Longtime US midfield ace Earnie Stewart is happy with life after soccer - possibly because retirement hasn't taken him away from the game.

The former Eredivisie star is settling into his new job as technical director of VVV Venlo, the Dutch side with whom the Holland native began and finished his playing career.

The club stand atop the Gouden Gids Divisie after 12 matches, and the championship would mean a top flight return for Stewart, who also claimed this piece of silver as a NAC Breda player.

He reports that his front office transformation has gone smoothly, but concedes that every executive has his management trials.

"We've had some injuries and our keeper just left, but everything's going pretty well," Stewart told YA. "Trying to keep everybody on the same page can be challenging."

"If a reserve guy thinks he should being the first team, it is difficult to deal with. When people are unhappy, it is never easy to deal with the problems."

In addition to his club duties, the 36-year old has also kept busy making match commentator and studio analyst appearances on Dutch television, a gig that proves membership does has its privileges.

"I'm in a group of ex-players and coaches," explained Stewart. "We go out and do TV work and training sessions, things that the group arranges for us. It's been great."