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| Van
Halst can leave Ajax |
12 July 2001
|
| Ajax
have told Jan van Halst that he can leave the club transfer-free. He's
been unable to get into the 1st team under Co Adriaanse and had been on
hire to Fortuna last season after a move to Borussia Dortmund fell through
due to the high price being asked for him. Although there's currently no
concrete interest in the 32 year-old midfielder he expects that, now the
fee-problem has been solved, clubs will come knocking on his door
with an offer. |
| Ajax
win friendly |
11 July 2001
|
| The
pre-season friendlies are in full swing and all Premier Division sides won
their matches: Ajax beat TS
Theole 0 - 9 with goals from Ibrahimovic (5),
Machlas (2), Knopper and Ikedia.
|
| Ajax
contract for youth talent Nigel de Jong |
11 July 2001
|
| Ajax
have given one of their own young talents, Nigel de Jong, a contract for 3
years. The 16 year-old A1-youth defender (a familiar face for Co
Adriaanse from the time when the coach looked after youth training at the
club) has been with the club for the last 8 years and is excited to be in
receipt of his first contract. |
| Heerenveen
- Ajax postponed |
11 July 2001
|
| The
match between Heerenveen and Ajax planned for August 11th is to be
postponed due to the lack of enough on-duty police to take care of any
crowd trouble that may arise. There is as yet no new date for the match. |
| Chronic
injury blow for Christian Chivu |
09 July 2001
|
| Ajax's
star midfielder Christian Chivu has developed a chronic hamstring injury
which forced him to leave the pitch after only 5 minutes of a practice
match on Saturday. It's unclear yet how long it will be before he's
match-fit but he will surely miss at least part of the Amsterdammers'
pre-season preparations. The bad news has not altered coach Co Adriaanse's
conviction that Ajax can grab the title in the coming 2001/2002 season. |
| Ajax,
AZ and Utrecht win practice matches |
08 July 2001
|
| All
three Ere Divisie clubs won their practice matches against amateur sides -
AZ beat the Polderelftal 9 - 1 (Bosman got a hattrick), FC Utrecht beat
Desto 16 - 0 (Dirk Kuyt scored 6! and Igor Gluscevic got a hattrick) and
Ajax beat Owios 13-0 (surprisingly with Aron Winter playing the 2nd
half) - Ibrahimovic
scoring 4 goals, the others coming from Daniel Cruz (3), Nikos Machlas,
Cristian Chivu, Pius Ikedia, Tim de Cler, Andy van der Meyde and Mido. |
| Hersi
and Bobson move to NAC |
03 July 2001
|
| The
Ajax duo Kevin
Bobson and Yousouff
Hersi will be turning out for the Breda club NAC next season. Both
players had earlier refused to be placed at First Division side Haarlem
but now Hersi is on hire for next season to Premier Division NAC and
Bobson is expected to sign a contract in the next few days. |
| Tom
Sier to leave Ajax |
30 June 2001
|
| Tom
Sier has asked Ajax to terminate his contract and let him leave for
another club - the 31 year-old former Heerenveen and Volendam defender's
contract still has a year to go in Amsterdam. He came back from injury
last season but was only called up by Co Adriaanse for a few 1st team
matches before being relegated again to the reserve team. He's decided
enough is enough and wants to move on to play for a Premier division side
who will give a 1st team place. |
| Ole
Tobiasen finally coming back from injury |
28 June 2001
|
| The
Danish defender Ole Tobiasen is finally starting to look as if he's back
from the long-term knee injury which has kept him out of action for most
of the last 3 years - he played his last match for Ajax in November 1998
against NEC. The former B 1903, BK Fremad Amager,
KB and Heerenveen player has had two operations on his meniscus since
joining the Amsterdammers in 1997 but is now going to be regaining match
fitness this summer with his former club FC København. |
| Stanley
Menzo goes on keeping - for AGOVV |
28 June 2001
|
| The
former Ajax keeper Stanley Menzo (kept goal in 356 matches for Haarlem,
Ajax, PSV, Lierse SK and Girondins Bordeaux) was thought to have put a
full stop behind his career last season after developing a knee injury but
has decided hat he feels fit enough to turn out for top amateur side AGOVV
next season. The ambitious new club of the 37 year-old has already added
the likes of Marcel Valk (ADO Den Haag) and Santinho Lopes Monteiro
(Excelsior) to their squad in their battle to become champions and gain
promotion to the professional league next season. |
| Heerenveen
- Ajax new season |
28 June 2001
|
| The
new season prematurely as Ajax play away against Heerenveen
on Saturday August 11th. The match has been moved forward due to the
preliminary round matches the Amsterdammers are playing in the Champions
League. On Sunday 12th the Arena hosts the Super Cup match between the
winners of the League and the winners of the Cup - in other words a repeat
of the Cup Final as PSV and Twente meet again. The season actually starts
for others a week later:- Friday 17th August:Fortuna Sittard -
Vitesse. Saturday 18th August: Groningen
- PSV, Den Bosch - Heerenveen, Twente - RKC, NAC - Utrecht, De
Graafschap - AZ. Sunday 19th August:Feyenoord-Sparta, Ajax - Roda
JC, Willem II - NEC. |
| Ajax
dump 9 players |
27 June 2001
|
| A
group of 9 players at Ajax have been told they needn't bother turning up
for the first training session of the new season. They are - Van Halst,
Babangida, Hoekstra, Sier, Hose, Bobson, Culina, Heije and Kanu. The club
is cutting back on the number of contracted players and expects to sell or
hire out the nine (who are no longer needed). |
| Ajax
make new bid for Sparta's Da Silva |
18 June 2001
|
| Ajax
have reentered the hunt for Sparta's David Mendes da Silva with an offer
to swap John Nieuwenburg (already on loan to the Rotterdammers), John
O'Brien, Jan van Halst and a large sum of money for the 18 year-old youth
international. Newcastle United have also made an official bid for his
services (it's no secret the youngster would love to play in the English
Premiership) in a move which has caused the Amsterdam club to come up with
this latest offer. The Rotterdammers have been asking in the region of
€4.5 million Euros for Da Silva and would accept half that amount
together with the 3 Ajax players in part exchange. |
| Youssef
Hersi not going to Haarlem |
13 June 2001
|
| Stekelenburg
joins Ajax 1st team squad |
13 June 2001
|
| Maarten
Stekelenburg will be competing next season with Fred Grim and Bogdan
Lobont for the goalkeeper's job in Ajax's 1st team squad. The 18 year-old,
who resembles Edwin van der Sar both physically and in his style of
keeping, is currently travelling with Jong Oranje's Under 20 team to
Argentina for the World Youth Cup. |
| Van
der Vaart gets European talent award |
12 June 2001
|
| The
skills of Ajax's young talent Rafael van der Vaart have not gone unnoticed
outside of Holland during last season and the growing admiration for the
midfielder has led to him being named European Talent of the Year by the
Italian Calciomanager.it. The award ceremony is on June 20th in Milan but
Rafael will not be able to accept it personally because he will be in
Argentina with Jong Oranje for the World Championships - he has, however,
expressed his gratitude for the honour. |
| Ajax
sign young Brazilian Maxwell |
07 June 2001
|
| Ajax
have added a new youngster to their squad - the 19 year-old defender
"Maxwell" Scherer Andrade comes from Brazilian side Cruziero and impressed the
Amsterdammers when they saw him play in a recent youth tournament at
Terborg in Holland. |
| Early
begin to new season for Ajax |
07 June 2001
|
| Ajax's
new season will begin early due to their success in reaching the
preliminary qualifying rounds for the Champions League. They play their
first league match away on August 11th (the Arena is booked for the Johan
Cruijff Trophy or Super Cup on the 12th). |
| Ajax
stalls 3 players at Haarlem |
02 June 2001
|
| Ajax
are to lend 3 players to Toto side Haarlem (with whom the Amsterdammers
have a cooperation-pact) - they are Didi Longuet, Serginho Greene and Darl
Douglas (who's been on loan to RBC Roosendaal this season). Next week
should see Youssouf Hersi and Kevin Bobson follow, although both players
(as well as Greene) have previously dug their heels in and refused to be
'demoted' to the First Division club. Ajax's plan is to let the youngsters
gain match experience with their neighbours before bringing them back to
Amsterdam. |
| Achmed
Ossam signs for Ajax |
02 June 2001
|
| As
we reported earlier, Ajax has been following the talented young
Egyptian striker Achmed Ossam (nicknamed 'Mido'), currently playing for
Belgian side AA Ghent. He's now signed a contract with the Amsterdammers,
who've beaten several other clubs (Anderlecht, Sunderland, Southampton,
Vicenza en Udinese) in the race to sign the 18 year-old (he was AA Ghent's
top scorer last season with 11 goals in 21 games). |
| Ajax
to sign Ghent's striker Ahmed Ossam? |
31 May 2001
|
| Ajax
are expected to make an approach to Ghent's young Egyptian striker Ahmed
Ossam and snatch him away from under Anderlecht's nose. The Belgian club
were rumoured to have already signed a deal with the 18 year-old but it
turns out not to be true. Although Ahmed's agent Roger Henrotay has not
heard anything from the Amsterdammers, technical director Leo Beenhakker
has watched the young talent several times and is preparing to recommend
the club offer him a contract. |
| Pascal
Heije signs for RBC |
30 May 2001
|
| RBC
have signed Ajax's young defender Pascal Heije, who's been on loan this
season. The 21 year-old has played 21 games for the Roosendaalers, mainly
as right-back, but could be given a more central position if the club sign
Willem II's Geoffrey Promayon (the Tricolores' right-back is transfer-free
this summer). RBC will also be saying goodbye to another Ajacied who's
been on loan - Darl Douglas. |
| Arveladze
arrested in Ajax/NAC fraud case |
29 May 2001
|
| The
Ajax and Georgian international striker Shota Arveladze has been arrested
and detained for questioning in connection with the investigation into
possible tax fraud at the Amsterdam club. Ajax's treasurer Arie van Os and
former financial director Maarten Oldhof have also been detained while at
NAC (the other club under investigation by tax investigators FIOD)
ex-chairman John Peek and former treasurer John Schonk have similarly been
held in custody. It's expected that it will be several days before any of
the 'suspects' are released. |
| Aron
Winter slams Adriaanse |
29 May 2001
|
| Aron
Winter has publicly criticised Ajax trainer Co Adriaanse for the
undeserved and, in his eyes, unprofessional, treatment he's received since
Adriaanse joined the club. Earlier, Richard Witschge and Ferdi Vierklau
had also gone public on their frustrations at being dropped from the team
and the problems they have experienced with their trainer. Neither of the
players is prepared to work under Adriaanse which means inevitably that
they'll be leaving the club this summer. |
| Ajax
and NAC raided by FIOD tax team |
28 May 2001
|
| Ajax
and NAC have both been paid a visit by tax investigators FIOD in connection with a
possible fraud involving the transfers of Shota Arveladze and Michael Laudrup
in Amsterdam and Shota's brother (former NAC player) Archil Arveladze in Breda. All the players
involved appear to have received cash-in-hand payments which were never
declared to the Tax authorities. Up to €2.2 million Euros remain unaccounted
for at Ajax, according to
the investigation team, while at the moment there's little information on
the specifics of the situation at NAC. Earlier this season Vitesse found themselves under investigation in connection with the 'Aalbers
affair',
Feyenoord were also investigated and, more recently, Ajax striker Nikos
Machlas. Trading in Ajax shares have been suspended (merely as a
precaution you understand)!! |
| Ajax
and Schalke 04 target Gabor Babos |
25 May 2001
|
| Feyenoord
are not the only club who are thinking of buying NAC's top goalie Gabor
Babos (as a possible replacement for 'is he going to Arsenal or isn't he'
Jurek Dudek). Ajax and German side Schalke 04 have also started to show an
interest in the Hungarian. |
| Witschge
furious with Adriaanse |
22 May 2001
|
| Ajax
and Feyenoord target young Swede |
21 May 2001
|
| Ajax
and Feyenoord are following closely the exploits of young Swedish player
Alexander Fernarud but are competing for his attentions with Manchester
United. The 17 year-old plays for Landskrona BolS and excels both in
attack as well as in midfield. |
| Vitesse
poach the points 1 - 2 against Ajax |
17 May 2001
|
| The
fight is on for 3rd position in the Ere Divisie now that PSV are
Champions and Feyenoord have recovered just in the nick of time to secure
2nd place. Vitesse have not been doing well of late and Ajax have slipped
up in the last few games - so they both have something to prove tonight
and those 3 points would sure come in handy too. The visitors chose a
defensive posture and hoped for a counter while Ajax made no impression
whatsoever in a poor 1st half. Ajax's defence was its usual weak and
shaky self but it still took until just before the halftime whistle before
Matthew Amoah put
the visitors ahead. Ajax put on a better performance after break,
substituting Richard Knopper and Daniel Cruz for, respectively, Wamberto
and Richard Witschge. The result was a Shota Arveladze equalizer in the 52nd minute.
