Netherlands have appointed Peter Drinnen as their coach, replacing Peter Cantrell, who stepped down following last year's World Cup.

Drinnen, the former Scotland coach who resigned in July, has signed a contract until April 2009 subject to meeting the requirements of Dutch immigration law.

"This is an important step towards the professionalisation of the Dutch national side," Marc Asselbergs, the KNCB chairman, told Cricket Europe. "We won't be letting a single day go unused on our way to the qualifying tournament in spring 2009."

Drinnen, whose time at Scotland ended in controversy, is looking forward to the new challenge. "I'm a positive man who is able to motivate himself and who is keen both to set goals and to achieve them," he said. "There is an energy and optimism within the team and board about the future and I am excited to be joining the KNCB at this time.

"As with most smaller nations the remit is broader than just the national team and I am certainly looking forward to working across all ages."