Merchandise
Classic Transfer: ManU snap up goalkeeper Van der Gouw
Having played more than 350 league games in the Netherlands, van der Gouw was more than capable of filling Coton’s boots and he played his part in United’s success, both as a player and as goalkeeping coach.
The Dutchman made his debut against Aston Villa on September 21, 1996 keeping a clean sheet and a notable appearance came against Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final of the 1996/97 Champions League – United lost 1-0, but Van der Gouw helped keep the score down.
In 1999/00, for the first time in his United career, van der Gouw played enough league games (22) to claim a Premier League medal.
The Dutchman was often selected as first-choice that season over Mark Bosnich but following the arrival of Fabien Barthez, van der Gouw resumed his role as backup goalkeeper in 2000/01.
However, this was one of only two substitute appearances in 2001/02, resulting in a free transfer to West Ham United in June 2002 – he played 61 competitive games in six years for the Red Devils.
Van der Gouw signed a one-year deal with West Ham – he did not play a competitive game for the club and was released after one season following the club's relegation.
Van der Gouw then returned to the Netherlands, where he joined RKC Waalwijk for the 2003–04 season, but only made one league appearance.
He subsequently joined AGOVV Apeldoorn. Whilst at the club, he played 100 league matches and scored the only league goal of his career, a penalty in his last professional game – he retired from playing at the age of 44.
In June 2007, Van der Gouw returned to England as goalkeeping coach at Sunderland, linking up with former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane.
After Ricky Sbragia resigned at the end of the 2008–09 season, Van der Gouw left Sunderland to return to his old club Vitesse, also as goalkeeping coach.
Watch van der Gouw score the only league goal of his career:
