The KNVB held a press conference on Tuesday morning to confirm the appointment of Dick Advocaat as the new Netherlands head coach.
- By Michael Bell
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KNVB director Hans van Breukelen was searching for a new head coach after the sacking of Danny Blind in March, with a number of candidates turning down the role.
Dick Advocaat was named as the front-runner two weeks ago and at a press conference, Van Breukelen confirmed that the current Fenerbahce coach will take charge of Oranje for the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He would also be in charge should Netherlands reach the tournament in Russia.
It is Advocaat’s third spell in charge of the national team and the 69-year-old is officially the oldest coach to ever take charge of Netherlands, replacing Guus Hiddink who was sacked at 67.
Ruud Gullit has also been confirmed as an assistant coach to Advocaat giving the former midfielder his first official coaching role since he left Terek Grozny in 2011.
Advocaat is still in charge of Fenerbahce until June so Fred Grim will remain in charge temporarily. Advocaat’s first official game should be the home tie with Luxembourg in June.