He made an immediate impact, presiding over a 17-match unbeaten run that saw them win Group 3 to reach the Euro 2004 finals, leaving Holland to enter the play-offs.

After working in club management with Slovakia’s AŠK Inter Bratislava, along with SK Sigma Olomouc and FK Drnovice in his homeland, Brückner entered the international arena with spells in charge of the Czech Under-23 and Under-21 sides.

Highly-rated Brückner, who is renowned for his tactical know-how, was assistant coach with the senior side before assuming overall control.