What the Dokter ordered: Ruud signs five year extension with the FAI

The FAI have announced that High Performance Director Ruud Dokter has signed a contract extension with the organisation that will see the Dutchman remain in the role until 2020.

The former Groningen FC youth team coach took up the position with the FAI in August 2013, having filled a similar role with the Dutch FA as well as managing the Dutch women’s and Qatar under-21 sides.

His new five-year deal will see him continue working on the Player Development and Emerging Talent programmes that he co-launched. His brief will also be to develop further the facilities available for our talented youngsters in order to give them the best chance of experiencing long-term success

Upon signing his new deal, Dokter said: “First of all I have to say that the FAI has been a great organisation to work with because it is an organisation working on development of football for the future. This is an exciting time for Irish football.

"There are many challenges ahead of us and we are focused on continuing to make improvements to the development of players in Ireland.

“We've achieved much already including rolling out the first two recommendations of the FAI Player Development Plan, improving the Emerging Talent Programme structures, and the completion of the FAI Women's Strategic Plan 2015-18.

"We have also made continued improvements in Coach Education. The SSE Airtricity U19 and U17 League have proven to be successful and we will introduce the U15 National League in the coming years.

"We have made great strides with our underage international teams with our U17 men's team reaching the UEFA European Championships in Bulgaria last year and they are preparing for the Elite Phase this year.

“It is similar with our Women's U19 and U17 teams, who both reached European Championships in the last two years and are also working towards Elite Phase qualifiers.

"I see many opportunities for Irish football and I am looking forward to the coming years with the FAI."

FAI CEO John Delaney also welcomed the news and praised the positive contributions made by the Dutchman since his appointment three years ago.

"We are delighted that Ruud will be continuing to work with the FAI. He has worked closely with all of the affiliates involved in Irish football on the development of our elite player pathway and it is vital that this good work continues.

"We want to ensure that the Player Development Plan is implemented so that our games continues to improve across all levels, from grassroots right up to the highest level."

The news comes just ten days before Ireland welcome Switzerland to the Aviva Stadium in their friendly match in preparation for the European Championships, which begin in June.