Jelle Goes tenure as Estonia coach is over
(Getty Images)
Jelle Goes has stepped down as Estonia coach after agreeing
to terminate his contract with the Estonian Football Association (EJL)
by mutual consent. Goes' deal was supposed to run until the end of the
UEFA EURO 2008T qualifying campaign but with Estonia sixth in Group E
and yet to register a point or goal, he has decided to step down.
Consultancy role
"The initiative came from me, although I said after the England match
that I would continue until the end of the year," explained Goes,
who will continue in a consultancy role for the EJL's educational programmes
until the end of 2007. "But after thinking over I came to a decision
that it is time to move on and close this chapter in my career."
Goes was praised for his attacking and entertaining style in his early
days as Estonian coach. Good performances followed in 2006 FIFA World
Cup qualifiers against Slovakia, Russia and Portugal at home, but Goes'
biggest achievement was the 2-1 win over rivals Latvia in September 2005.
Estonia finished fourth in their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying group
with all-time best 17 points.
Top award
However, their UEFA EURO 2008T qualifying campaign has been less successful.
Defeated twice by Russia and Israel and by F.Y.R. Macedonia, Croatia and
England, Estonia are only being kept off the bottom of Group E on goal
difference by Andorra. "The results have not gone our way lately,
but I still see a clear development," Goes said. "I am very
proud of the players and I have enjoyed the time here enormously."
Before leaving his post, Goes was presented with the EJL's Golden Order
of Merit by president Aivar Pohlak, becoming only the third person to
receive the prestigious award.
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29 June 2007
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