Van Dijk sacked as Venlo coach

VVV Venlo coach Jan van Dijk has been sacked after leading the Dutch strugglers to second-bottom on the Eredivisie table.

The 54-year-old was handed his marching orders on Monday, with club management losing patience as the threat of relegation continues to grow.

A short statement on the club’s official website confirmed Van Dijk’s departure, though a replacement has yet to be named.

“The board of VVV Venlo has terminated collaboration with coach Jan van Dijk with immediate effect,” the club’s statement read.

“The reason lies in the continued poor performance of the club during the calendar year 2010, and the associated low ranking of the team.”

VVV have secured just 10 points from 18 fixtures this term, eight points adrift of escaping the drop zone.

It is a disappointing end to Van Dijk’s reign at the Limburg club, which began in June 2008 with Venlo mired in the second division.

The former FC Groningen midfielder led Venlo back to the Eredivisie in his first season then oversaw a respectable 12th-placed finish last term.

Club president Hai Berden added: “VVV Venlo was becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to poor results.”

“We have regularly discussed this with the coach. The basis for further cooperation has disappeared.”

“The situation has been evaluated by the club at the start of the winter and this is the consequence.”