Steijn's reign over as Ajax wield axe after dreadful start

Ajax have sacked manager Maurice Steijn after just four months in charge following their dreadful start to the Eredivisie season.

The Amsterdam outfit finished third last term but are currently 17th in the table, mustering just a single win from their opening seven matches and conceding 16 goals.

Ajax's latest defeat — their fourth on the bounce in the league — came away at Utrecht on Sunday with the hosts coming back to win 4-3 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Oscar Fraulo.

Steijn's side went 3-2 ahead after falling 2-0 down but the clear lack of confidence in the squad eventually saw their crisis deepen.

After his dismissal, the tactician said: "This morning, I sat down with the board, and we continued our talks later this afternoon. 

"We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that. 

"Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. 

"But I failed to do so. I want to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope Ajax will find its way up again soon."

Ajax's last victory in all competitions came when they defeated Ludogorets 4-1 in a Europa League play-off first leg on August 24.

Interim CEO Jan van Halst added: "We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months. But the sportive successes and the development of the team were lacking. 

"That is why we decided to sit down together again today. This time, Maurice also expressed his concerns on whether he was the right man in the right place. 

"Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways. Hedwiges Maduro will do the honours for the coming period."