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Ruud van Nistelrooy joins Dutch staff

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be one of Guus Hiddinck's coaches as he begins his second spell in charge of Netherlands, the Dutch FA (KNVB) has announced.

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Van Nistelrooy, who scored 35 goals in 70 appearances for the Dutch and worked as an analyst on ESPN's 2014 World Cup television coverage, will assist alongside Danny Blind, who takes over from Hiddink in 2016.

Hiddink has taken the reins from Louis van Gaal after his departure to Manchester United.

He has agreed a two-year deal, meaning he will have responsibility for guiding the Dutch to Euro 2016 in France, with Blind taking over after that tournament.

"I am pleased that many ex-pros make the transition to coaching," he told a news conference.

Hiddink, in charge between 1995 and 1998, when he guided Netherlands to the World Cup semifinals, said he was "proud to be here a second time" and paid tribute to Van Gaal and his players for their Brazil 2014 campaign, which saw them finish third.

"I've been abroad a lot recently and you can see the Oranje has got a new kick," he told a news conference. "They were pleasant and attractive, but realism can also sometimes be quite beautiful."

"I was enthusiastic to enter this new phase. Overall, I am excited to start my first day.

"I am also delighted that Danny has remained and that he will take over soon. He gets a very prominent role."

Hiddink also said he had not yet decided whether Robin van Persie would remain as captain, adding: "It is too early to comment on technical matters."

His first game in charge of Netherlands will be a friendly against Italy next month, and he begins the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Czech Republic on Sept. 9.

Patrick Lodewijks replaces Frans Hoek, who went to Manchester United with Van Gaal, as goalkeeping coach, while Patrick Kluivert departs from the setup.