Poortvliet given Saints green light

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The 52-year-old coach agreed a pre-contractual deal with the Saints last month despite still having a year to run on his contract with Helmond Sport.

The Jupiler League club were reluctant to see their manager leave and took their case to the KNVB arbitrary board to resolve the matter. That hearing has given Poortvliet the green light to move to Southampton with the club to pay Helmond 75,000 euros in compensation.

Poortvliet, who earlier this week took charge of training with Southampton, was relieved to put the month-long saga behind him following the hearing at a Zeist hotel.

"Of course I am relieved that everything is done now," he said. "But I am disappointed that we needed an arbitration case to come to this conclusion.

"This is my only chance to become a top coach. In Holland I have a certain image, which I will never lose. In England I would like to have a fresh start."

Helmond director Mario Captein was in philosophical mood after the hearing and warned the decision set a dangerous precedent.

"We wanted to go on with Poortvliet," he said. "But at a certain point it is better for both parties to go their own way."

He added: "This decision provides a license for all coaches who want to leave their club. All you have to do is start a job somewhere else."