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Ruud Gullit to replace Dick Advocaat on Netherlands coaching staff

Ruud Gullit has said he will replace Dick Advocaat on Danny Blind's Netherlands coaching staff.

Advocaat agreed to become Blind's assistant in May but left earlier this month when he was offered the chance to take charge at Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Former Netherlands star Gullit, who has been out of management since his brief stint in charge of Russian side Terek Grozny in 2011, has said he will now take on a role ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

"Blind asked me if I was interested and gave me the feeling that I can add value to the staff and the team," Gullit told Dutch media, according to Reuters.

"Blind will give me a free role on both the training field and bench to add my ideas, but practically it has to be for the best of the team. At the end of the day the ultimate responsibility for the team rests with the head coach."

AD has reported that the 53-year-old is set to be confirmed as Blind's assistant once the final details are agreed with the Dutch FA (KNVB).

Gullit, part of the 1988 European Championship-winning Netherlands side, began his managerial career with Chelsea in 1996 and later had stints with Newcastle, Feyenoord and LA Galaxy.

He had expressed an interest in leading Netherlands after Euro 2012, when Bert van Marwijk's side had exited without a point.