Vrede back in the Netherlands
Monday, May 26, 2003
Article summary
FC Groningen have signed Iraklis FC central defender Regilio Vrede on a two-year contract.
Article body
Eredivisie side FC Groningen have signed Iraklis FC central defender Regilio Vrede on a two-year contract.
Netherlands return
Vrede's contract with the Hellenic National League side, who missed out on a UEFA Cup place on Sunday, runs out this summer and the 30-year-old has opted to return to the Netherlands after a season abroad.
Roda spell
The tall defender began his career with RKC Waalwijk, before a switch to Roda JC in 1996. After six years with Roda, he moved to Ukrainian side FC Metalurgs Donetsk last summer, before a mid-season switch to Iraklis under Dutch coach Gene Gerards. He is Groningen's third signing for next season after Brian Pinas from SC Excelsior and Antoine van der Linden, currently with BVO Emmen.
Contract option
However, Vrede, like Pinas, has an option in his contract which will allow him to leave if Groningen do not avoid relegation - and they still need a point next week against PSV Eindhoven to be sure of avoiding the play-offs.
