Russia close in on Advocaat appointment

RUSSIA, one of the Republic of Ireland’s opponents in the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, are closing in on the appointment of Dick Advocaat as their new manager.

The Dutchman, who has also been working as AZ Alkmaar boss since December, dramatically quit his post as manager of Belgium yesterday and is expected to be named as Guus Hiddink’s successor in the coming days.

The Belgian federation admitted they were stunned by the Dutchman’s resignation which comes barely six months after he stepped into the role.

The federation also confirmed they would be consulting their lawyers about legal recourse.

One of Advocaat’s first tasks as Russia boss would be to take his new side to the Aviva Stadium to face Giovanni Trapattoni’s men on October 8 with the return fixture scheduled to take place in September of next year.

Advocaat has already had experience in coaching Russian players from his successful spell at club side Zenit Saint Petersburg between 2006 and 2009.

Advocaat’s contract with Belgium had not initially been scheduled to start until 2010 but an agreement was reached for him to take up the role in October last year, following the national team’s failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup finals.

He oversaw the last two matches of the World Cup qualifying campaign and a number of friendlies before stepping down yesterday.

A statement on the Belgian federation website yesterday read: “The federation’s president Francois De Keersmaecker was informed by national team coach Dick Advocaat that the latter was breaking his contract with immediate effect. The Belgian football federation will contact their lawyers to study the consequences of this matter.

“The URBSFA management, who were surprised by this announcement, will abstain from any comments.’’