John signed a new two-year contract as player / goalkeeper coach in the summer of 2007.

Having arrived at Rovers in September 1998, the Dutchman has made more than 250 appearances for the Club and has been the first choice keeper of four different managers.

Signed from FC Utrecht in Holland after impressing during a two week trial, Achterberg was named Rovers' Players' Player of the Season in both the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

He joined Rovers on a free transfer as a replacement for Everton-bound Steve Simonsen and was thrown straight into the first team due to a groin injury to Danny Coyne.

Described by former Manager Brian Little as "the most professional player" he has ever worked with, Achterberg is regularly found in the gym more than an hour before his team mates arrive for training.

After signing a one year contract in the summer of 2003, Achterberg went on to have one of his most impressive seasons at the Club, with the highlight being a penalty save from Kevin Muscat against Millwall in the FA Cup quarter final on national TV.