Updated

AZ Alkmaar gave coach Gertjan Verbeek year contract extension on Thursday, locking him up through the 2014-15 season.

Verbeek, 49, joined the Dutch side before the 2010-11 season and led the club to a fourth-place finish. AZ is currently two points behind current Eredivisie leader PSV Eindhoven this season.

In addition to domestic success, AZ Alkmaar has advanced to the round of 32 in the Europa League this season.

Verbeek enjoyed a long playing career with Heerenveen, with the exception of a loan to Heracles, and has also coached Heracles, Heerenveen and Feyenoord.