PSV and Gerets part company

PSV Eindhoven announced on Monday that they have parted company with coach Eric Gerets.

'Much success'
PSV, currently on a post-season tour of China, revealed that Gerets has agreed to leave the Philips stadium after three years in charge. A statement from club president, Harry van Raaij, speaking at Beijing International Airport as the squad prepared to fly home read: "Every football lover knows what I think about Eric Gerets and he has brought us much success. But we are a company and I have to put PSV first rather than my own personal feelings.''

Full agreement
It is believed that Gerets was in full agreement with the decision after a number of run-ins with several first-team members led him to question the authority he had over his star players. Gerets, who represented Belgium with great distinction over many years, has had public disagreements with Mark van Bommel, Dennis Rommedahl amongst others over his managerial style.

'Best time'
PSV press officer Pedro Salazar explained that the lack of harmony within the club had contributed to their decision. "It is well known that a couple of players have had problems with Gerets over the past six months and we have come to the conclusion that this is the best time to part company with him,'' Salazar said.

Second place
PSV finished second in the Eredivisie table last season and qualification to the UEFA Champions League would be considered a success for most clubs. But PSV's fans had to watch as rivals AFC Ajax ran away with a league and cup domestic double and Feyenoord claimed the UEFA Cup.

PSV career
Gerets did, though, lead the club to the Eredivisie title in 2000 and 2001. His arrival in Eindhoven was met with great delight by the fans after his successful spell in the PSV midfield in the 1980s. He captained PSV to their finest moment when they won the European Cup in 1988.