Marco and Johnny stop after EC!

News that undoubtedly will be cheered upon by many… Marco and Johnny call it quits after the EC…

Although earlier soundbites suggested Marco wanted to go all the way to the WC2010, yesterday he declared that “he is in need of a new environment”, and will quit after the EC. Henk Kesler stated that the KNVB is sad that M&J will leave but respects their decision (blablabla)…

Earlier in the month, Marco laughed at questions of the press: “I know exactly what I want to do…”… His presence at the WC draw, his remarks on the “potential of the group for the future” were signs of his eagerness to stay on board.

However, as we reported here, Kesler started to prepare the press and public that “an announcement would be made later in 2008″ because the KNVB also wanted to include more qualitative elements to the contract… He even compared the Van Basten era with the Advocaat period of 2004… Giving hints that the fans are not happy…

Marco must have read those words well (is that consiglieri Johan Cruyff whispering in the background?) and he decided to save his face and announce his retirement from the job.

When Louis van Gaal was quized on his ambitions to take over, he said: “I don’t think the KNVB will come to me. And let’s face it, the best candidate already works at the KNVB.” Foppe de Haan of course…

So, rejoice everyone and let the discussion on the new man begin. The King is almost dead, long live the new King….