1. Overview
Bert Konterman (Bert Kontermanˈbɛrt ˈkɔntərmɑnDutch, born on January 14, 1971) is a Dutch former professional footballer who primarily played as a defender. His career spanned notable periods in the Eredivisie with clubs like Feyenoord and a significant spell in Scotland with Rangers F.C., where he achieved domestic success. After earning six caps for the Netherlands national football team, Konterman retired from playing in 2004. Following his playing career, he transitioned into football management and coaching, focusing on youth development within the Netherlands national youth football system and various club roles.
2. Playing career
Bert Konterman's professional football career began in the Netherlands before a notable move to Scottish football, followed by international appearances for his country.
2.1. Career in the Netherlands
Konterman began his football journey at his local amateur club, SC Rouveen, in Rouveen, Overijssel. He then progressed to play for several professional clubs in the Dutch Eredivisie. His early professional stints included FC Zwolle, Cambuur, and Willem II. In the summer of 1998, Konterman made a significant move to Feyenoord, signing a four-year contract. During his time with Feyenoord, he contributed to the club's success, notably winning the Eredivisie title in the 1998-99 season and the Johan Cruyff Shield in 1999.
2.2. Career at Rangers F.C.
In 2000, Konterman was acquired by Scottish club Rangers for a transfer fee of 4.50 M GBP, under the management of Dick Advocaat. He was part of a growing contingent of Dutch players at Ibrox during Advocaat's tenure, though his initial impact in defense was not as immediately impressive as that of players like Ronald de Boer or Arthur Numan. Following the arrival of manager Alex McLeish, Konterman was often deployed in a more advanced role in the midfield. In this new position, he found greater success at the club. A memorable moment came when he scored a winning goal from approximately 30 yd in extra time against arch-rivals Celtic in a Scottish League Cup semi-final.
Konterman played in the 2002 Scottish League Cup Final against Ayr United, which Rangers won. However, a persistent toe injury limited his appearances, making the League Cup Final his last match of the 2001-02 season. This injury prevented him from participating in Rangers' victory in the 2002 Scottish Cup Final. The subsequent 2002-03 season proved even more successful for Konterman and Rangers, as he helped the club secure a domestic treble, winning the league, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup. He made 16 league appearances during their title-winning campaign and also played in the 2003 Scottish League Cup Final victory. Despite his contributions to the treble, he did not feature in the 2003 Scottish Cup Final. During his three-year spell with Rangers, Konterman also earned six caps for the Netherlands national football team.
2.3. Retirement
After his tenure with Rangers, Bert Konterman returned to the Netherlands in the summer of 2003, signing with Vitesse. He concluded his professional playing career and officially retired from football in June 2004.
3. Managerial career
Following his retirement as a player, Bert Konterman transitioned into coaching and management roles, contributing to both club and national youth football development.
3.1. Start of Managerial Career and Early Activities
Konterman began his coaching career by working at various football camps. In 2009, he took on the role of technical director at his former club, FC Zwolle. In this capacity, he also served as the head coach for the club's U15 team and provided support to other coaches within the club structure. In October 2011, he was appointed as an assistant manager for the Netherlands U19 national team, working under Wim van Zwam. On July 1, 2012, Konterman stepped down from his position at FC Zwolle.
3.2. Coaching Netherlands Youth National Teams
Konterman continued to contribute to the Netherlands national youth football system. While serving as an assistant manager for Jong FC Twente, he also maintained his role as an assistant coach for the Netherlands U19 team. In June 2017, he was given a dual role, taking charge of the Netherlands U18 national team as head coach, while also serving as an assistant manager for the U17 squad. In the following season, he was promoted to manage the U20 national team. On February 26, 2020, Konterman temporarily took over as caretaker manager for the U19 team following Maarten Stekelenburg's promotion to the senior national team.
3.3. Club Coaching Roles
On September 3, 2013, Konterman was appointed as an assistant manager for Jong FC Twente, the reserve team of FC Twente. During his time at Twente, he held several responsibilities, including supporting the coaches of both the U19 team and the first team. From 2014 to 2017, he served as the head coach of FC Twente's U19 team, further solidifying his experience in youth football development at the club level.
4. Personal life
Bert Konterman is known to be a Christian.
5. Honours
Bert Konterman achieved several significant titles during his professional football career with Feyenoord and Rangers F.C.
5.1. Club Honours
- Feyenoord
- Eredivisie: 1998-99
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 1999
- Rangers
- Scottish Premier League: 2002-03
- Scottish League Cup: 2001-02, 2002-03