Ajax appoint Fred Grim as John Heitinga’s assistant coach

Fred Grim has been presented as new assistant manager of Ajax

Eredivisie giants Ajax have announced the addition of former goalkeeper and interim Netherlands manager Fred Grim to manager John Heitinga's staff in the role of assistant manager.

Fred Grim previously worked as Head of Coaching in Ajax's youth academy. The former goalkeeper has been elevated to the first team as an assistant manager to John Heitinga, whose first full tenure as Ajax manager has been a struggle.

"John (Heitinga), Marijn (Beuker), and I were looking to strengthen the technical staff," technical director Alex Kroes said on the club website.

"John suggested adding Fred Grim. With Fred, we are bringing in quality and a wealth of experience, both on the training pitch and on the bench during matches."

Fred Grim joined Ajax as the youth academy's Head of Coaching in December 2024

Grim has worked as a manager since 2004, before and after which he was a goalkeepers' coach and assistant manager. The 60-year-old has worked at Jong Ajax, Almere City, the Netherlands U21, the Netherlands' senior squad (interim), RKC Waalwijk, Willem II, and FC Emmen.

Ajax reportedly had several options during the current international break. John Heitinga could've been fired, or he'd get a new assistant to support him in his first full-time tenure as manager. Current De Graafschap assistant Thomas Duivenvoorden, who impressed as the manager of amateur outfit Quick Boys, reportedly rejected an offer from Ajax to join the club.

"We aim to further strengthen the staff around the team to improve sporting results as well as the development of our playing style and individual players,"0Kroes concluded.

Ajax are currently in third in the Eredivisie with 16 points, six fewer than league leaders Feyenoord. The Amsterdam giants lost 2-0 to Inter and 4-0 to Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, where they currently occupy the second-to-last place in the League Phase.

Ajax have been struggling under John Heitinga