Bram van Polen will retire as a football player after this season, but will remain affiliated with PEC Zwolle. The 38-year-old captain took the initiative himself and presented a plan to general manager Xander Czaikowski, whom he may succeed in Zwolle in the future.
‘I think I can add value to the club, also in the future. But then we have to work on both sides,” says Van Polen. ‘I discussed my ideas with our general manager and he was immediately enthusiastic. What exactly it will look like will become clear in the coming months. We also need to give it a name. A kind of manager or director in training. I am happy with the opportunity that PEC gives me, also to work with a coach.’
Van Polen told VI earlier this season that he would like to become general manager after his playing career. “That seems interesting to me because I like all facets of a football club,” the defender says now. ‘I have no idea whether I am capable or whether they think it suits me here.’
“I have always had a role here at the club, in which I try to get and keep everyone together,” Van Polen continues. ‘That is where my strength lies, in connecting people. And as captain I also led the team. But as a director there is much more to it, I know that well. I still have a lot to learn and experience. For now we will see how things go for at least two years.’
Read the entire interview with Bram van Polen on VI PRO, in which he explains why he is retiring as a footballer after this season.
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