‘Can’t wait to start’… 43-year-old former Liverpool icon has just been announced as manager of new team

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Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has taken another step in his nascent managerial career.

Kuyt has long since held ambitions of being a head coach, even once opening up the idea of returning to the touchline at Anfield as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.

Looking at the way things have panned out since he suggested that scenario back in 2021, that’s never going to happen. Gerrard’s disappointing journey as a coach has been well documented, however Kuyt himself hasn’t had the best time of things either.

Having taken the top job at Dutch second division side ADO Den Haag in 2022, Dirk only last 16 games before being fired.

Now though, the 43-year-old has been given another chance. Again, it’s at a second division side, this time in Belgium with Beerschot. Taking to X on Thursday night, the Antwerp based club officially announced the hiring of Kuyt.

“I can’t wait to start this new challenge with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” the Dutchman is quoted as saying. Best of luck, Dirk!

Kuyt takes on Beerschot job

This may not be a particularly glamourous appointment for Kuyt, but it’s a big chance for him all the same.

Although he didn’t do well at Den Haag, the former Liverpool icon wasn’t exactly given a fair crack of the whip, either.

Having spent a year or so out of the game, Kuyt will be desperate for things to go better this time around.

With Beerschot currently sitting second in the Belgian second division, there’s a real chance for them to go back up to the big time.

If he can navigate them there, then who knows where things can then go.

Unfortunately for Dirk though, he now looks unlikely to make it back to the the Anfield dugout – at least as a head coach.

He’s clearly an intelligent guy and was an excellent player, but with all the respect in the world it feels a long way from Beerschot to Liverpool.

So, although we’ll keep a close eye on how Kuyt is doing, it still feels like if the Reds want one of Rafa Benitez’s former charges to take over at some point, it’s going to have to be Xabi Alonso. Still, you’ve got to be in it to win it. All the best Dirk, go and smash it.