From Mosveld-baby to tragic trainer: Hassie van Wijk dies at 87

Former Dutch footballer and coach Hassie van Wijk died on Thursday at the age of 87 in his hometown of Landsmeer. He was known for his early 1960s involvement with the Mosveld‑baby group and later spells with Telstar and AZ’67, before moving into coaching.

In the early 1960s, van Wijk belonged to the so‑called Mosveld‑baby cohort, a group of promising young players. During that decade he featured for Telstar and later for AZ’67, establishing himself in Dutch professional football.

After hanging up his boots, van Wijk turned to management, taking on coaching roles. His career was abruptly halted by a dramatic accident involving a dug‑out, which forced his retirement from the sport.