BACK AGAIN | Dick Advocaat became Iraq manager – despite previously retiring FOUR times

FORMER Feyenoord boss Dick Advocaat has become the new Iraq manager…despite turning 74 next month and previously retiring four times.

The Dutch coach received an emotional farewell at the end of last season after he announced he was leaving Feyenoord and retiring yet again from football – after 41 years and 24 jobs as a manager.

However, he’s set for an incredible return to the international hot seat in Baghdad after meeting Iraqi FA officials in Spain this weekend to seal the deal.

Iraq was managed by former Slovenia boss Srecko Katanec until he walked out last month complaining about being unpaid for six months and took the matter to FIFA.

Advocaat fought back the tears in May as he led Feyenoord to a 2-0 win against Utrecht in what was supposed to be his final game in football.

He was in charge of Rangers from 1998 to 2002, where he famously splashed out a record £12 million on striker Tore Andre Flo.

He won two titles with Rangers, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup.

His first job in management was in 1980 as manager of Dutch minnows DSVP and the veteran’s CV includes spells in charge of six different countries.

Advocaat has managed Holland three times and AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven twice. He’s been in charge of Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, and Russia.

He’s also been manager at club sides Haarlem, SVV, Dordrecht, Borussia Monchengladbach, Zenit St Petersburg, Sunderland, Fenerbahce, Sparta Rotterdam, Utrecht and Feyenoord.

And now he’s set for yet another challenge with Iraq, who are 68th in the FIFA Rankings.