Unfortunately they lost interest in their new found zest for life and
handed the initiative back to the Arnhemmers, who took control of
the remaining 20 minutes of play. The winning goal came from 17 year-old
substitute Jhonny (no, it's not a typing error) van Beukering in the 75th minute. Victory means Vitesse climb into 5th place on
equal points with Utrecht in 6th while the Amsterdammers, also on
55, stay a whisker ahead on goal average. If Ajax want that 3rd, and
Champions League qualifying spot, they are going to have to change their
spots!!! |
| Youssef
Hersi questions Haarlem move |
16 May 2001
|
| Ajax's
Youssef Hersi is having doubts about the Amsterdam club's plan to lend him
to Toto side Haarlem next season. The 18 year-old striker captained Ajax's
reserve team to a 3 - 0 win over Utrecht, clinching the Championship last
Monday. In a repeat of the
resistance shown by Kevin Bobson and Brutil Hosé towards
'relegation' to Haarlem the youngster is hoping that his agent (and his
father..."I'm not afraid of Leo Beenhakker or Co
Adriaanse") will fight for an alternative solution. He should know by
now that "resistance is futile" !!! |
| Nikos
Machlas under investigation |
15 May 2001
|
| Dutch
tax fraud investigators FIOD are investigating Nikos Machlas' finances,
specifically a double-contract construction he used while playing for
Vitesse which prevented most of his earnings 'falling into the hands' of
the taxman. Large sums of money (in total more than €910,00 Euros, far
more than his earnings in Holland) went to a company bearing his name (how
stupid can you get?) called 'Diego Trading', set up in the Virgin Islands.
You may remember that, when the same tax
investigators arrested former Vitesse supremo Karel Aalbers, the Greek
striker was also questioned at his home about his role in the 'financial
circus' at the Arnhem club. The tax authorities became suspicious
when they saw that his improved contract with Vitesse (after he'd won the
prestigious "Golden Boot" award in 1998) was for a 'mere'
€22,500 Euros (at a time when several foreign clubs were interested in
acquiring him). If the allegations prove correct he could face a
large bill for taxes not paid, a substantially amazing fine and
a possible prison sentence. |
| Ajax
reserves win Championship title |
15 May 2001
|
| Good
news for the Amsterdammers' future - Ajax's reserve team (including the
experienced André Bergdølmo in defence and the rather younger, and
less-experienced, Kevin Bobson and Christopher Kanu) have won the season's
championship title with a decisive 3 - 0 victory over their closest rivals
Utrecht in the Galgenwaard stadium. Richard Knopper (back from injury)
scored in the 1st minute, 18 year-old Ghanaian Kwame Quansah got the 2nd 6
minutes later and, just before the final whistle, Walker put away the 3rd
from a Hersi corner. |
| Feyenoord
win goalfilled derby 3 - 4 at Ajax |
13 May 2001
|
| The
match of the weekend and the 45th Premier Division derby between
Rotterdam's and Amsterdam's finest as the two sides battle for 2nd place
in the table with automatic Champions League qualification at stake. So
attacking football is what it's all about this afternoon and the fans
(who'd chosen football above the beach on this first-taste-of-summer
weekend) were treated to some early excitement and a match full of goals.
Feyenoord's trainer chose to strengthen his defence (to make sure today
would not end in yet another defeat) by fielding Jan de Visser on the left
instead of Leonardo and was hoping to score from counters. Bert van
Marwijk's strategy paid off early on - after Christian Chivu hit the crossbar with a header Kalou served
up a clever through ball which gave Feyenoord's Irish international David Connolly
the chance tothe proceedings with
a 7th minute goal. It wasn't long before Ajax's Georgian international striker Shota
Arveladze showed he was also in the mood this afternoon, sneaking one in within 5
minutes and adding a 2nd goal with a beautifully struck distance-shot in the 18th minute. Although
Ajax completely dominated the first half-an-hour of play (looking really
strong) - as the match went on they lost their way, especially after
the break. After the break Ajax lost the initiative to their
opponents - the substitution of Leonardo for De Visser brought
back the attacking Feyenoord style-of-old. A move which looked
suspiciously offside gave the Brazilian the chance to make good for his
recent poor form with a 61st minute equalizer, showing up the
season-long achilles heel of the Amsterdammers - their weak defence. Irishman Connolly put the visitors ahead in the
66th and, as Ajax fought for the equalizer it gave the Rotterdammers even
more chance to attack that wobbly backline. Ajax threw so many men forward
that 3 Rotterdammers were free to bear down on goalie Grim - Jon Dahl Tommasson
had no problem getting around the hapless Grim to add a 4th for the Rotterdammers in the 73rd.
Shota Arveladze collected his hattrick in the 84th as it looked as if Ajax
might pull level. In the closing minutes substitute Rafael van der
Vaart twice came close to scoring but the luck wasn't there today and the
team of the first half was a pale shadow of what we had seen before the
break. Feyenoord are jubilant with the victory (for the first time in 14 years in
Amsterdam) and the points. They keep that vital 2nd
place with their first convincing performance in weeks. |
| Ajax
restrain football agents |
13 May 2001
|
| The
activities of some of the football agents hunting for fresh talent at Ajax
have forced the club to curb their pushy activities by limiting their
presence to the stands and pitch-side. The unwanted intrusions of the
less-well-mannered agents into the dressing-rooms at the club's 'De
Toekomst' youth-training camp and the attempts to lure youngsters with
free-scooters and other goodies have infuriated parents and club alike. A
letter is now going out to all agents and parents to bring them up-to-date
on the new code-of-conduct. |
| Four
Ajacieden on loan to Haarlem |
13 May 2001
|
| Four
Ajax players are being lent to Toto Side Haarlem in the developing
cooperation between the two clubs. The players are: Serginho Greene, Didi
Longuet, Youssef Hersi and Kevin Bobson. The first three are going
willingly (seeing it as preparation for a return to Premier Divison
action) while Bobson has been told he's
no longer welcome in Amsterdam. |
| Marciano
Vink goes to Ajax Cape Town |
12 May 2001
|
| Marciano
Vink has signed a contract with Ajax Cape Town for one season. The former
Ajax, Genoa and PSV player's career has been blighted by injury but,
during the last season, he has been keeping himself fit and ready for
professional action by playing amateur lfootball at ADO Den Haag. When
noone showed an interest in him he went to play for amateurs Lelystad
until the opportunity came his way to try-out for the South African
satellite club owned by Ajax and he's now going to get a taste of the
sunshine under English trainer Rob McDonald. |
| Richard
Knopper back in action |
11 May 2001
|
| Earlier
this week midfielder Richard Knopper returned to match football for Ajax
in the reserve game against Racing Genk's reserves after being out of
action through injury. It was the 23 year-old's first match since
September 22nd when he played against RBC (which Ajax won, surprise,
surprise, 2 - 0). It was originally thought a period of rest would be
sufficient 'cure' but he eventually had to undergo an operation to sort
out the problem. He made his breakthrough to the 1st team last
season and ended up as the team's top scorer with 15 goals. Welcome back
Richard! |
| Brutil
Hosé returns to Ajax |
11 May 2001
|
| Ajax's
Brutil Hosé is returning from De
Graafschap where he's been on loan but is no longer wanted by trainer
Gerard Marsman. Ajax also have no further use for the striker and are
going to make it possible for him to leave at the end of the season. |
| Chivu
ready for Feyenoord? |
08 May 2001
|
| Christian
Chivu is poised to return to action for Ajax after being out since picking
up a hamstring injury in the April 1st match against NEC. It's
taken him longer than expected to regain his fitness but he
turned out for Ajax A-1 last night against Racing Genk and could be ready
for the all important match against Feynoord in the Arena this coming
Sunday. The winner has the best chance of the direct route to Champions
League football next season while the loser will have to qualify. |
| RKC
and Ajax share points 2 - 2 |
03 May 2001
|
| An
important match for both teams (it's getting very tight pointwise in the
top 6/7 places) RKC are in 7th on 49 points and Ajax are 4th on 54 but
with a game in hand. The match got off to a cracking start with both teams
in attacking mood - the Waalwijkers went straight into the lead with a
1st minute goal after a mistake by Fred Grim allowed Rick Hoogendorp to
score an easy goal and he followed it up with his 2nd in the 12th. Ajax's
Ikedia and van der Meyde were threatening up front but it was Richard Witschge
who got one back in the 16th, a well struck distance shot. After several
opportunities to pull level, and even go ahead, in the 1st half Ajax came out for
the 2nd 45 minutes with the attitude "anything you can do
we can do better" - Pius Ikedia scored in the 46th minute to even things up
again. Ajax looked increasingly dominant but the goals wouldn't come and
the home team were still dangerous with counters. The Waalwijkers defence
held firm and both teams ended up with un point. RKC stay in 7th, a missed
opportunity for them and Ajax go into 3rd place on goal average (with Roda
right behind, also on 55) but need to win their remaining matches even
more now if they want to play Champions League football next season. |
| RKC
and Ajax share points 2 - 2 |
03 May 2001
|
| An
important match for both teams (it's getting very tight pointwise in the
top 6/7 places) RKC are in 7th on 49 points and Ajax are 4th on 54 but
with a game in hand. The match got off to a cracking start with both teams
in attacking mood - the Waalwijkers went straight into the lead with a 1st
minute goal after a mistake by Fred Grim allowed Rick Hoogendorp to score
an easy goal and he followed it up with his 2nd in the 12th. Ajax's Ikedia
and van der Meyde were threatening up front but it was Richard Witschge
who got one back in the 16th, a well struck distance shot. After several
opportunities to pull level, and even go ahead, in the 1st half Ajax came
out for the 2nd 45 minutes with the attitude "anything you can do we
can do better" - Pius Ikedia scored in the 46th minute to even things
up again. Ajax looked increasingly dominant but the goals wouldn't come
and the home team were still dangerous with counters. The Waalwijkers
defence held firm and both teams ended up with un point. RKC stay
in 7th, a missed opportunity for them and Ajax go into 3rd place on goal
average (with Roda right behind, also on 55) but need to win their
remaining matches even more now if they want to play Champions League
football next season. |
| Ajax
- Vitesse to be played on May 17th |
28 Apr 2001
|
| The
postponed Ajax - Vitesse match of April 21st will now be played on
May 17th....kickoff 20:45. |
| Daniël
Cruz goal as Ajax beat NAC......1 - 0 |
27 Apr 2001
|
| Every
match is an important one for Ajax - they need to win as many as possible
if they want automatic qualification for the Champions League next season.
