To see the Socceroos train overnight...
   

The search is on in earnest for Verbeek's replacement, who revealed in March that he would step down after two and a half years as Socceroos coach because of demands on family and his desire to return to Europe.

While a host of coaches have been linked to the job, no-one has put their hand up as yet, with several positions expected to be available after the World Cup.

Gullit, who played for the Netherlands 66 times including at the 1990 World Cup, has indicated he would be happy to speak to the FFA about taking control of the Socceroos in the lead-up to the 2011 Asian Cup.

"Of course I would consider it (coaching Australia). It's very nice there," he said. "I love Australia, I've been to Sydney. What I like about Australia is the people are very sport minded, very much, they love it.

"And of course the temperature is nice, the environment is nice. Maybe that's the reason why the Dutch coaches do so well."

With Australian football becoming all things Dutch, including a national curriculum which is based on the 4-3-3 system employed in the Netherlands, Gullit would seem a perfect choice.

His decorated playing career saw him play for PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, AC Milan and Chelsea, while he rose to hero status as a player/manager at Stamford Bridge, leading the club to its first trophy in 26 years winning the 1997 FA Cup.

His managerial career also included spells at Newcastle United, Feyenoord and LA Galaxy. However, he has not coached since August 2008, when he was sacked from MLS club Los Angeles.

Gullit's prospects of becoming Socceroos coach would be complicated by his current role as ambassador for Belgium and The Netherlands' bid for the 2018/2022 World Cup, something that Australia is also bidding for.

However, with the bid due to be decided in December, Gullit could fill the role ahead of the Asian Cup without any conflict.

He added: "I just hope the best for Holland and Belgium. I can't say anything about England or Australia, that's their own concern."

To see the Socceroos train overnight...