Biography
Who is Dick Advocaat?
Early life and playing career
Dick Advocaat was born on September 27, 1947, in The Hague, Netherlands. He grew up playing as a defensive midfielder and started his senior career with ADO Den Haag. He made his professional debut for the club in May 1967 during a match against GVAV. During his first stint with Den Haag, he won the KNVB Cup in 1968. He made a total of 147 appearances and scored 7 goals for the club before moving on.
Throughout his playing career, Dick Advocaat represented several other teams in the Netherlands and abroad. He played for Roda JC, VVV-Venlo, and the American team Chicago Sting in the North American Soccer League. Later, he played for Sparta Rotterdam, K. Berchem Sport, and Utrecht before hanging up his boots. In addition to playing, he worked as a physical education teacher.
Coaching beginnings and Dutch national team
Dick Advocaat began his coaching career in 1981 at amateur side DSVP. He later managed HFC Haarlem and SVV, leading SVV to an Eerste Divisie title. In 1984, he became assistant to Netherlands national team coach Rinus Michels. His mentor earned the nickname The General, which led to Dick receiving the moniker The Little General.
Dick Advocaat took over as head coach of the Dutch national team after UEFA Euro 1992. He guided the team to the quarterfinals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. After the tournament, he left the national setup to manage PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. During his time at PSV, he won the league title and the KNVB Cup.
Success with Rangers and international teams
In 1998, Dick Advocaat moved to Scotland to manage Rangers. He became the first foreign manager in the history of the club. In his first season, he secured a domestic treble by winning the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Cup, and the League Cup. The following season, he won the league title again by a record margin.
Dick Advocaat later managed the national teams of South Korea, Belgium, and Russia, alongside various club sides. While managing the Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg, he won the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2008. He also led the Netherlands to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2004 during his second spell in charge.
Birthday and age
Dick Advocaat was born on September 27, 1947, which makes Dick 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Dick shares the date with 68 other famous people.
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