NAC are 10th, on 41 points, in the tight mid-table region - Heerenveen are
8th and also on 41, but with a game in hand, while Willem II are 9th, just
ahead on goal average. The 1st half saw NAC pulled back in defence and
Ajax doing little to inject some real tempo into the match. Galásek and
Arveladze had early chances but were both denied by the excellent Gábor
Babos and the Georgian striker saw another shot saved close to the break.
After the break NAC's Csabar Féher missed a chance to pass Fred Grim and
Cedric van der Gun hit a wet ball before Co Adriaanse put on substitutes
Daniël Cruz, Rafael van der Vaart and Pius Ikedia to inject some sting
upfront. In a brief spell NAC made a brave attempt to push forward and put
the Amsterdammers under pressure but then Ajax finally got into gear -
Arveladze and Van der Vaart missed opportunities before Daniël Cruz
scored the match-winning goal in the 78th minute to move the
Amsterdammers into 3rd place. They have a chance now to steal Feyenoord's
2nd place with its prize of automatic qualification for Champions League
football. |
| Van
der Gun extends Ajax contract |
27 Apr 2001
|
| Ajax
and Cedric van der Gun have agreed terms for a new contract which runs
till 2005. The 21 year-old striker had expressed his desire to stay with
the Amsterdammers, despite the interest shown by other clubs, and looks
certain to play an increasingly more important role in the team. He was on
loan last season to Toto side Den Bosch (certain to be promoted to the Ere
Divisie next season) and this season has played 18 games, substituted in
10 and scored 8 goals. |
| Return
to Ajax for Hoekstra |
26 Apr 2001
|
| Peter
Hoekstra has been told by Groningen, where
he's been on loan from Ajax, that he can return to Amsterdam.
The northerners have declined to make use of an option to buy the left
winger for €770,000 Euros - he's
not produced the quality of play they are looking for and has
also been pushed out of the team by the steadily improving Arjen Robben.
It's the 2nd time the 28 year-old has returned after being hired out
unsuccessfully to another club - he spent a while playing for Spanish 2nd
division side Compostela. |
| Rafael
van der Vaart extends Ajax contract |
21 Apr 2001
|
| Rising
star 18 year-old Rafael van der Vaart has extended his contract with Ajax
till 2006. The midfielder has established himself as an important element
in Co Adriaanse's lineup and has also been shining at international level
for Jong Oranje, Holland's Under 21s. There's been plenty
of foreign interest but for the time being his heart belongs to Ajax. |
| Ajax
- Vitesse postponed |
18 Apr 2001
|
| This
coming Saturday's match between Ajax and Vitesse has been postponed. The
'foot and mouth' epidemic which has hit Holland's farming areas means that
there will be insufficient railway police available to 'chaperone' the
away supporters visiting the Amsterdam Arena and so, for reasons of public
safety, the match will have to take place at a later date. |
| Ajax
priority no.1 for Galásek |
18 Apr 2001
|
| Tomás
Galásek has been called up for the Czech national squad for the first
time since 1999 (he's been capped 11 times) to play in a friendly against
Belgium on April 25th. After thinking about it carefully the 28 year-old
midfielder has decided to give priority to the Ere Divisie match between
Ajax and NAC which takes place on April 27th. It was a difficult choice
for him to make - he still dreams of playing in an international
tournament and hopes his decision will not ruin his chances of fulfilling that
dream - but the remaining matches of the season in Holland are all
important for Ajax's chances of taking part in the Champions League next
season. |
| John
van 't Schip gets Twente job |
17 Apr 2001
|
| As
we reported earlier, John van 't Schip was reported to be
man-most-likely to take over from Fred Rutten at Twente next season. The
41 year-old former Ajax ) and Genoa ) player has been
looking after Ajax's A1 Juniors since 1999 and has been asssistant to Co
Adriaanse this season. He's signed a contract with the "Tukkers"
for two years. |
| Ajax
hold Roda to 1 - 1 draw |
16 Apr 2001
|
| Two
points separate the two clubs at the moment, Ajax are 3rd with 50 and Roda
5th with 48. A win for the home team would make them equal 3rd with the
Amsterdammers (an end-of-season 3rd placing brings with it a chance to
play Champions League football) while Ajax would at the very least like to
consolidate their position and a win would bring them to within 3 points
of 2nd placed Feyenoord (who are struggling). Roda pressed hard with
early chances for Nygaard (who's just renewed his
contract) and Anastasiou while Ajax had a couple of 1st half moments
through Arveladze and Van der Gun (who hit the post). In the 2nd half the woodwork denied Regilio Vrede but Yannis Anastasiou
put away the rebound and gave them a lead in the 62nd minute. It looked as though the points
were Roda's until Cedric van der Gun was unceremoniously brought
down in the box to give Shota Arveladze the chance to level the scores
with a spot-shot and close the gap with Feyenoord by 'un point'. Roda
leapfrog RKC into 4th. |
| Ajax
- Vitesse match moved to April 21st |
12 Apr 2001
|
| Louis
van Gaal's request that the date of the Ajax - Vitesse match be changed
because of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on April 25th
means that the match will now take place on Saturday April 21st at 14.30. |
| Croatian
talent Ljubojevic on trial at Ajax |
09 Apr 2001
|
| The
talented young Croatian striker 17 year-old Goran Ljubojevic is on trial
with Ajax this week. He's chosen to try out for the Amsterdammers in
preference to other interested clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer
Leverkusen, FC Kaiserslautern and Borussia Dortmund. |
| Ajax
lose at home to PSV 0 - 1 |
08 Apr 2001
|
| Both
teams made some adjustments to their lineups for this encounter -
PSV's trainer Eric Gerets left Mateja Kezman out in favour of John de Jong
alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy, with Rommedahl and Ramzi on the wings.
Co Adriaanse had to reorganise to cope with the absence of the injured
Chivu and Machlas while Richard Witschge was given a chance to play so
that
young star Van der Vaart (with his newly signed
contract with the Amsterdammers) could take a rest on the
bench. He's tired after the league and Dutch Under 18 internationals he's
played so far this season. Manchester United's 'boss' Alex Ferguson had
flown over personally to take a good look at his next purchase Ruud
Nistelrooy - it can't be long now before he makes an offer for the striker
(who's been linked for so long to the English Premier leaders). PSV had to
work hard to maintain their unbeaten-in-the-Arena record with Ruud leading
an isolated existence up front, surrounded by Ajax defenders, while his
fellow-forwards De Jong, Rommedahl and Ramzi hung back in midfield. Ajax had more
possession (Witschge had a good match) but couldn't convert
that into goals, the young side looking tired and lacking a strong striker to make a dent in the
Eindhoven armour. After an hour's play Cedric van der Gun had a shot saved
and, in the last 10 minutes, Ajax finally tested Ronald Waterreus with
shots by Galásek, Wamberto and substitute Van der Vaart who fired off a
rocket but the PSV goalie was his
usual alert self. The visitors didn't create manyngs either - Van
Nistelrooy missed with an early shot which went over and another went just wide after 30
minutes. The
one really fluent move they put together led to Moroccan international Adil
Ramzi's goal in the 53rd and from then on the visitors were satisfied to
hang on to their narrow advantage - they are now 10 points ahead of 2nd
placed Feyenoord who lost at NAC. |
| Van
der Vaart signs with Ajax till 2006 |
06 Apr 2001
|
| Three
months of negotiations are over and have finally put an end to the
speculation that Ajax's young star Rafael van der Vaart was perhaps set to
move to Manchester United, Real Madrid, or any other club for that matter.
He's signed a new contract which should keep him in Amsterdam till 2006. |
| Ajax
win against the odds as they play host to PSV |
06 Apr 2001
|
| An
Ajax victory against PSV on Sunday is stastistically unlikely - they've
yet to beat the Eindhovenaars in the Arena, while PSV are 25 matches
without defeat. The last time Ajax registered a home win against their
opponents was in 1995 in the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam when Kluivert
scored the only goal of the match. |
| Mitchell
Piqué returns to Ajax |
04 Apr 2001
|
| Mitchell
Piqué is set to return to Ajax after a spell on loan at Twente where he's
not been seeing enough on pitch action. He's only played 12 games this
season and, as a result, has also been dropped from the Jong Oranje squad. |
| Chivu
match fit earlier than expected |
04 Apr 2001
|
| Medical
examination has shown that Christian Chivu's injury is not
as bad as was originally thought - he will definitely miss Sunday's
topper against PSV but will definitely be back for the duel with Feyenoord
on May 13th. |
| Ajax's
Arveladze gets new contract |
03 Apr 2001
|
| Ajax
is to offer Shota Arveladze new terms of contract. His current deal with
the club runs out in 2002 but Co Adriaanse wants to keep him in Amsterdam.
