Ajax Appoints Fred Grim as New Assistant Manager

Ajax bolsters coaching staff with Fred Grim appointment

Ajax has appointed Fred Grim as the new assistant manager to support John Heitinga. Grim brings a wealth of experience from his roles at Ajax, Almere City, and the Netherlands national team.

“John suggested adding Fred Grim. With Fred, we are bringing in quality and a wealth of experience...”

Ajax has appointed Fred Grim as assistant manager to John Heitinga, aiming to strengthen the team's performance. Grim, a former Ajax goalkeeper and interim Netherlands manager, joins the first team after serving as Head of Coaching in the club's youth academy.

Grim's appointment is seen as a strategic move to support Heitinga, whose tenure as Ajax manager has faced challenges. With his experience in Ajax's youth academy and previous managerial roles, Grim is well-equipped to contribute to the team's success.

John Heitinga's first full season as Ajax manager has been tough, and the addition of Grim is expected to bring fresh insights and expertise to the team. With Grim on board, Ajax aims to improve its performance and regain its dominance in the Eredivisie.

“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.”

Ajax has announced Fred Grim as the new assistant manager to John Heitinga, bolstering the team's technical staff. Grim, a 60-year-old with an impressive background, brings experience from his roles at Jong Ajax, Almere City, and the Netherlands national teams. He previously served as the interim manager of the Netherlands senior squad and has worked with various clubs, including RKC Waalwijk, Willem II, and FC Emmen.

🆕 Fred Grim nieuwe assistent van John Heitinga ⚪️🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QxUluCHTBR

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) October 7, 2025

The appointment comes after reports emerged that Ajax had approached Thomas Duivenvoorden, the assistant manager of De Graafschap and former manager of Quick Boys. However, Duivenvoorden declined the offer, choosing to stay with De Graafschap, where he is set to take over as the head coach in the future. De Graafschap's technical manager, Berry Powel, emphasized that Duivenvoorden is a crucial part of their team and that they are committed to their current project.

Grim's appointment is seen as a strategic move to support Heitinga, whose first full season as Ajax manager has faced challenges. With his extensive experience in Dutch football, Grim is well-equipped to contribute to the team's success. His background as a goalkeeper and assistant manager will undoubtedly bring valuable insights to the Ajax squad.

“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,” Kroes concluded.

Ajax is currently ranked third in the Eredivisie with 16 points, trailing Feyenoord, the league leader, by six points. In the UEFA Champions League, Ajax is struggling, sitting in 35th place after losing 2-0 to Inter Milan and 4-0 to Olympique Marseille. They've conceded six goals without scoring any in the tournament so far, putting them just above Kairat Almaty in the standings.