Dutchman set to be named new Socceroos coach

Dutchman Guus Hiddink is set to take one of the hardest jobs in world football, after accepting a lucrative offer to become the new coach of the Socceroos. Hiddink’s deal, will see him earn a reported $400,000 if he can get the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup, a feat which hasn’t been achieved since 1974.

There had been many applicants for the coaching position, but Hiddink was the stand-out selection after his miracle achievement in getting South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. Hiddink was at the top of the Socceroos hit list, closely followed by fellow Dutch man Dick Advocaat. Just 3 days ago Advocaat was appointed coach of the United Arab Emirates, putting him out of the running.

On Fox Sports television last night, FFA boss John O’Neill made the revelation that it was a 99% done deal and the matter would be resolved in a “matter of days”.

"It's fair to say (Hiddink) is our preferred candidate," O'Neill told Fox Sports.

"The ink is not dry on the paper but very close. It's a matter of days, not weeks.

"We expect that once his duties (at the Peace Cup in Korea) are over we'll get his undivided attention.

"It will be a great coup if we get him and I'm 99 per cent sure we will."

Hiddink is currently in Korea, coaching Dutch club side PSV Eindhoven at the Peace Cup in Korea, and once his side’s cup is finished, Hiddink is expected to arrive in Australia for the official unveiling. What will determine when his arrival in Australia will be, is his sides success at the Peace Cup.

Although Hiddink doesn’t officially have the coaching job, it is believed that he was behind the decision to cancel the upcoming friendly against Columbia and opt for a team training camp.

Hiddink’s appointment has relieved many, who believed it was taking to long for the Socceroos to get their man, after the controversial sacking of former coach Frank Farina last month.