Recently the Georgian striker's agent threatened to look for another club
because Shota was unhappy at not being given enough 1st team action. It looks now as
though a contract will be signed before the end of this season. |
| Chivu
out for 4 - 6 weeks |
03 Apr 2001
|
| Ajax
have received a blow to their end of season assault with the news that
Cristian Chivu has torn a small muscle in his hamstring during Sunday's
match against NEC and is going to be out of action for the next 4 - 6
weeks. |
| Blind
not bound for Twente |
29 Mar 2001
|
| Danny
Blind will not be FC Twente's new trainer - the 39 year-old Ajax A1
trainer was linked earlier this week to the vacancy but has turned down
the club's offer. Is Ruud interested? |
| Ajax's
Bobson to go? |
28 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax's
Kevin Bobson is thinking about his immediate future - after rejecting the
chance to move to Haarlem and more recently Fortuna - he is still hanging
on in the hope he'll get back into the 1st team selection in Amsterdam. If
that's not going to happen, and the chance is really small, then he wants
to move to another 'big' club. The 20 year-old striker came to Ajax from
SV Bijlmer and played in 8 Ere Divisie and 3 UEFA Cup matches before being
dropped by Co Adriaanse this season. |
| Blind
bound for Twente - or will it be Ruud? |
28 Mar 2001
|
| Danny
Blind, currently looking after Ajax's A-Juniors, has been named as the
man-most-likely-to-take-over from Fred Rutten at Twente FC. The 39
year-old former Sparta and Ajax player (he played a total of 537 games)
will be collecting his coaching diploma in a few weeks time, enabling him
to become the club's new trainer at the end of this season. In another
twist to the 'what's the future hold in store for Ruud Gullit?' story it
seems that his name's also been linked to the Twente vacancy after he
turned down the Tottenham trainer's job. |
| Ajax
sign Ibrahimovich |
23 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax
have secured the services of young Swedish striker Zlatan
Ibrahimovich for an unconfirmed Swedish record fee of somewhere
between €7,73 million Euros and €9,47 million. 19 year-old Zlatan is
of Bosnian descent and will serve out the second half (restarting in
April) of the Swedish Allsvenskan season with
current club Malmö FF before moving to Amsterdam for 5 years. Arsenal,
Monaco, AC Milan and Juventus were all interested in him but he chose Ajax
because Swedish players have done so well there (past Swedish Ajacieden -
Inge Danielsson 1968-1969, Peter Larsson 1987-1991, Stefan Pettersson 1988-1994). The move had also been recommended by fellow Swedish Under 21
colleague and Feyenoorder Johan Elmander. Now that the tall and versatile
striker (he can play in the centre as well as both wings) has been snapped
up, by technical director Leon Beenhakker, to lead the Ajax attack it's
highly unlikely the (much more expensive) Twente striker Jan Vennegoor of
Hesselink will be of interest to the Amsterdammers. |
| Ajax
may have to cut back on players |
21 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax
have just announced a small profit of €272,270 Euros for the first half
of the season, €450,000 less than last season. The final figures don't
give a true reflection of the club's finances, as they include earnings
from the sale of Grønkjær and Dani. The drop in income is serious enough
for the club to consider hiring out some of its 59 players or placing
others at clubs where the Amsterdammers already have built up a financial
interest. Future earnings will have to be boosted by internet rights,
broadcasting rights and new sponsors according to general manager Arie van
Eijden. |
| Arveladze
unhappy at Ajax? |
21 Mar 2001
|
| Shota
Arveladze is unhappy at being on the reserve bench so often at Ajax,
according to his agent Ivan Benes. The 27 year-old Georgian striker has
one more year to run on his contract and the statement by his agent could
be theng shot in negotiations for a new deal. Internazionale are
said to be interested in buying him but there was little sign of
disillusionment as Shota hit 4 past Sparta last Sunday. |
| Ajax
Cape Town fire Bodewes |
20 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax
Cape Town have fired their trainer Henk Bodewes. The former Veendam
trainer succeeded Leo van Veen but has now been replaced by John Lathan. |
| Ajax
slaughter Sparta 9 - 0 |
18 Mar 2001
|
| It
just missed hitting double figures this afternoon as Ajax put on a
dazzling display to dominate lowly Sparta. The Rotterdammers had made a
good start in their first few games under Wim van Hanegem but, apart
from theng quarter of an hour, they were completely outclassed. Co
Adriaanse seems to have found the lineup - Machlas being left out
and Van der Meyde coming in, allowing Arveladze to be central attacker
with van der Gun slotting in behind him. As the Ajax machine got into
gear it was Wamberto who started the slaughter in the 8th minute. Andy
van der Meyde got the 2nd in the 10th, Cedric van der Gun made it three
in the 23rd and Tim de Cler scored the 4th in the 26th. Shota Arveladze
made it five in the 39th and scored from the spot in the 48th minute.
Cedric van der Gun got his 2nd in the 59th and Arveladze added his 3rd
and 4th to take it to 9 - 0 in the 66th and 86th minutes. Ajax seem
to have found their feet and the goal in a big way - just in time for
the last push of the season. |
| Heitinga
makes Ajax debut on Sunday? |
17 Mar 2001
|
| Co
Adriaanse could be considering fielding 17 year-old A-Junior Johnny
Heitinga as replacement for Christian Chivu (injured against
Groningen last weekend) against Sparta on Sunday. |
| Foreign
scouts check out Van der Vaart |
12 Mar 2001
|
| Foreign
scouts were checking out young Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart during
yesterday's match against Groningen. Those guys from Madrid and Manchester
were having a good look at the left half while pretending to be still
interested in Chivu (who limped off with a hamstring problem after 20
minutes) but he's about to extend his contract with Ajax till 2006 and I'm
sure those well informed chaps knew that anyway. There's little chance of
Van der Vaart making a move abroad as I'm equally sure his heart belongs
to Ajax as much as Van der Gun's!! |
| Chivu
ready to sign new Ajax contract |
12 Mar 2001
|
| Christian
Chivu is poised to sign a new contract with Ajax, keeping him in Amsterdam
till 2006 on much improved terms. The negotiations have been going on for
some months now but are over, finally putting an end to all the rumours of
a possible move to Madrid or Manchester. |
| Groningen
have no use for Hoekstra |
12 Mar 2001
|
| FC
Groningen will not be making use of the opportunity to buy Peter Hoekstra
from Ajax. He's been on loan from the Amsterdammers this season but has
not impressed and the northerners think the asking price of €780,000
Euros too high anyway. |
| Ajax
draw at Groningen 3 - 3 |
11 Mar 2001
|
| This
entertaining match got off with a deluge of goals, 4 in theng quarter of an
hour - Machlasd proceedings in the 1st minute with a simple
goal after Roy Beukenkamp 'cleared' the ball straight into the Greek's
path (it looked as though he used his hands to control the ball but the
referee thought otherwise), Arjen Robben showed his skill with a set up
for Hugo to equalize in the 8th, Arveladze returned the lead to the Amsterdammers in the 11th
after a bad clearance by Joost Broerse
and Arjen Robben evened things out again in the 15th by coolly sliding the
ball under Fred Grim. After the early 'goalburst' the game turned into a
battle for contol of the midfield and on the stroke of
halftime Cedric van der Gun's cross Rafael van der Vaart got Ajax's 3rd. Both teams worked hard with
some good old fashioned attacking football in the 2nd half and Dejan Curovic snatched
a deserved goal in the 86th to grab a
share in the points for Groningen. |
| Ajax
chase Sparta's Da Silva |
08 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax
are interested in adding David Mendes da Silva to their squad and have
approached Sparta with an offer to swap John Nieuwenberg (already on loan
to the Rotterdammers) and American John O'Brien plus some cash for the 18
year-old. Co Adriaanse would like to put him alongside his other young
stars Rafael van der Vaart and Cedric van der Gun but could run into some
competition from Coventry City and Feyenoord. |
| Ajax
chase Swedish striker Ibrahimovich |
07 Mar 2001
|
| Ajax
are showing an interest in young Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovich. The
19 year-old, originally from Bosnia, plays for Malmö FF but was sick last
weekend when a delegation from Amsterdam arrived to see him in action. |
| Winter
can leave Ajax at end of season |
05 Mar 2001
|
| Aaron
Winter has been told that he can leave Ajax at the end of the season
if he wants to. The veteran international has 84 caps to his name, played
in every major international tournament in the 1990's, and acquired
two UEFA Cup medals along the way - with Ajax and Inter. Before playing
for Inter he spent some time with notorious-for-its-racist-element Lazio
where the fascists tried to block his transfer from Ajax. He's not seeing much 1st team action
in Amsterdam - Tomás Galásek is
the preferred choice for the right half position and is the best Ajacied
this season according to trainer Co Adriaanse. It is club policy to have
young players on the bench - if those places are taken by older players
such as Winter and Witschge (who has also been given permission to
leave),
it hampers the development of the youngsters. |
| RBC
lose to Ajax 1 - 3 |
04 Mar 2001
|
| Tomasz
Iwan put the Roosendaalers ahead in the 3rd minute as RBC came out
firing on all cylinders, Vos in particular posing a continual threat to
the Amsterdammers' backline. Ajax were a pale shadow of the side that
gave Utrecht such a hiding the week before and their defence remains as
unreliable as ever - whichever players are fielded (today it was
Ferdi Vierklau and Abubakari Yakubu who failed to convince). RBC's
inability to add to their score gave Ajax time to get back into the
match - Rafael van der Vaart equalized just before halftime in the 41st.
The visitors put on a better show in the 2nd half - Arveladze and Van
der Meyden both hit the crossbar before that other young star Cedric van
der Gun got Ajax's 2nd in the 65th minute. Arveladze made it 1 - 3 just
before time for a slightly undeserved, but welcome nonetheless, win for
Ajax. |
| Rob
McDonald next trainer Ajax Cape Town? |
28 Feb 2001
|
| After
the dubious honour of becoming the first Ere Divisie trainer to be sacked
(he was shown the door after the 1 - 0 defeat by De Graafschap in
November) Rob McDonald is close to becoming Ajax Cape Town's new trainer
and could succeed Henk Bodewes (whose contract runs out at the end of this
season). The 42 year-old Englishman has already held some preliminary
talks with Leo Beenhakker (Ajax's technical director) and taken a look for
himself where his next job could take him. |
| Van
der Gun's heart belongs to Ajax |
28 Feb 2001
|
| Ajax's
young star Cedric van der Gun has said in a television programme that his
only desire is to play for the Amsterdammers during the coming years. The
21 year-old has well and truly broken through into the 1st team since his
return from a few months on loan at Toto division side Den Bosch last
season. He has no intentions of looking abroad for another team and is
happy to continue where he is. |
| Ajax's
Brutil Hosé on loan to De Graafschap |
26 Feb 2001
|
| Brutil
Hosé has the chance for some 1st team Ere Divisie action with De
Graafschap, who can use an extra striker. He'd lost a regular place in
Ajax's lineup and Co Adriaanse wanted to loan him to Toto division side
Haarlem, who have a cooperation pact with the Amsterdammers, for the rest
of this season. After refusing to make the move he
was relegated to 2nd team duties at Ajax but now has the
chance to make a name for himself alongside De Graafschap's other new
signings Robert Fuchs and John van der Brom. |
| Ajax
in convincing 2 - 0 against Utrecht |
25 Feb 2001
|
| Ajax
convincingly made an end of Utrecht's run of 7 games without defeat - it's
also the first time they've not scored in an Ere Divisie match this
season. The Amsterdammers' 1st half was especially convincing with good
performances from Richard Witschge and Rafael van der Vaart, who had
things nicely wrapped up in midfield, thank you! From one of the first
corners Petri
Passanen headed in the 1st goal in the 11th minute - 4 minutes later
Thomás Galásek blasted in a one-take 30 meter shot, which Harald
Wapenaar had no chance of getting, to make it 2 - 0 in the 15th. The
Amsterdammers failed to keep up the pressure in the 2nd half but their
(achilles-heel-this-season) defence resisted any assaults Utrecht
considered launching. The result confirms Ajax's 3rd place ranking, 5
points ahead of Vitesse but still a long 9 points behind 2nd-placed
Feyenoord. |
| Chivu
and Ajax close to signing new contract |
24 Feb 2001
|
| Christian
Chivu and Ajax are close to finalising new terms for the 20 year-old
Romanian defender. The player's business agent Mr.Becalli has the last
word on the fineprint! It's expected the new contract will run till 2005. |
| Rumanian
Stoican on trial with Ajax |
19 Feb 2001
|
| Rumanian
international Flavius Stoican is on a week's trial with Ajax. The 24
year-old right back plays for Universitatea Craiova, the former club of Ajax's
Christian Chivu. |
| Ruud
Kras agrees terms with Ajax |
19 Feb 2001
|
| Volendam's
18 year-old defender Ruud Kras has signed a contract with Ajax for 4
years. The clubs had already agreed to the transfer and he will start in
Amsterdam next season. |
| Witschge
gets fair chance from Adriaanse |
17 Feb 2001
|
| It
was nice to see Richard
Witschge back in action yesterday against Fortuna and he was pleased
with his performance. He said after the match that Co Adriaanse has said
he'll get a fair chance to play for the 1st team during the rest of this
season and if things don't turn out he can leave Ajax for pastures new.
