Van Dijk took up the reins in June 2008 and guided the club back to the top flight in his first campaign at the helm before securing a respectable 12th-place finish last season. Things have not gone their way this term, however, and a paltry return of 10 points from their first 18 games has prompted the club to look elsewhere. "The board of VVV-Venlo has terminated collaboration with coach Jan van Dijk with immediate effect," read a statement on club website. "The reason lies in the continued poor performance of the club during the calendar year 2010, and the associated low ranking of the team." Club president Hai Berden added: "VVV-Venlo was becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to poor results. "We have regularly discussed this with the trainer. The basis for further cooperation has disappeared. "The situation has been evaluated by the club at the start of the winter and this is the consequence." VVV's home match against FC Utrecht on Sunday was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.
