PEC Zwolle fire manager Henry van der Vegt after dire season start

After eight rounds, PEC Zwolle sit 16th in the Eredivisie after one win and five defeats. The Blauwvingers have the league's second-worst defensive record, having conceded 21 goals.

The club suffered its record top-flight defeat in round 6, losing 7-0 at home to Feyenoord. Last weekend, PEC Zwolle resumed their Eredivisie season with a 1-0 home defeat to promoted Cambuur - PEC's third straight loss.

On Tuesday, the board decided to part ways with manager Henry van der Vegt following the fruitless start to the new season.

"In our view, there was too little stability and progress evident on the sporting front," technical director Gerry Hamstra said on the club website.

Van der Vegt was appointed as manager of PEC Zwolle in June 2025 after serving as an assistant manager for six years. The former KNVB Beker winners finished 15th in Van der Vegt's first season, ending five points above the relegation zone.

In total, Van der Vegt spent 12 years at PEC Zwolle, first as Director of Football from 2002 to 2005 and later as a youth coach and assistant manager.

“We are grateful to Henry for what he has meant to PEC Zwolle, the club that has been a constant presence throughout his life," Hamstra continued.

"Not only during his time as head coach, but also in the roles he held prior to that. Furthermore, it was always a pleasure to work with Henry. We would therefore like to wish him all the very best for the future.”

In 44 games under Henry van der Vegt, PEC Zwolle won 22 games and lost 11.

Up next for the Zwolle outfit is the IJsselderby against Go Ahead Eagles, which PEC will host at their MAC3PARK Stadion on Sunday, October 18th, at 12.15 CEST.