He's now 31 and still got another few seasons of good, top flight
football in him. If it means going abroad to find it then he's prepared
to make the move. |
| Ajax
beat Fortuna convincingly 3 - 0 |
16 Feb 2001
|
| The
Amsterdammers came needing a convincing win to get their spirits up and
their eyes focussed on those top 3 places, while Fortuna have not been
so fortunate this season and are stuck at the bottom of the table.
Cedric van der Gun and Wamberto on the wings caused continual problems
for the Sittard defenders Fritz Emeran and Edwin Hermans. Witschge
was back in the team for the first time since November 30th, replacing
the injured Rafael van der Vaart. His pass sent Wamberto off on a run to
the unfortunate Fortunard's goalline where he provided Tomás Galásek
with the chance tothe proceedings in the 10th minute. Van der Gun
and Machlas had a couple of eye to eye encounters with goalie Ruud Hesp
before Robert Roest's ball found Cedric van der Gun facing a frozen Hesp
in the 24th to make it 2 - 0. The 2nd half was not quite as convincing
as the 1st but Fortuna's fate was well and truly sealed by substitute
Fernando Cruz (replacing a disappointing Machlas) who scored within 4
minutes of entering the fray in the 76th. The difference between the
teams was simply too great for the home team to do anything about and
they remain sunk at the bottom in 16th place with 12 points from 20
games. Ajax achieved their goal and are now 3rd with 40 points from 21
games. |
| Ajax
beat the Fortuna jinx 3 - 0 |
16 Feb 2001
|
| The
Amsterdammers came needing a convincing win to get their spirits up and
their eyes focussed on those top 3 places, while Fortuna have not been
so fortunate this season and are stuck at the bottom of the table.
Cedric van der Gun and Wamberto on the wings caused continual problems
for the Sittard defenders Fritz Emeran and Edwin Hermans. Witschge
was back in the team for the first time since November 30th, replacing
the injured Rafael van der Vaart. His pass sent Wamberto off on a run to
the unfortunate Fortunard's goalline where he provided Tomás Galásek
with the chance tothe proceedings in the 10th minute. Van der Gun
and Machlas had a couple of eye to eye encounters with goalie Ruud Hesp
before Robert Roest's ball found Cedric van der Gun facing a frozen Hesp
in the 24th to make it 2 - 0. The 2nd half was not quite as convincing
as the 1st but Fortuna's fate was well and truly sealed by substitute
Fernando Cruz (replacing a disappointing Machlas) who scored within 4
minutes of entering the fray in the 76th. The difference between the
teams was simply too great for the home team to do anything about and
they remain sunk at the bottom in 16th place with 12 points from 20
games. Ajax achieved their goal and are now 3rd with 40 points from 21
games. |
| Ajax
and Willem II in unsatisfying draw |
11 Feb 2001
|
| An
important match today for both teams. Willem II are Ajax trainer Co
Adriaanse's former club and he helped them to their first European
adventure - they'd like to get the chance to repeat the experience again
next season. Ajax were shocked today when, after already missing a fewngs, Arno Arts's freekick gave Jattoo Ceesay theng goal
for the visitors with a header in the 23rd minute. Ajax were weak in
defence but had their chances, especially in the 2nd half, only Machlas
and Arveladze were off target today and unable to put on a show for the
fans. Willem II gifted them an equalizer when Joris Mattijssen walked
into Wamberto's forward pass and it disappeared into goal in the 59th.
The end of the 2nd half turned into a fight for the points as Ajax put
on the pressure and Willem countered, only Fred Grim's man of the match
work in goal saved a point for the Amsterdammers. Willem II have never
won a match in Amsterdam, losing 23 times, today's was the 4th draw. |
| Wamberto
wants to be a Belgian |
10 Feb 2001
|
| Ajax's
Brazilian 26 year-old winger Wamberto is trying to obtain a Belgian
passport. He spent 7 years playing for Seraing and Standard Liege when
he first came to Europe as a 15 year-old and would like to play in the
World Cup for the Red Devils. Although he played for Brazil's under 17's
in the last World Cup he thinks there are so many good footballers in
Brazil that he has little chance of getting into the team and hopes,
with his fluent French, to have a good chance of getting the nationality
he so obviously desires. |
| Ajax
win away at De Graafschap 3 - 1 |
02 Feb 2001
|
| The
Amsterdammers need every point they can get if they are to achieve the
end of season 3rd, 4th or 5th place Co Adriaanse wants. De Graafschap
are in the same position, pointwise, in order to stay out of the
relegation zone. At first it looked as if the Super Farmers (Super
Boeren) might live up to their name - Fred Grim had to rush back to stop
Marino Promes fromng the score in the 1st minute. Ajax had early
chances - Machlas and Arveladze saw balls saved, hit the bar or go just
wide. Then it was the home side's turn - Promes (the Farmers' best
player) gave Eric Viscaal the chance to head them into the lead in the
12th minute. For some reason they then decided to pull everyone back in
an attempt to protect their slim advantage. What a mistake to make! It
gave Ajax's forwards the chance to hit back and, after Wamberto shot
wide, Arveladze scored from a goal mouth scramble in the 28th. The
visitors upped the pressure, Machlas and Wamberto missing narrowly
before the Greek striker put away the 2-1 in the 45th. The 2nd half
proceeded in the same fashion, De Graafschap staying back and placing
all their hopes on counter attacks. The net result was a goal by Rafael
van der Vaart for the visitors from a curling freekick in the 58th
minute to make it 3-1. Trainer Marsman brought in fresh blood in the
form of Willem Hupkes, Zico Tumba, Milan Berck Beelenkamp without the
desired effect. The fragile Ajax defence was saved from real danger by
De Graafschap's inability to apply pressure. |
| Adriaansse
reassures Beerschot |
30 Jan 2001
|
| When
Co Adriaansse said last week that he'd rather end up 4th in the league
than 3rd more than a few eyebrows were raised (and a couple of hairs too),
including those of his colleagues at Belgian club Germinal Beerschot. He
has reassured them that Ajax will go all out to end 2nd if they can (which
means automatic qualification for the Champions League). Ajax are
majority shareholders in the Antwerp club and both clubs could not be
given a place in the UEFA Cup according to current rules - one owner, one
club. He had said he would prefer 4th to 3rd place because it would mean
not having to play pre-season qualifiers for the CL whereas 4th means a
UEFA placing. Of course Germinal would like a place themselves! |
| Ajax
lose to killer goal against Vitesse 2-1 |
26 Jan 2001
|
| The
Amsterdammers started off in confident fashion with chances for Rafael
van der Vaart and Machlas. The early Ajax assaults left Vitesse slightly
off balance but they started to launch their own counters and move
forward more threateningly. All of a sudden Tomàs Galasek caught Edwin
Zoetebier completely by surprise from 30 metres out with a shot which
sailed into the top left hand corner of the net. Peeters had a chance
soon after but the ball didn't connect with his head the way he would
have liked. The Amsterdammers' tempo dropped for the next spell and
Vitesse were able to put more moves together. Cornelisse was at the
centre of some controversy when he looked to have brought down Wamberto
in the area and a minute later seemed to use his upperarm to control the
ball in the box - both times he was given the benefit of the doubt by
the referee. Apart from one incident of confusion and fear at the back
Ajax's defence looked solid, a huge improvement compared to the early
part of the season with Tom Sier and Ed de Cler in control. In the
closing minutes of the half Wamberto hit a great ball just over and
Peeters got his head (jsut) to another high ball and then it was
halftime. The pitch was by now looking in bad shape with loose clods
showing how 'fresh' the pitch was, every sliding action ploughing
the turf - what would be sowed in these furrows? Fortunately for us the
answer was enjoyable good spirited football - in the 1st half perhaps a
little ragged at times but it promised to be a cracking 2nd half. |
| Adriaanse
in surprise announcement |
26 Jan 2001
|
| Co
Adriaanse has kicked off the restart to the season just as he started
it (Ajax would finish in the top 5) with another of his
controversial announcements. This time he's declared that he would prefer
Ajax to end the season in 4th rather than 3rd place. The reason? Any
Champions League qualifying matches would interfere with his plans for the
team in next season's Premier Division. The CL is only fun if you are
qualify automatically, he said !! |
| Ajax
looking hard at Sparta's Mendes |
26 Jan 2001
|
| Ajax
are following with interest the progress being made by Sparta's 18
year-old talent David Mendes who made his debut for the club last April.
He's currently worth about €4,5 million Euros to anyone interested
enough - Co Adriaanse says he's one of the most talented players of his
generation. |
| Ajax's
Bogdan Lobont out for 3 months |
24 Jan 2001
|
| The
Romanian and Ajax goalie Bogdan Lobont has been told an injury to his
shoulder is going to keep out of action for another 3 months. He injured
his shoulder in training 2 months ago and the problem didn't go away.
X-ray examination has revealed a small fracture, more common in volleyball
players, and will have to rest up for some considerable time before
getting back to work. The news is a blow to Ajax and even more so for the
Romanian national side who will have to miss him for the coming World Cup
qualifiers. Poor Bogdan was recently made no.1 choice for his country's
team and now fears he will not see action in Italy. |
| Ajax's
Culina goes to Germinal Beerschot |
19 Jan 2001
|
| Young
Australian Jason Culina is being lent to Germinal Beerschot for the rest
of the season (Ajax have a 51% controlling interest in the Belgium club)
and just when another Australian is about to arrive in Amsterdam. |
| Third
Australian on his way to Ajax |
18 Jan 2001
|
| Jade
North will make it three at Ajax when the 18 year-old, regarded down under
as one of the most talented up and coming players, arrives in Amsterdam.
