Dennerby steps down as Sweden coach

Thomas Dennerby has stepped down as Sweden women's coach after eight years in charge.

His last match at the helm will be the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 hosts' friendly against the Netherlands in Gothenburg on 15 September, when the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) will formally thank him for his servies. The former Hammarby IF and Djurgårdens IF coach had requested to be released from his contract several months before expiry.

Dennerby was assistant to former Sweden coach Marika Domanski Lyfors up to UEFA Women's EURO 2005 before taking over, most notably finishing third at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Dennerby, whose side exited the recent Olympic tournament to France in the quarter-finals, said: "Women's football all over the world has taken enormous strides in the past five or six years. I am proud of the World Cup bronze in 2011.

"Sweden remain one of the best nations in the world with great potential and plenty of talent. But everything comes to an end. Eight years in the post is a long time and I wish my successor luck for the EURO at home next summer, which I think will be a brilliant tournament in every way."

SvFF general secretary Mikael Santoft said: "We are moving as quickly as we can in the job of finding and appointing someone to lead Sweden at UEFA Women's EURO 2013 and also towards the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup 2015.

"Thomas has developed the players individually and as a team, as well as widening the ability of the backroom staff. Thanks to that more players now compete for a place in the national team."

UEFA Women's EURO 2013 will run from 10 to 28 July next year in seven venues, with the draw on 9 November. The qualifying group stage will conclude on 19 September with Germany and Italy so far the only teams certain of joining hosts Sweden in the 12-team finals.