New Everton goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks says he could not pass up on the opportunity to link up with Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park.
The Toffees announced earlier today that the 49-year-old is joining Koeman's backroom staff from Dutch giants Feyenoord, with the move to become official once the necessary paperwork is completed.
Lodewijks worked under Koeman during the new Everton manager's time in charge at De Kuip and although he appreciates he is leaving a good club in the Dutch outfit, passing up the chance to go to Goodison Park was something he could not do.
"I realise I'm leaving a very nice club, but I could not let this opportunity go", he told Feyenoord's official site.
"It is a strange feeling to leave Feyenoord after such a long time and I do it with pain in my heart. I've never worked at a club as long as for this club and I will keep many beautiful memories of my years as a goalkeeper and as a member of the coaching staff. I've become a real Feyenoord fan", Lodewijks continued.
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"Ronald called me and asked if I would be interested in becoming their goalkeeping coach. Working in the Premier League is a great opportunity.
"I've obviously talked a lot with my daughters and my close family and they fully support this move."
The Dutchman played as a goalkeeper and clocked up over 350 appearances during a career which spanned 20 years.
Lodewijks finished his career at Feyenoord and quickly moved onto the club's coaching staff.
At Everton he joins other recent Koeman appointees, Erwin Koeman and Jan Kluitenberg.
