland, leading to a significant return to Brugge in 2011. His six-year tenure there included various roles, from individual trainer for midfielders to scout and eventually assistant head coach. His ability to connect with players and staff was evident when he retained his position under new manager Michel Preud’homme, contributing to Brugge's successes in both the Belgian Cup and Pro League.
Norwich supporters will be eager to see if Van Der Heyden's extensive experience translates into success in the Championship. Following his fruitful period in Belgium, he faced international challenges, including a brief spell at FK Vardar in North Macedonia and assisting the Jordanian FA under Vital Borkelmans. Most recently, he was with Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, where he narrowly missed the opportunity to work with former Norwich striker Gary Hooper.
Reuniting with Clement at Rangers in October 2023, Van Der Heyden was tasked with helping to revive a struggling squad. Their tactical approach raised some eyebrows, given the complex instructions that required significant adaptation time for players. This may concern some Norwich fans, especially with relegation fears looming; nonetheless, their early results were promising, with Rangers achieving four consecutive league victories and remaining unbeaten in their first ten matches. Read more about Clement Set to Take Charge as Norwich Target Revival.
"For us it's important to be clear from the beginning that everyone gets the same message," Van Der Heyden articulated in an official club interview, detailing his systematic coaching philosophy. "We'll create a good atmosphere, with clear instructions and a clear way of playing. In the beginning it'll be difficult for the players; they'll get a lot of new information. I think it's important for us to start to implement it step-by-step, not everything too soon, because then it will be too much. But I'm sure that after a few months we will see the results."
With his extensive playing experience in high-pressure environments, Van Der Heyden believes these insights will assist him in guiding Norwich through their current challenges. "I think it's easier when you have played in big clubs or good clubs with a lot of supporters. Then I think it's easier to deal with the pressure that is there," he remarked.
As Norwich tackle the critical task of avoiding relegation, Van Der Heyden's eclectic career—characterised by international experiences, success across various leagues, and a unique coaching approach—suggests he is well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.