Zenit give Advokaat the boot

Dutch coach, Dirk Advokaat, has been given the boot by Zenit St. Petersburg after a poor run of form by the Russian club.

The Dutchman was hailed as a national hero after leading his club to victory in the 2008 UEFA Cup, where they defeated Glasgow Rangers in the final. Advokaat was soon called on take up the reins of the Belgium national side, coaching the team part time.

Advokaat’s decision to split his time between Belgium and Russia was then called into question as Zenit St. Petersburg went into steep decline, and this week club management made the decision to send the former Rangers coach packing.

“The club’s leadership and board of directors have decided to dismiss Dick Advocaat,” Zenit St Petersburg said in a statement. “Under his leadership, many new glorious pages in Zenit’s history have been written and fans will never forget the title-winning season of 2007 and the team’s magnificent performance in Europe in 2008.”

“Unfortunately, after deciding to take on the role of national coach of the Belgian national team, Zenit’s performances have deteriorated notably and neither the fans nor the club’s leadership are satisfied with the league position the club finds itself in.”