Russian fans start petition in bid to keep Guus Hiddink

Russian football fans have started a petition to retain Guus Hiddink as national coach despite the team's failure to qualify for next year's World Cup finals.

Fans can register and send their pleas via a special website (www.Hiddink2012.ru). "We, supporters of the Russian national team, are asking you to remain our head coach through the Euro 2012 finals. We trust in you," it said.

The 63-year-old Dutchman said he would make a decision on his future in the next few months after Russia were eliminated by Slovenia in a World Cup playoff last week.

After winning the FA Cup last season when in temporary charge of Chelsea, Hiddink is often linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

It has also been reported that Argentina are keen to install Hiddink as joint coach alongside Diego Maradona in time for the 2010 World Cup finals.