Guus Hiddink leaves job as Netherlands coach after 10 months

Hiddink led the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup in his first spell in charge

Guus Hiddink has left his position as Netherlands head coach after just 10 months in charge.

The 68-year-old began his second spell in charge in August and had a contract until the end of Euro 2016.

Hiddink lost five and won four of his 10 matches in charge and leaves his position with the Dutch third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group.

They are five points behind leaders Iceland and three adrift of the Czech Republic in Group A.

"I am sorry that it went this way," said Hiddink.

"I thought it was an honour to again coach the Dutch national team and I wish my successor, the staff and the players every success on the way to the European Championships in France."

The rest of the coaching staff - including assistant Danny Blind - will remain in place.

Hiddink's Netherlands defeated Spain 2-0 in a friendly in March, but suffered defeats to Iceland and the Czech Republic to damage their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016.

The top two finishers in each of the nine qualifying groups, plus the highest-placed team finishing third will automatically qualify for the finals in France next year. They will be joined by the winners of four play-off ties contested by the remaining eight third-placed teams.

Dutch Football Association (KNVB) director Bert van Oostveen said: "I regret this development. Unfortunately, the results of Guus's work were not immediately visible for everyone."

The former Real Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea coach has also managed Australia, Russia, Turkey and South Korea in a 28-year career.