After ten rounds in the Dutch Eredivisie, Heracles Almelo are rock bottom with just three points, four points fewer than their competition in the relegation zone.
On Sunday, following a 3-0 defeat to promoted outfit FC Volendam on Saturday, the club announced that manager Bas Sibum had been dismissed following their disastrous start to the season.
"This decision was prompted by the results," Supervisory Board Chairman Hans Morsink said on the club website.
"We wanted to see an appropriate response against FC Volendam, but that did not happen. We saw too few signs that gave us the certainty that performance would improve substantially in the near future. With this painful decision, we hope to turn the tide."
Technical director resigns
Along with Sibum, technical director Nico-Jan Hoogma announced his resignation. Hoogma, who worked as the club's general manager between 2007 and 2018, felt responsible for the hiring of Sibum and the subsequent results.
"We chose Bas with complete conviction," Hoogma said. "I myself worked day and night to make this collaboration a success. When the results failed to materialise, I entered into discussions with the Supervisory Board and, in mutual consultation and with great respect for each other, we decided to part ways."
"No one is bigger than the club, and it is paramount that a change is made now."
Bas Sibum, a former midfielder, was hired by Heracles in the summer of 2025 following a successful spell as manager of Roda JC. The Heracles job was Sibum's first at the highest level.
Under Sibum, Heracles started the season with six consecutive defeats before grabbing their first win at home against Sparta (3-0). Since that victory, Heracles lost 2-1 to rivals FC Twente, 7-0 at home to Feyenoord, and 3-0 to promoted FC Volendam.