Earnest Stewart is appointed as PSV’s new director of football affairs. The former director of AZ will start working for the people of Eindhoven on March 1. The 53-year-old American succeeds John de Jong, who left in September after the supervisory board had lost confidence in him.
Stewart still had a contract until mid-2026 with the American Football Association, where he had worked as technical director since 2018. Now, however, the former international of the United States returns to Dutch football. He signs a contract with PSV until mid-2027.
“We took the time to look for someone with broad and international experience. Earnest fits this profile perfectly with his past and current role. That is why we are very happy that he will join our management team as of March 1,” says General Manager Marcel Brands.
Stewart already worked at AZ as technical director between 2010 and 2015, after which he exchanged the Alkmaarders for an adventure as a TD in America at the Philadelphia Union. In 2018, the former striker of NAC Breda, Willem II and VVV-Venlo subsequently became director of the American association.
PSV had been looking for a technical director since De Jong stepped down in the aftermath of the transfer summer. The supervisory board blamed him for not selling Cody Gakpo on Deadline Day. This winter, the people of Eindhoven then sold the Oranje-international to Liverpool.
Earnest Stewart’s first words
In his opinion, the role in Eindhoven, as the successor to the departed John de Jong, was more than worth considering. PSV also offered Stewart the opportunity to work near his family again.
“When the opportunity arose to return to the Netherlands for this interesting and challenging role, I couldn’t pass it up,” the former international says on the website of the American federation about his move to PSV.
He added, “I am extremely proud of what the Association’s Technical Department has accomplished over the last four years to help the next generation of players and increase the participation of this sport in this country. It was an honor for me to have served the union.”
Stewart already worked at AZ as technical director between 2010 and 2015. After which he exchanged the Alkmaarders for an adventure as a TD in America at the Philadelphia Union. In 2018, the former striker of NAC Breda, Willem II and VVV-Venlo subsequently became director of the American association.
