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Hiddink insulted by English FA approach
LONDON, Apr 10 (SW) - PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink removed himself from contention for the upcoming England manager vacancy after being insulted by the English Football Association’s (FA) approach.
Hiddink’s agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that he had spoken with the FA regarding the availability of the manager of the newly crowned Dutch champions, but the notion of appearing on a ‘short-list’ insulted the 51-year-old Eindhoven manager whose achievements he felt spoke for themselves.
'There was some contact with me but the way that was done was not so serious,' Van Nieuwenhuizen told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek program.
'They were interested in having a coffee or tea to find out if Guus could be a candidate on their short-list. But we told them we would not be interested.
'If people are finding out if he might be a candidate to go on the shortlist, then I guess that their homework has not been done very well.
'You'd expect that when you're in the world of football you'd know who Guus Hiddink is, what he has achieved at club and international level, if it's in the Champions League, national league or in the World Cup.
'I think either you go for Guus or you don't go for him. To find out he might be a candidate for the shortlist is sort of an insult to Guus Hiddink and his achievements so far.
'As far as his professional background is concerned, I don't think he has to be humble towards members of whatever federation.'
The FA’s short-list includes Martin O'Neill, Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley and Steve McClaren, with the four competing to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup.
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