'Persistence paid off' - van der Schaaf
DUTCH midfielder Remco van der Schaaf has revealed that six months of persuasion convinced him to move to Turf Moor.
Owen Coyle finally landed his long-term target on Monday, after monitoring his progress since January.
And after finally signing on the dotted line in time to embark on the Clarets' historic tour of America, the 29-year-old is admant he made the right move.
Speaking to www.burnleyfc.com, he said: "Burnley has followed me for a long time and I had a good feeling when I came here originally and spoke to the boss.
"They gave me all the right signals and I was happy to commit to the club.
"I have played all of my career in Holland, but my contract at Vitesse was up this summer and I could have signed another.
"However, I needed a new motivation, so I chose to try elsewhere. I had other options in Germany, but playing in England is something special and I am really looking forward to playing in the Championship now at a great club."
After two spells at Vitesse Arnhem, sandwiching a stint at PSV Eindhoven, van der Schaaf insisted the decision to leave Dutch football was a tough one, adding: "After spending several years at Vitesse, I left to join PSV and I stayed there for three years and enjoyed a great time, winning the championship and playing in the Champions League and UEFA Cup.
"In the third year, I did not play so much because I had a little injury.
"Then, when I was fit again in the second half of the season, the team was starting to play well so it was difficult to get back in with so many good names.
"I played alongside some excellent players, but in the end I decided to go back to my old club (Vitesse Arnhem) and that was good because it was my old city, close to my friends and family.
"When I was younger we were a top five team, but unfortunately my second spell the club was getting bogged down with a few financial problems and ended in mid-table."
And he also detailed what the Burnley fans can expect: "I am a defensive midfielder with an aggressive side and I like to win.
"My aim is always to take the points and that seems to be clear here, which was a great motivation.
"I have heard there is a great spirit among the players and I just hope I can bring something to the team and to the club.
"I want to make my mark and do my best. As we say in Holland, then we will see where the ship ends!"
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Last Updated:
09 July 2008 2:12 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Burnley