Pastoor to replace Vloet at NEC

Published Apr. 6, 2011 9:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

Vloet, who joined NEC in 2009, will remain in his role until July 1, when he will leave to become the new technical director of Eerste Divisie side Sparta Rotterdam. The 49-year-old has agreed a five-year deal at Sparta and revealed his delight at the move, saying: "It is a conscious decision of mine. I have always aspired to such a post and Sparta, in my opinion, is a club with potential. "The chance to bring Sparta success is one I grab with both hands." NEC sit 10th in the Dutch top flight with five games remaining and Vloet has promised to remain focused on leading the club to the best possible finish. "Of course all my attention is now drawn to NEC and looking to end the season in a good way," he added on nec-nijmegen.nl. "I am also very pleased that NEC has contributed to this new step in my career. The negotiations between Sparta and NEC were amicable and I always think that is very important." Pastoor, meanwhile, has agreed a two-year deal to replace Vloet following 21 successful months in charge of Excelsior, the highlight of which was taking the club into the top flight after defeating Sparta in a relegation play-off last season. This season has been a little tougher for the 44-year-old, with Excelsior third-bottom with five games remaining and almost certain to find themselves in the relegation play-offs once again. Pastoor has vowed to do his best to keep Excelsior in the top flight but is looking forward to the challenge ahead at NEC. "NEC has in my view an interesting group of players, many of whom have not reached the ceiling of their ability," he said. "The mood of the club, the vision and the methods are in line with my own opinions and ideas. "But first I will make every effort to keep Excelsior in the Eredivisie and then turn my focus entirely on NEC."