Ronald Koeman brings Dutch goalie to Everton in first signing
Everton's Dutch influence continues to grow as Ronald Koeman made compatriot Maarten Stekelenburg his first signing as manager of the Toffees.
The 33-year-old former Holland international has signed a three-year contract and will be reunited with Koeman for a third time in his career.
"I'm very happy - things have moved very fast over the last couple days," the former Fulham goalkeeper told evertontv.
"He [Koeman] has come to Everton and he called me a few days after asking if I was willing to follow him. It wasn't difficult to make that choice.
"He's one of the best coaches - he's straight talking, he's fair and he has confidence in me which counts as well.
"I've been here [in England] for a couple of seasons and I love the Premier League. It's fantastic that I can stay."
Everton have agreed an undisclosed fee with Fulham for Stekelenburg, who won 54 caps for Holland and played in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain.
When Koeman moved from Southampton last month he brought brother Erwin as assistant manager, Jan Kluitenberg as fitness coach and also recruited Feyenoord's Patrick Lodewijks as goalkeeping coach, all fellow Dutchmen.
Koeman likes to work with people he is familiar with and Stekelenberg fits the bill.
"Obviously I know Maarten well having worked with him at two clubs before," he said.
"I know through his professionalism, hard-working approach and personality he will fit in well with what I will be building at Everton."
Stekelenburg first worked under Koeman at Ajax, winning the Eredivisie title in 2004 as a 21-year-old, and linked up with him again last season on a season-long loan at Southampton.
