Van Gaal returns for second Netherlands spell

Louis van Gaal has been appointed coach of the Netherlands for a second time, signing a two-year deal to succeed Bert van Marwijk.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Friday that the 60-year-old had put pen to paper on a contract which will expire after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which the Dutch begin their qualifying campaign in September.

Van Gaal previously took charge of the Oranje in 2000 following the departure of Frank Rijkaard, but stepped down when the team failed to reach the 2002 World Cup. He takes the reins from Van Marwijk, who quit last month after the Netherlands' group stage exit at UEFA EURO 2012.

"I am happy that the KNVB approached me," said Van Gaal, who will be assisted by former Dutch international Danny Blind. "This is the challenge which I've been waiting for."

Van Gaal made his name as a coach at AFC Ajax in the 1990s, securing three successive Eredivisie titles, the 1992 UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League three years later. A championship winner with FC Barcelona and AZ Alkmaar, he was most recently employed by FC Bayern München, whom he left in April 2011 having guided the Bavarians to Bundesliga glory the previous season.

KNVB director Bert van Oostveen said: "We are pleased to have come to an agreement. We were looking for a trainer with a wealth of experience, with personal and technical expertise."