Kuyt wins promotion after just 3 MONTHS in charge of Belgian 2nd division side

Former Liverpool star turned manager Dirk Kuyt has bolstered his coaching credentials after helping his current club win promotion after just three months in charge.

The 43-year-old joined Liverpool from Netherlands side Feyenoord in 2006, staying with the side for six years until his departure for Fenerbahce in 2012.

Former forward Kuyt began his managerial career at his boyhood amateur side Quick Boys, and served as under-19 head coach at Feyenoord, and ADO Den Haag until his move to Belgian second division side Beerschot in December 2023.

But the coach hit the ground running, and despite signing a contract until the end of the season has already helped them secure a berth in the Belgian Pro League for their 2024-25 campaign.

The Antwerp club - who are Sheffield United's sister club - were relegated in 2021, and were forced to hunt for a new manager after their then-coach Andras Wieland was recruited by Austrian side LASK.

Sitting second when Kuyt was appointed, Sunday's match saw Beerschot seal a 2-1 victory against Oostende and clinch the division title with one game left to play.

Goals from former Stoke winger Thibaud Verlinden and D'Margio Wright-Phillips - son of former Chelsea and Manchester City player Shaun and grandson of Arsenal legend Ian Wright - help cap their promotion.

The former Holland international, who is thought to be offered a contract extension in the wake of his success, said that his side had 'huge' potential.

'I will look to the future. I want to develop as a coach, but that could be with Beerschot,' Kuyt said after the final whistle, as per the Sun.

'The potential here is huge. There is still a way to go, but the club is back at the top level once more.

'It has been a tough challenge. Promotion was a