Poortvliet clear for Saints role

Southampton: Poortvliet boost

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Jan Poortvliet has been given the green light to take charge of Southampton following a ruling from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

Saints announced that Poortvliet would be their new head coach last month, although he still had a year to run on his contract with Helmond Sport.

The Jupiler League side were not keen to allow the 52-year-old to walk away and took their case to the KNVB arbitrary board.

A hearing has now cleared the way for Poortvliet to take the helm at St Mary's Stadium, with Saints to pay Helmond 75,000 euros (£60,000) in compensation.

Poortvliet, who took charge of training with Southampton earlier this week, was happy to put the saga behind him.

Certain image

"Of course I am relieved that everything is done now," he said. "But I am disappointed that we needed an arbitration case to come to this conclusion.

"This is my only chance to become a top coach. In Holland I have a certain image, which I will never lose. In England I would like to have a fresh start."

Helmond director Mario Captein was in philosophical mood but warned the decision set a dangerous precedent.

"We wanted to go on with Poortvliet," he said. "But at a certain point it is better for both parties to go their own way."

He added: "This decision provides a license for all coaches who want to leave their club. All you have to do is start a job somewhere else."