Hamburg SV

Martin Jol is set to be confirmed as the new coach of Hamburg from next season, according to reports in Germany. The Dutchman is being lined up to replace Huub Stevens, who will return to Holland in the summer, and a two-year contract is awaiting his signature, as long as the Hamburg board sanction the appointment at a meeting next Tuesday. "A Dutchman is always good for Hamburg," said compatriot Rafael van der Vaart, whose own future at the club beyond the end of the season is still up for discussion. Appointing a coach who he may get on well with could be the only way to convince him to stay, and Jol should fit into that category.