Erik ten Hag was playfully teased when he was appointed as Ajax boss, the 'Tukker' hailing from the east region of the Netherlands where the people are known for their no-nonsense, grounded character traits.
Aside from turning up on his first day with his old FC Utrecht suitcase, the 52-year-old has lived up to this meticulous reputation throughout his playing and managerial career. Former FC Twente teammate Boudewijn Pahlplatz said Ten Hag “built his career very carefully” - which led to him becoming captain.
“Even when he was playing, he was already a coach, always knowing better," he added. This hardline approach took him into management and his first job in a dugout at Go Ahead Eagles saw him end their 17-year exile from the Dutch top tier on his first attempt.
