John Heitinga will remain head coach at Ajax until the end of the season, the Amsterdam club has confirmed.

Heitinga, 39, was promoted temporarily last week to replace sacked coach Alfred Schreuder, and saw the club to their first victory in seven games, with a 1-4 win over Excelsior last weekend.

Ajax said it had taken the decision to keep the relatively inexperienced former Ajax player in charge, so as not to confront the squad with yet more changes. ‘I think that I have Ajax-DNA and hopefully I can translate this to the squad,’ he said after the announcement.

Ajax are currently fourth in the Eredivisie with 37 points, five behind league leaders Feyenoord. The Amsterdammers meet 17th placed Cambuur on Sunday.

Heitinga will be assisted by Dwight Lodeweges, who has a long history with the club.