Former Netherlands boss Dick Advocaat will replace Jaap Stam as coach of Feyenoord until the end of the season, the Dutch club announced Wednesday.

The vastly experienced Advocaat, 72, takes over from Stam who stepped down Monday following a 4-0 thrashing by fierce rivals Ajax that left the club languishing in 12th place.

Advocaat, who has had three spells in charge of the Netherlands as well as stints coaching Belgium, Russia and South Korea, previously served as an assistant to Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Feyenoord in 2016.

Stam reasoned that it was "better for the club, the players and myself if I step aside" as he chose to resign with immediate effect despite support from Feyenoord's hierarchy and players.

The 15-time Dutch champions are also struggling in the Europa League, where they are bottom of Group G after three matches.