Claude Ryf will take over as head coach of Neuchâtel Xamax FC next season after current coach Alain Geiger announced on Friday that he would not be renewing his contract at the end of the 2002 season.

Consecutive titles
The former Swiss international Ryf played for Neuchâtel when they won the Nationalliga A title in 1987 and 1988. He also played 13 times for his country and won the ASF Pokal in 1981 with Lausanne-Sports. The 45-year-old was coach of Swiss second division side FC Wil until he refused to extend his contract with the club in June 2001. He also played for Neuchâtel during his career and has had spells as coach of FC Etoile Carouge, FC Yverdon-Sports and BSC Young Boys in the first division before his disappointing time in charge of Wil.