Jan Reker

In 1969, Reker became youth coach at Willem II. Later, he also served as youth coach and academy director at PSV Eindhoven. In 1977, Reker moved to VVV-Venlo to become assistant manager. After three years, he returned to PSV to serve as assistant manager under Kees Rijvers. When Rijvers was sacked in January 1980, Reker was chosen as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season. After Thijs Libregts was appointed as the new PSV manager in 1981, Reker returned to his assistant position. Libregts left in 1983 and PSV subsequently chose Reker as the new coach. He brought in Guus Hiddink as an assistant manager from De Graafschap, but success remained absent in 1984 and 1985. It prompted PSV to choose Hans Kraay as director of football and a batch of new players like Ruud Gullit and Eric Gerets. With Kraay, Reker and Hiddink, PSV secured the Eredivisie title in the 1985-86 season. In 1986, Reker returned to VVV-Venlo as director of football and manager. With Sef Vergoossen as coach, they reached the fifth place in the Eredivisie twice. After two years, he left for Roda JC as the successor of Rob Jacobs. Reker appointed Willy van der Kuijlen as his assistant. In the 1988-89 season, Roda JC reached the fifth place in the Eredivisie, narrowly missing out on European qualification. The team reached the UEFA Cup third round, where it was eliminated by Sredets Sofia after penalties (4-4 on aggregate). After the first (away) match against Sofia, Reker was suspended for two matches…

Reker was born in the Strijp area in Eindhoven; his father worked as a greengrocer. He played youth football at amateur club LEW and FC Eindhoven. Reker was educated in sport management and earned a degree as a commando during his conscription. He never played professional football; after his military service he committed himself to football coaching.

Managerial

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie (1): 1985-86