Gullit keen on Socceroos job

Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The search is on in earnest for Verbeek's replacement, who revealed in March that he would step down after two and a half years as Socceroos coach because of demands on family and his desire to return to Europe.

While a host of coaches have been linked to the job, including the likes of Frank Rijkaard, no-one has put their hand up as yet with several positions expected to be available after the finals.

Gullit, who made 66 appearances for Holland including at the 1990 World Cup, has indicated he would be happy to speak to the Football Federation Australia about taking control of the Socceroos in the lead-up to the 2011 Asian Cup.

"Of course, I would consider it (coaching Australia). It's very nice there," he said.

"I love Australia, I've been to Sydney. What I like about Australia is the people are very sport minded, very much, they love it. And of course the temperature is nice, the environment is nice.

"Maybe that's the reason why the Dutch coaches do so well."

Australia's past two coaches have been Dutch, with Guus Hiddink leading them to the 2006 World Cup finals before Verbeek was handed the role.

Australian football has also sought to follow a Dutch blueprint for success, the national curriculum is based on teaching young players the 4-3-3 system employed in the Netherlands, to further boost Gullit's claims.