Guus steps down

Under-pressure Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink, whose side have struggled in qualifying for Euro 2016, has stepped down, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced on Monday.

"Guus Hiddink and the KNVB decided on Monday to end the manager's contract from July 1," a federation statement confirmed.

"I regret this decision," said KNVB director of football Bert van Oostveen.

"Unfortunately the rewards of Guus's work weren't immediately visible to everyone, we thank Guus for his commitment," he added.

Hiddink, whose contract was due to run until after Euro 2016, described it as "an honour" to occupy the Dutch hot seat for a second time, the former PSV Eindhoven player and boss adding: "I find it a pity that it ended like this" and sending best wishes to his successor.

Earlier Monday anonymous federation sources claimed that Hiddink's assistant Danny Blind will "directly" replace him, according to the daily De Telegraaf, public television station NOS and specialist magazine Voetbal International.

But the federation's statement announcing Hiddink's exit stressed: "We are still looking at who will take over the position".

The Oranje finished third at last year's World Cup under Louis van Gaal but with Hiddink at the helm their form in the qualifying campaign for next year's European Championship in France has been poor.