Advocaat eyes Dutch return

Zenit boss unlikely to extend contract

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 27th September 2008

Advocaat eyes Dutch return

Advocaat: Ready to head home

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Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat admits he is contemplating a return to Holland.

The Dutchman is keen to spend more time with his family and is unlikely to extend his contract with the Uefa Cup holders.

His current deal runs out in November and the former Rangers boss has conceded that it may be time for him to head home.

"I have to take a serious decision because my close ones want me to go home," Advocaat was quoted as telling Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting held on the occasion of the Dutchman's 61st birthday.

"Unfortunately, I am not young and I have to think about spending more time with my family."

Achievements

Advocaat took charge of Zenit in 2006 after stepping down as South Korea manager following their elimination form the World Cup finals in Germany that summer.

He led Zenit to their first league title in 2007, booking a place in the UEFA Champions League, as well as claiming the Uefa Cup and the European Super Cup.

During a distinguished managerial career he also led Holland to the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup and the semi-finals of Euro 2004.