John Achterberg (born July 8 1971 in Utrecht) is a Dutch footballer currently goalkeeping coach for Liverpool after a long spell at Tranmere Rovers in England. He is something of a legend amongst Tranmere's fans.^{[citation needed]}

The 6 ft 1 in shot-stopper first signed for Tranmere Rovers, in 1998 after a successful trial from FC Utrecht as a replacement for the Everton bound Steve Simonsen and was thrown into the first team immediately due to an injury to Danny Coyne, making his debut against Swindon Town on September 25th that year. Achterberg then deservedly cemented his place as number 1 at Rovers after Coyne's subsequent transfer to Grimsby in 1999. He became part of the giant killing cup teams that defeated such opponents as Everton, Southampton and other big teams. Achterberg's proficiency in goal was exemplified by the 20 clean sheets he kept during the 2003-04 season under the stewardship of Brian Little.^{[citation needed]} One of his more memorable performances was against Millwall in an FA Cup quarter final at The New Den which was televised on BBC 1. The game finished 0-0 but was largely dominated by Millwall and John managed to save a crucial penalty from Kevin Muscat in the 75th minute despite having to play through injury.

Achterberg's 2005-06 season was less successful. After spending most of the season sidelined with injuries, he was replaced by Steve Wilson and Dino Seremet (on loan from Luton), neither of which played with much conviction.

Achterberg's chances of re-establishing himself as Tranmere's first choice goalkeeper in 2006/07 were hampered by the signing and good form of veteran journeyman Gavin Ward.^{[citation needed]} Later in the season injury to Ward gave Achterberg a chance but a re-occurrence of his own injury problems saw him sit out the closing months of the season with his contract set to expire in May.

He was released by Tranmere on 25 May 2007, resulting in uproar from many Tranmere fans who believed Achterberg deserved a testimonial game, despite him falling just short of the ten years' service usually required to earn a testimonial at the club. But on 31 May 2007 he was given a 2 year coaching/player contract with Tranmere which was down to negotiations between the club and player, and also influenced by an online petition by Tranmere fans which gained over 3000 signatures. Many fans see it as an even toss up between John and Eric Nixon as the clubs greatest ever goalkeeper.

The Tranmere legend made his 300th Rovers appearance in the opening day game of the 2008-09 season against Swindon Town.

In Early June 2009 he Joined Liverpool as Goalkeeping Coach.

[edit] External links

• Personal details and statistics
• John Achterberg career stats at Soccerbase