Hiddink heads to Chelsea after Turkey exit

Dutchman Guus Hiddink is poised for a return to Chelsea, after stepping down from his job as Turkey manager following last night’s Euro 2012 qualifying exit at the hands of Croatia.

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg of the play offs, Turkey drew 0-0 away from home and that was enough to bring to an end Hiddink’s reign in charge which only began in 2010.

Hiddink has stepped down as coach of Turkey after his side fell to Croatia in the Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said on Wednesday.

"The contract of Hiddink has been invalidated after a mutual agreement  between the federation and the coach," the TFF said on its website.

"We thank Guus Hiddink for his good service."

Turkey, semifinalists at Euro 2008, lost 3-0 at home to Croatia in the first leg of their play-off on Friday before a 0-0 draw in Tuesday's return leg confirmed their fate.

It is believed Hiddink will head back to Stamford Bridge, where he had a short spell as manager in 2009, only this time as a Director of Football, working alongside Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.