Hellers steps down as Luxembourg coach

Guy Hellers has resigned as Luxembourg coach after almost six years in the post, with Under-21 trainer Luc Holtz named as his replacement on a caretaker basis. "This chapter in my life is now over," said Hellers, who declined to give a reason for his departure.

Hellers, 45, took charge of the national side in December 2004 when he succeeded Allan Simonsen. He led Luxembourg to shock away wins against Belarus in a UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier in October 2007 – the team's first competitive victory for 12 years – and more recently against Switzerland in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Heller had earlier represented his country 55 times as a player during a 15-year period, scoring two goals – the second of which earned a famous 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic in a EURO '96 qualifying match. As arguably Luxembourg's most distinguished footballer, Hellers made his name at R. Standard de Liège, where he played in midfield for 16 years, from 1983 to 1999. He amassed 477 appearances in all competitions – a club record – and scored 37 goals.

Luxembourg have been drawn in Group D in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying alongside France, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus and Albania. They kick off their campaign away to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 September.