He's already played some top level matches for the Brisbane Strikers and
will join compatriots midfielder 20 year-old Jason Culina and 23 year-old
goalie Joe Didulica (who've both yet to turn out for Ajax's first team). |
| ABN
AMRO extend sponsoring contract with Ajax |
13 Jan 2001
|
| Ajax's
main sponsor the ABN AMRO banking group have signed a new contract with
the club extending their support for the club until 2005. |
| Chivu
still unhappy with contract offer |
10 Jan 2001
|
| Ajax's
Rumanian star 20 year-old Christian Chivu is still unhappy with the club's
terms for an extension of his current contract. He joined Ajax in 1999 and
has signed up until 2005, would like to stay for another year on the basis
of an improved contract (more money) but is dissatisfied with the latest
offer. The club's 2nd goalie Bogdan Lobont had also asked to be hired out
if he doesn't get to play for the team but has been told that he must stay
whatever happens. |
| Van
Praag sickened by Ajax fans |
09 Jan 2001
|
| Ajax
chairman Michael van Praag has stated that he was close to resigning after
the club's match against FC Twente just before Christmas. He was disgusted
by the 'firework' noises being made by a group of Ajax fans during the
match. Twente are based in the town of Enschede which was hit by an
explosion last year in a depot storing fireworks. A whole neighbourhood
was affected by the damage and several people died. |
| Arena
gets 24th playing surface |
09 Jan 2001
|
| The
Arena is being treated to a winter overhaul and is getting its 24th grass
surface - the last pitch was heavily criticised for being slippery (some
compared it to Holiday on Ice!). |
| Knopper
out of action for another 4 months |
03 Jan 2001
|
| Ajax's
midfielder Richard Knopper remains out of action for the next 4 months
after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle, which has kept him off the
pitch since September. |
| Chivu
unlikely to leave Ajax |
03 Jan 2001
|
| Yet
another transfer story - this time Christian Chivu (targeted by several
European clubs since his performance in Euro 2000) has been linked to
Fiorentina. The Italian club are looking for a midfielder and have their
eyes set on the young Romanian. He is, however, unlikely to move from
Amsterdam, where he is still renegotiating a new contract (despite
interest from both Milans, AC and Inter, Juventus and, more seriously,
Barcelona and Galatasaray). But you never know? |
| Ajax
win Centenary friendly against Panathinaikos 2 - 0 |
21 Dec 2000
|
| The
Arena was only half full (22,500) for this match which closed the club's
Centenary celebrations. Wamberto and Winter scored the 2nd half goals for
the Amsterdammers. The pre-friendly match between veterans was won by the
Greeks. |
| Ajax
fined 20,000 Euros by UEFA |
21 Dec 2000
|
| The
trouble caused by Ajax 'fans' at the matches against AA Ghent and Lausanne
Sports have earned the club a 20,000 Euro fine. |
| Dani,
Grønkjaer and Laudrup say farewell |
19 Dec 2000
|
| Wednesday's
match against Greek side Panathinaikos will be time for the illustrious
trio to say their final goodbyes to Amsterdam and Ajax. Laudrup stopped
footballing at the end of last season, Dani departed for Portugal and
Benfica last summer and Grønkjaer is awaited in London by Chelsea where
he starts on January 1st. During the halftime break the players will be
able to make a lap of honour and say their farewell. Before the friendly
kicks off there will be a game between veterans who took part in the final
match of the European Cup in 1971 when Ajax beat the Greeks and won their
first European Cup for League Champions. Names such as Gerrie Mühren,
Heinz Stuy, Sjaak Swart and Wim Suurbier will take to the field, joined by
old trainers Rinus Michels, Bob Haarms and Cor Brom as part of Ajax's
Centenary celebrations. |
| Ajax
stun
Twente 5 - 1 |
17 Dec 2000
|
| The
Amsterdammers were given a helping hand when Twente goalie Sander Boschker
got sent off after only 7 minutes to reduce Twente to 10 men. He rushed
out and floored Cedric van der Gun in an attempt to collect a terrible
back pass by Kandelaar - the referee didn't have to think twice. Machlasd the score in the 15th minute and Rafael Van der Vaart got a header
in the 22nd. It was Ajax all the way from then on - a penalty by
Chivu (back after injury), Machlas with his 2nd, a header (he was as
unmarked as Rafael was earlier). The Greek was instrumental in the 5th as
his pass gave Galásek the chance to join in the fun. Jan Vennegoor of
Hesselink got one in for Twente but this was an unhappy 90 minutes for the
team from the province of Enschede. Ajax should have got even more on the
board but the finishing too often lacked finesse. Nonetheless, Co
Adriaanse was more than pleased with his team and also showing interest in
Mitchell Piqué, currently hired out by Ajax to Twente, who's betting he
won't be back in town soon? |
| Ajax
Cape Town wins S.African League Cup |
15 Dec 2000
|
| Ajax's
South African satellite club has won the League Cup which means they will
be able to take part in next season's Confederation of African Football
Cup. This was the club's first success since being taken over 2 years ago
by Ajax Amsterdam. They beat Orlando Pirates 4-1 in a replay of the final,
the original match ending 1-1 after extra time. |
| Witschge
linked to Spurs |
13 Dec 2000
|
| Tottenham
Hotspur are interested in Richard Witschge, now that he's looking to leave
Ajax. Although George Graham was originally looking out for a left half
Witschge's reputation and experience at Barcelona, Bordeaux and as a Dutch
international might just be tempting enough to make him take the plunge
for a central midfielder. Richard's agent Van Oss says that it would only
happen if a lot of money were to change hands in the light of recent
transfer fees in the English Premier League. |
| Feyenoord
overpowers weakened Ajax |
10 Dec 2000
|
| The
absence of Machlas, Chivu, Bergdølmo and Ikedia proved crucial in Ajax's
defeat today. The first two are sick, the second pair are injured. Trainer
Co Adriaanse's reaction was to give his young players a go. The man
obviously likes a gamble and his limited ambitions for his side this
season allow him perhaps to take liberties that another trainer would not
dare. He left Witschge and Winter on the bench which gave Hersi his debut.
Passport-plagued Leonardo started for Feyenoord despite a ministerial
command to leave him out of the side (while the question of his status is
being been clarified). For Feyenoord's trainer Bert van Marwijk the
personnel problem was otherwise limited to the choice of injured Igor
Kornejev's replacement. 19 year-old Ebi Smolarek's inclusion proved to be
a smart move as he turned out to play a part in both Feyenoord's goals.
Feyenoord's superiority in terms of strength and experience was clear from
the start but it was Ajax who threatened to go ahead twice within the 1st
10 minutes - the first 'goal' by Van der Vaart was preceeded by a clear
case of handball by Hersi (nice try!) and the 2nd was a rebound off Van
der Vaart's (watch this boy!) shot that Wamberto netted only to be called
offside. After that it was the visitors who called the tune, Ajax losing
their way. Kees van Wonderen, Smolarek and Kalou all had a brace of
chances before Bosvelt's run and pass gave Kalou the opportunity to
finally slam one away in the 25th minute. Leonardo and Tomasson could each
have scored twice in a spell of Rotterdam domination. The last 10 1st half
minutes saw Ajax fight back but they were again unable to make any
impression on Dudek in goal. Instead it was Kalou who had an early chance
for his 2nd after the break, which actually came when Leonardo's unseen
"handball" allowed him to slip the ball to Pauuwe who gave Fred
Grim no chance whatsoever. Tomasson made it 3. The choice of Van der Meyde
as extra forward to replace central defender De Cler weakened the
Amsterdammers in defence but he made up by scoring the only Ajax goal.
Feyenoord remained dominant, apart from a couple of smallngs for
Arveladze and Van der Vaart, Bosvelt just goooing wide and Pauuwe
hitting wood for the visitors. The first win over Ajax since 1994 gives
Feyenoord a 4 points lead and 3 games in hand over their Amsterdam rivals.
The race for the title rests with the top three now while Adriaanse
remains concentrated on his stated goal of a place in the top five clubs. |
| Grønkjær
deal off if... |
08 Dec 2000
|
| The
deal between Ajax and Chelsea for the sale of Jesper Grønkjær may be
off. The contract signed by the London club has a clause which
stipulates if he's still unfit by January 1st then the deal's off! The
Danish player is not part of Co Adriaanse's plans for the future in
Amsterdam. |
| Bobby
Haarms returns to Amsterdam football |
07 Dec 2000
|
| The
former Ajax assistant trainer 69 year-old Bobby Haarms returns to football
in Amsterdam, after deciding last year to take it easy, and will be
helping out Danny Blind twice a week with his youngsters at Ajax's A1. He will be
lending a hand with recuperating players and mental preparation. The
condition of the grass will also be getting his attention. Maybe PSV could do with some advice, and
Stuttgart........ |
| Ajax
asks FIFA for artificial grass surface |
06 Dec 2000
|
| Ajax
has requested FIFA that it be allowed to install an artificial grass pitch
in the Arena, which has been plagued with playing surface problems ever
since itsng and has just had its 23rd(!). Players from Holland's
Premier Division have been raising their voices of discontent over the
risks involved in playing on the "turf" at the Amsterdam club's
stadium. Heerenveen's Gerard de Nooijer was more than a little vocal after
being carried off with a knee injury last weekend and on Monday underwent
exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the damage. It is hoped
that within 3 years Dutch clubs will be able to use artificial surfaces.
After seeing the terrible state of Vfb Stuttgart's pitch last night it
might be an idea for German clubs to look into the idea. Is there no
'value' in having a pitch to be proud of nowadays? |
| Chivu
wants to stay at Ajax |
01 Dec 2000
|
| The
Rumanian defender Christian Chivu wants to renew his contract with Ajax,
despite plenty of interest from other clubs (Barcelona for example). He is
quite happy there and, although others would love to have the highly
regarded player in their lineup, Ajax are unlikely to let him go. He will
undoubtedly be made an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, he's out of
action for 2 weeks after straining a knee in the match against RBC
Roosendaal last Thursday. |
| Ajax
beat RKC Waalwijk 3 - 0 |
30 Nov 2000
|
| Ajax
had to miss Van der Vaart for this match - he was playing with the Dutch
Under 18s against Germany. The happy father Machlas, back from seeing his
wife give birth to their baby in Greece, celebrated tonight with a goal in
the 9th minute and another in the 52nd. Ajax's forwards were on form
tonight and Fred Grim had a good match too. RKC had enough chances to
worry the shaky defence in Amsterdam, which was a bit of a shambles. Rick
Hoogendorp will be displeased with the opportunities he let slip, such as
in the 25th, and Cornelisse had another chance in the 34th for RKC. The
Arena pitch had just received its 25th new surface, which proved to be
quite slippery - don't you wish for the old days of grass, real grass!
Arveladze came on as substitute for Wamberto in the 63rd and scored Ajax's
3rd, a great in the 86th minute. Witschge was replaced by Co
Adriaanse in the 63rd (Andy van der Meyde took his place) after having his
first game since October 2nd - this seriously upset him and he stormed off
to the dressing room (he can expect a ticking off from his trainer!) Bad
news for Ajax was Chivu's departure after 30 minutes with an injured knee. |
| Grim
not guilty of foul |
29 Nov 2000
|
| The
Ajax goalie Fred Grim has been found not guilty of a supposed foul in last
weekend's match against Utrecht. He was given a red card for allegedly
felling striker Igor Gluscevic in the penalty area - subsequent study of
video tapes have cleared him of blame. |
| Ajax
interested in Rumanian Adrian Neaga |
28 Nov 2000
|
| The
19 year-old striker Adrian Neaga, currently playing for FC Arges Pitesti,
was given the once over by Ajax's assistant trainer Peter Boeve at the
weekend during the match against Steaua Bukuresti. He would be the club's
3rd Rumanian acquisition if he were to join the Amsterdammers. |
| Nieuwenburg
returns to Sparta |
28 Nov 2000
|
| After
being bought by Ajax from Sparta in the summer for 3.6 million Euros
defender John Nieuwenburg is to return to Rotterdam. He never secured a
place in the first team, playing in only 2 games compared with 22 at
Sparta last season He made his debut at Sparta in the 1996'97 season after
coming up through their youth scheme.. |
| Ten
man Ajax lose at Utrecht 2 - 1 |
26 Nov 2000
|
| After
just 15 minutes Ajax were reduced to ten men when Fred Grim was sent
off, in a controversial decision, for bringing down Igor Gluscevic (Grim
hadn't even touched him) in the penalty area. They were also missing
Machlas who was in Greece witnessing his wife giving birth. Utrecht
weren't able to profit from the penalty - former Ajax player Dave van
den Bergh shot wide. It wasn't until the 35th minute that they got a
goal - Reinier Robbemond collecting Stijn Vreven's pass and putting it
past Grim's replacement Bogdan Lobont. Petri Pasanen scored an equalizer
for Ajax but Gluscevic scored the winner 8 minutes from time. |
| Hose
and Bobson's still don't want to go |
21 Nov 2000
|
| Ajax's
Brutil Hose and Kevin Bobson are digging their heels in and refusing to go
to Haarlem. According to their business advisor Sigi Lens the players are
simply not interested in the move, their decision is an independent one
and has nothing to do with him, although he says he disagrees with Ajax's
treatment of the players. |
| Ajax
in confident away win at NAC 0 - 3 |
20 Nov 2000
|
| The
Amsterdammers started the match with a small shock as Sergio had a greatng to score for NAC, only Fred Grim stood between him and a
goal but Ajax's keeper was too sharp. After 15 minutes play Ajax got a
corner and Petri Pasanen put it away. The rest of the 1st half was
uneventful. Ajax came out in serious mood for the 2nd half knowing they
could move up a place in the table if NEC didn't win against Feyenoord.
They could have had a penalty within the first couple of minutes when
Machlas was brought down but the referee thought otherwise. Pasanen got
his 2nd goal in the 50th after which the tempo dropped. Arveladze had a
goal disallowed close to time but still managed to get his name on the
scoreboard before the whistle sounded to make it 3-0. Coach Adriaanse was
pleased with the performance and with Pasanen's goals - the team had
worked hard, fought for their win and Petri had been concentrating in
training for these kind of scoring opportunities. |
| Babangida
off to Turkey's Genclerbirligi |
14 Nov 2000
|
| Ajax's
Tijjani Babangida is to be hired out to the Turkish club Genclerbirligi
for the rest of the season. He made aname for himself with Roda JC and VVV
in Holland but has lost favour in Amsterdam. |
| Ajax
recover dignity against
De Graafscap 4 - 1 |
12 Nov 2000
|
| Today
was a chance for some of Holland's top clubs to lick their wounds after
European exits earlier in the week. Ajax was happy to get back to where
they left off last week before the disappointment of last Thursday's
draw with Lausanne. Wamberto started the healing process and
put Ajax ahead after only 6 minutes. Eric Viscaal drew De Graafschap level
again with the Amsterdammers in the 31st. The goal was the result of a
blunder by Ajax's Andre Bergdolmo who was replaced by the young talent
Cedric van der Gun. Petri Pasanen (soon to get his first cap for Finland)
came on at right back to steady things in defence. Milan Berck Beelenkamp
got his marching orders in the 49th minute and after that De Graafschap
were no match for Ajax. Christian Chivu scored in the
58th minute from a penalty, proving he does still know how to put one away
after his disastrous attempt last Thursday. Probably Co Adriaanse thought
he should get back on that particular horse. Cedric van der Gun (young
talent) scored twice, in the 64th minute and another in the 81st to
give Ajax a well needed shot in the arm. |
| Van
der Vaart gets Talent of the Year nomination |
10 Nov 2000
|
| The
young Ajax striker Rafael van der Vaart has been nominated by the Dutch FA
Association (KNVB) for the Talent of the Year Award. Reasons for the
nomination were his appearances in 2 European Cups for 'Young Orange', his
debut as 17 year old for Ajax and his place in their 1st team lineup. |
| Ajax
out of UEFA Cup after Lausanne win 2 - 3 |
10 Nov 2000
|
| Ajax
started the match as if they were going to continue the form they've been
showing in recent Premier League games. They looked in control of the
match for the first 30 minutes, showing some of the determination and flair you might expect. Machlas
almost had a goal for the home team in the 6th minute, only the reflexes
of the Swiss goalie prevented early Ajaxian celebrations. Ajax's Arveladze scored a header in the
17th minute which should have spurred them onto greater things.
Instead Chivu did one of his party tricks, anticipating a tackle in
the penalty area and taking a dive with a half twist which earned him his
2nd yellow card of the tournament. This turned out to be a turning
point in the game - Ajax started to lose some control and Lausanne saw theng. Mazzoni got Lausanne an equalizer
in the 38th minute which meant Ajax had to start all over again and would
have to make the scoreline at least 3-1 to go through. Ajax started
the 2nd half looking as if they were at least prepared to work harder and
take the initiative. Unfortunately it looked a little too desperate
- Arveladze earned himself yellow by taking a dive in the 57th
minute in the Swiss penalty area (maybe he should have gone to the
swimming pool that the Kuip in Rotterdam had become). You could feel the
inevitable disappointment as the 2nd half wore on. What did I say - Winter
got a yellow card and Lausanne a penalty in the 79th minute(it looked as
though it should have been a freekick) which Kuzba
converted. Van der Gun ( substituting Petri Passanen in the 66th minute) had an immediate answer, scoring within a minute
(80th) and of course now all caution was thrown to the wind as Ajax pulled
out all the stops in an attempt to recover their dignity. They should have
had a penalty for hands ball but got one instead for a bit of a push. It
gave Chivu the chance to make
it 3-2 but he missed with a pathetic attempt. The match ended
with drama and excitement - a shame we couldn't have enjoyed it much
earlier in the game. Ajax will have to wait
another year and prove that they have the class and personality to earn
the chance to play at this level. |
| Peter
Hoekstra trains with Groningen |
01 Nov 2000
|
| Ajax's
Peter Hoekstra will be training with FC Groningen this coming Wednesday
and Thursday to see if he impresses the technical staff there. If they
like what they see he may be hired out to Groningen for the rest of the
season. The ex-PSV player with 5 international caps to his name has lost
his place in the current first team squad in Amsterdam. |
| Ajax
recycles its unplaced players |
01 Nov 2000
|
| Now
that it has become clear that they are not going to see first team action
again this season Kevin Bobson and Brutil Hose are being lent to Haarlem
and Tim de Cler has practically agreed terms with Germinal Beerschot
Antwerpen. Ajax has a working partnership with Haarlem and a minority
interest in the Belgian club. |
| Gronkjaer
goes to Chelsea |
31 Oct 2000
|
| The
deal has finally been done! Ajax have sold Jesper Gronjaer for $12.5
million. From January 1st he will be playing for Chelsea in the English
Premier League. The 23 year old player came to Ajax in 1998 from Aalborg
and has now signed for four and a half years with the London club. |
| Ajax
eye to eye with PSV 1 - 1 |
29 Oct 2000
|
| The
first clash of the season between two of the Dutch League's top 3 was a
difficult game to make any predictions about. PSV 's recent form being a
win in the Champions League away at Kiev (1-0) and a goalless draw with
NEC in the Premier League, compared with Ajax's home win against Roda
(4-2) the previous week and a defeat by Lausanne in Switserland (1-0).
Ajax began powerfully and went ahead in the 17th minute after a defensive
error was mercilessly punished with a cracking shot by Nikos Machlas. Ajax
relaxed a bit after that but were clearly the better side. PSV's trainer
Erik Gerets responded by replacing Mateja Kezman (much to his annoyance)
with Dennis Rommedahl. The 1st half drew to a close with PSV putting
Ajax's keeper Fred Grim under pressure but without result and the 2nd
began in the same fashion. Both teams went on the attack and there was
little to choose between them. As the end of the match neared Ajax
started to shut things down and PSV's chances to score dwindled. In the
79th minute Bruggink scored a penalty after Ikedia had floored Jonas
Kolkka. Machlas had a chance in the dying minutes but saw the ball roll
along and over the crossbar. Equally, Van der Doelen and Bruggink had
their chances to win the match for PSV. At the end of the day the moral
victor was probably Ajax and it was definitely one of their best
performances of this season. |
| Lausanne
unimpressed by Ajax 1 - 0 |
26 Oct 2000
|
| Once
the
Swiss team got over their initial respect for the reputation that Ajax has
throughout the footballing world they played the better football of the
two teams in the 1st half. Their lack of
respect and footballing skills were rewarded by a goal courtesy of Mazzoni in
the 38th minute. Ajax had begun reasonably well - Wamberto looked good on the left wing for Ajax but wasn't
producing quality passes and had a couple of unimpressive shots at goal.
Ikedia, on the right, was also good with his feet and could get around
defenders but accuracy in passing from him and evidence of real teamwork/communication
by his colleagues was definitely missing. Ajax began the 2nd half in more
attacking mood and proceeded to put the Swiss team under considerable
pressure. Yakubu and Averladze came on as substitutes for, respectively,
Vierklauw and Van der Vaart. In the 78th minute
Wamberto was brought down by Tiauw and he reacted by lashing out with his
foot
- result yellow for the Swiss and red for the Brazilian. To make things
worse (it all happened in front of the referee, so he saw eveything) Winter
decided to continue arguing with the referee
and got yellow as well. In a piece of theatrics Wamberto was piggybacked
off the pitch by a teammate. The temperature rose after that and Ajax
missed two great chances to score - Galasek wasted Ikedia's hard work with
a soft shot from close by and right in front of goal, Machlas missed a
perfect heading opportunity. The return match will be an important test of
character for Ajax and they cannot afford to let Lausanne to score in
Amsterdam if they want to be sure of a place in the next round. |
| Gronkjaer
ready for move to Chelsea |
24 Oct 2000
|
| The
Danish striker Jesper Gronkjaer is ready to move to Chelsea in a deal
which will probably be worth 15 million Euros. The English club have been
in contact with Ajax recently to work out the details. Ajax could use the
money at the moment as they are facing some bad news financially. |
| Ajax
win convincingly against Roda 4 - 2 |
20 Oct 2000
|
| Ajax
finally had cause for celebration after their first convincing win
for some time. Roda JC looked weak as Ajax put them under pressure in theng half hour. Tomas Galasekd the score in the 36th minute after
Winter, Wamberto and Van der Vaart had already created good scoring
opportunities. Machlas, who made such an important contribution to Ajax's
success, was fouled by Regilio Vrede in the penalty area and Chivu (a
surprise choice to take the penalty, but one of Ajax's better players)
calmly put the ball in the net. After having had a few chances to score
before half time (chiefly through Tchoutang and Nygaard) Roda made a
better start in
the second half. The
visitors then started to really show some purpose and aggression,They had
to wait until after Ajax's 3rd, a marvellous chip over the
goalie by the young up and coming star 17 year old Van der Vaart. De Luer
scoried Roda's first goal 5 minutes after Van der Vaart's. Substitutes Pius Ikedia
and Brutil Hose were responsible for the 4th Ajax goal, Ikedia's shot
(after a fine burst of speed) rebounded and Hose put it away. In the last
minute Bernard Tchoutang, Roda's most dangerous player, scored a second
goal for the team from Limburg province who have now had their first
defeat of the season. Ajax now have their first clear victory of the
season. They looked
sharper than of late, moved the ball around well and could well have
scored a few more goals. |
| Ajax
can wear new UEFA emblem |
20 Oct 2000
|
| Ajax
are to be honoured by UEFA - they can wear a new UEFA emblem on their
shirts. This is a special award for European clubs who have won the
European Cup 1 three times in a row or a total of five times. The emblem
shows the Cup enclosing the Champions League stars with above it the
number of times the club has won. Ajax have won it four times and join an
exclusive group comprising Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Ajax won the cup 3 times in a row at the beginning of the 1970's by
beating Panathinaikos, Inter and Juventus and in 1995 they won again under
Louis van Gaal against AC Milan in Vienna 1 - 0 (the now legendary
goal scored by substitute Kluivert). |
| Maarten
Haar new youth trainer Ajax |
06 Oct 2000
|
| Maarten
Haar has been appointed the new youth trainer at Ajax. The 48 year-old
former Haarlem and AZ defender has been trainer at Austrian club Bad
Bleiberg for the last year and helped them to become Champions of the 3rd
Division. Between 1993 and 1999 he was assistant trainer in Alkmaar (Alkmaarder
Hout). |
| Ajax
win friendly GBA 0 - 1 |
05 Oct 2000
|
| The
refurbished stadium of Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen was red with a
friendly against Ajax who scored the only goal. Ajax left most of their
first team players at home - Chivu, Gronkjaer and Bergdolmo were absent
due to coming internationals, Witschge and Winter stayed on the bench,
Maklas, Grim and Galasek being the best known players in the team. In
effect Co Adriaanse fielded his second team who were strong enough to beat
the Belgium side. Ajax bought a 51% share in the club last year to add
them to the South African and Ghanian clubs Ajax Cape Town and Ashanti
Goldfields they have already acquired a major interest in. |
| Ajax
draw 2 - 2 with Heerenveen |
03 Oct 2000
|
| Heerenveen
had the chance, after the disappointment of their Champion's League games,
to show that they can play attractive football and score goals. In a game
where they dominated the first half they went ahead after 10 minutes when
Daniel Jensen hit the post and put away the rebound. They had one other
good chance to score but Anthony Lurling's shot was fisted away by Ajax's
goalie Van Grim. Ajax's first chance of the match came just before the
whistle went for half time when Machlas hit just wide. The second half saw
Ajax come out reborn, chasing the ball and determined to get it! Their
hard work was rewarded when Winter's shot hit the bar and Machlas headed
it behind Heerenveen's goalie Hans Vonk in the 53nd minute. A second goal
was waiting to happen and it came in the 65th minute courtesy of that man
Machlas again. He was glad to be back in the side although his two goals
were not enough to prevent Heerenveen from recovering enough to get an
equalizer in the 76th minute via Hansma's header. Ajax's trainer Co
Adriaanse is not expecting his team to do any better than secure a place
in the top five of the division this season saying in Ajax's magazine that
they lack the level of physical, mental, technical and tactical quality
needed to achieve more. This was, he said, not an excuse for the poor
results so far but simply an honest assessment of things as they
are. |
| Ajax
beat Ghent 3 - 0 |
28 Sep 2000
|
| The
Dutch public television organisation the NOS, who were broadcasting the
match, were inundated with phone calls from irritated fans who would
rather have been watching the Feyenoord match aginst Dunnefer, the match
in Amsterdam wasn't expected to be up to much after Ajax's 6 - 0 defeat of
Gent the week before. Unfortunately for them Feyenoord weren't
cooperating, being of the opinion that those who wanted to see the match
should go and see it in the Kuip (Feyenoord's stadium). Anyway, back at
the match it was indeed looking as though it wasn't going to ignite but
trainer Co Adriaanse's faith in his young players was again rewarded
when Van der Gun scored in the 27th minute. The second half began
even more promisingly (at least for Ajax) and Van der Gun was in the right
place again in the 58th minute to slot in Winter's pass. The next half
hour was livelier as a result and Van der Vaart, another of the new young
additions to Ajax's first team, showed it was worth having him on the
pitch for the full 90 minutes when he scored a nice angled goal in the
85th minute. The last few minutes saw Ajax pushing forward and almost
getting a 4th goal when several players had a go at a series of
rebounds in front of the Gent goal. The end came, mercifully for the
Belgians, seconds later. |
| Ajax
lose dissappointingly at AZ 3 - 2 |
17 Sep 2000
|
| After
the encouraging 6 - 0 performance against Ghent earlier in this week
this was a return to the unconvincing style of the past weeks in the
Dutch league. It was not as if Ajax played that badly but AZ were that
bit sharper and deserved to win. They began cautiously, but quickly
became more daring and were rewarded with a goal by Bosman (after only
minutes of appearing as substitute for Dries Boussata) in the 26th
minute. Ajax got an equalizer scored by Knopper 10 minutes later.The
highlight of the match was a spectacular goal by Nelisse just before
half time which meant AZ went into the dressing room a goal up.
They came out for the second half full of confidence but a lack of
concentration gave Ajax the opportunity to get a second goal by Galasek
in the 47th minute. Although from that point on Ajax looked more in
control they couldn't get another goal and AZ were still looking
dangerous, Opdam finally scoring the winning goal in the 65th
minute. |
| Ajax
sweep away Ghent 6 - 0 |
12 Sep 2000
|
| Ajax
were given every opportunity to shine this evening by a Belgian side who
didn't seem up for the occasion. The team was the strongest fielded yet by
Co Adriaanse and their almost mathematical passing and handling of the
ball was just too much for Ghent tonight. Ajax had time for some target
practice before two beautifully smooth attacking moves generated a pair of
gems, in the 17th minute and the 39th minute. These were pretty
stylish goals which made you want more, and more there came -
another 2 goals within minutes of the second half starting.The last goals
were scored by Ajax's young substitutes, in the 82nd minute by Van der
Vaart, possibly a new Ajax super talent in his first European match and in
the 85th by Cedric van de Gun. An exciting match and maybe a taste of
things to come? |
| Ajax
interested in Shota's Twin |
09 Sept 2000
|
| Rumor
has it that Ajax trainer Co Adriaanse is interested in Archil Arveladze,
the twin brother of Shota Arveladze The centre forward recently
stated in the British media that the Ajax trainer feels that his brother
has exactly the right qualities that is needed in the squad. If
Ajax succeed in bringing the two brothers back together again (they also
played together by Trabzon Spor, Dinamo Tbilisi and Martve Tbilisi) then
this could also influence Shota to extend his contract that
expires at the end of this current season. |
| Dani
goes to Benfica |
08 Sep 2000
|
| Ajax
and the Portugese club Benfica have agreed terms for the transfer of
Ajax's 23 year old midfielder Dani. He has signed up for 4 years and
Benfica have paid 7 million Euros for him so that he can join fellow
Dutchman Pierre van Hooijdonk ( who's feeling a little lonely upfront in
Lisbon)with his new club. Daniel de Cruz Carvalho has been with Ajax for 4
years but was dropped from the first team last season by old trainer Hans
Westerhof because of his "unprofessional behaviour". Hopefully
he'll be happier in Portugal. |
| Ajax
NEC 0 - 0 |
06 Sep 2000
|
| Ajax's
youthful squad were confronted with an eleven man defense during last
nights game against Premier League leaders NEC. Seemingly NEC's only objective
was to make sure they didn't concede any goals. Relying heavily on their
goalkeeper and the support of referee van Dijk, NEC achieved their aim.
Ajax attacked for ninety minutes long, producing intelligent combinations
and showing that they have booked enormous progression under their new
trainer Co Adriaanse. Although Ajax may have already dropped four
points in the first three games of the season, they must not yet be
written off for this year's championship. |
| Rejuvenated
Ajax Leaders Premier League |
23 Aug 2000
|
| The
promising signs shown during Ajax's pre-season friendlies were on show
again in theirng game of the season. Co Adriaanse has
brought back youth and panache to Amsterdam by giving
talented players from Ajax's youth teams a chance to show
their worth. This approach helped Ajax to flourish in the past and with
their new crop of talent it could well happen again. Fortuna Sittard only
managed to create two smallngs against Ajax's impenetrable defence
(one of Ajax's biggest problems over the last few years). Adriaanse
has shown where Ajax's last trainer Jan Wouters failed by switching
Rumanian defender Chivu to the central defensive position, moving Aron
Winter from defence to midfield and giving Richard Witschge more freedom.
Wouters spent more than 40 million Euros 'strengthening' the squad
last year and must now be kicking himself for not having given Ajax's
homegrown talents more of a chance. The club's 5 - 0 win over Fortuna
could well have been a lot higher if it had not been for Barcelona's
former goalkeeper Ruud Hesp. Despite a number of good saves he was unable
to prevent Ajax's rejuvenated side taking over the number one position in
the Premier League. |
| Beenhakker
technical director by Ajax |
25
Aug 2000
|
| Leo
Beenhakker has been appointed Technical Director by Ajax. The successful
trainer who commences his new job on 1 September, will be keeping an eye
on Ajax's long term planning but will not be interfering with the
coaching of Ajax's teams. |
| Youthful
Ajax Leaders Premier League |
23 Aug 2000
|
| The
promising signs that one could detect during Ajax's pre-season friendly
matches were demonstrated yesterday at theirng game of the
season. Co Adriaanse has brought youth and élan back
to Amsterdam by giving talented young players from Ajax's youth
teams a chance. This approach made Ajax flourish in the past and with
Ajax's new crop of talent it could well happen again. Fortuna Sittard
only managed to create two small chances against Ajax's impenetrable
defense,( one of Ajax's biggest problems over the last few years)
. By switching Rumanian defender Chivu to the central defense
position, moving Aron Winter from defence to midfield and giving Richard
Witschge more freedom, Adriaanse has shown how Ajax's last trainer
Jan Wouters failed. Wouters who spent more than forty
million euro to strengthen the squad last year must now be kicking
himself for not having given these new Ajax talents a fairer chance.
Ajax's 5 - 0 win over Fortuna could well of been a lot higher if it had
not been for Barcelona's ex goal keeper Ruud Hesp. In spite of a number
of good saves he was unable to withstand Ajax's youth team gaining first
position in the Premier League. |
| Ajax
2nd place Amsterdam Tournament |
06 Aug 2000
|
| TAfter
only a few weeks under new trainer Co Adriaanse Ajax look as though they
are getting back to their distinctive style of football. This may not
mean an instant return to past European glories for the current team but
it is possible to detect definite improvements in performance. Talented
young players such as Van der Meyde, Bobson and Van der Gun are being
given a chance to shine and, during last weekend's tournament in the
Arena, even the defense looked solid. |
| |
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