Fortuna denied right to terminate contracts

13 July 2002

Fortuna Sittard have been denied the possibility to terminate the contracts of Dennis Krijgsman, Ronald Hamming and the head of scouting Hans Vergeer by the Dutch FA's (KNVB) arbitration committee. According to the committee there is no evidence of economic decline at the club which was the reason the club had given for taking the drastic step. The trio had already rejected a reduced offer for next season and this latest news brings much closer the end of the club which is currently saddled with debts totalling €5 million Euros. Whether or not Sittard-Geleen council will reach out a helping hand to Fortuna will not be clear till after the summer.

Cramb and Rook leave Fortuna

08 July 2002

Fortuna have been able to find 'new homes' for Scottish striker Colin Cramb and Mischka Rook -  Cramb has returned to Scotland while Rook has signed for Eerste Divisie side TOP Oss. It reduces the pressure on the club who have serious financial problems and they are now waiting to see if they can get permission from the Dutch FA (KNVB) to terminate the contracts of players Ronald Hamming and Dennis Krijsgman plus that of trainer Hans Verel.

Emeran on trial with Girondins Bordeaux

05 July 2002

Fortuna's Fritz Emeran is on trial with French side Girondins Bordeaux after being told he can leave the club, despite his contract which runs till 2005. The 26 year-old right-back travels to a club which ended in 6th place in the French Premičre Division and will be playing UEFA Cup football next season.

Fortuna appeal against licence decision

03 July 2002

Fortuna have appeared before the Dutch FA's (KNVB) arbitration committee and been given two weeks in which to present a sound budget for next season. There is little chance of the Limburgers succeeding as they have short-term debts of €4.5 million Euros, have to contribute another €2 million Euros in back-payments owed the professional players' pension fund, owe €1.1 million Euros in taxes and have not paid their squad for the months May and June!!! The club thinks they can survive if they terminate the contracts of five players (Hamming, Krijgsman, Cramb, Rook and Averdijk), trainer Verel and head-scout Vergeer without having to pay compensation. The arbitration committee feels it's very unfair to terminate so many long-term contracts in this way and dismissed the club's argument that their financial problems were unforeseen! "It would have been better for everyone if the club was simply declared bankrupt so that the people concerned would have been able to apply for compensation", said chairman Franken.  Fortuna presented a forecast for next season which shows incomes totalling €2.8 million Euros and costs of €2.5 million Euros. The main accomodation has been hired to a school, reducing the rent, and a ceiling for players salaries has been proposed which has been accepted by Pascal Averdijk (€54,000 Euros) but rejected by Cramb and Hamming. The total wage-bill for the club's remaining 18 players (who may or may not still be under contract next season) can not total more than €660,000 Euros.

Fortuna fail to get prof licence

02 July 2002

Fortuna Sittard have failed to get a new professional licence for next season from the Dutch FA (KNVB). The news came hardly as a surprise but is still a blow for the Limburgers as the club had already seen their 'old' licence withdrawn by the Dutch FA. They've not given up hope altogether as club representatives travel to the KNVB's arbitration committee tonight as they try to get permission to terminate the contracts of several players. A successful outcome will mean they can appeal against the loss of their licence and will help to attract the help of potential business partners. This could provide them with enough cash to continue but failure will mean certain bankruptcy.

Hamming's Greek move in balance

01 July 2002

Fortuna striker Ronald Hamming's move to Greek side Panionios is hanging in the balance after the Limburgers' all-time-top-scorer revealed that, although he passed the obligatory medical, he's still not signed a contract. The money is not the problem, but the 'fringe-benefits' are, and Hamming reckons there's only a fifty-fifty chance that the deal will be closed. If it fails to go through he's still got a year to run on his contract with Fortuna and he claims there are also several  German and Dutch clubs interested in signing him.

Emeran and Akerboom stay with Fortuna

28 Jun 2002

Fritz Emeran and Marcel Akerboom have accepted a reduction in wages in order to continue footballing for Fortuna. Following Jochem van der Hoeven's example they're prepared to play for a mere €54,000 Euros per year. Fortuna are trying to get permission from the Dutch FA's (KNVB) arbitration committee to terminate the contracts of Mischa Rook, Stijn Haeldermans, Pascal Averdijk, Dennis Krijgsman, Ronald Hamming and Colin Cramb in order to come up with a budget that will allow them to regain their prof-licence. Hamming was supposed to have signed a one-year deal with Greek side Panionios but Fortuna say they know nothing about the story and Hamming is still officially under contract in Sittard till 2003.

Hamming swaps Fortuna for Panionios

25 Jun 2002

Ronald Hamming is leaving Fortuna Sittard for Greek side Panionios. The 29 year-old forward has signed a deal for one year with an option for one more with the club who ended in 7th place in the Etniki Katigoria. Hamming began his professional career in the 1992/1993 season at Groningen and moved literally from one end of the country to the other to join Fortuna in November 1994. He's scored 94 goals in 248 professional matches.

Van der Hoeven stays with Fortuna

24 Jun 2002

Jochem van der Hoeven has accepted a reduction in salary to continue playing for Fortuna Sittard. He's the first player at the club, currently facing bankruptcy, who's accepted less money in order to help them survive. Fortuna hope that Ronald Hamming, Mischa Rook and Marcel Akerbom, who've all been made the same offer, will follow his example! Pascal Averdijk, Dennis Krijgsman, Colin Cramb, Stijn Haeldermans and Fritz Emeran will all have to await the outcome of the Dutch FA's (KNVB) arbitration comittee which meets on July 2nd to decide whether or not the ailing Sittardians will be given permission to terminate the players' contracts.

Last chance for Fortuna?

20 Jun 2002

The Dutch FA's (KNVB) special arbitration committee will be meeting on July 2nd to decide Fortuna Sittard's future. The ailing Limburgers have applied to terminate the contracts of most of their players in an attempt to survive as a professional club. They are currently without their prof licence due to the fact that they will be unable to present their budget to the KNVB for next season by the June 24th deadline. Stijn Haeldermans, Pascal Averdijk, Dennis Krijgsman, Fritz Emeran, Colin Cramb, Ronald Hamming, Jochem van der Hoeven, Marcel Akerboom, Mischa Rook, former-trainer Hans Verel and the head of scouting Hans Vergeer will all see their contracts annulled if RBC get the go-ahead. In the middle of July the club hope to know whether or not they will be able to sell their stadium, use the proceeds (€7.5 million Euros) to pay off their debts and be able to continue as a professional club.

Alemannia Aachen want Averdijk

10 Jun 2002

Fortuna Sittard's Pascal Averdijk is currently being targeted by German side Alemannia Aachen whose team turns out in the 2nd division of the Bundesliga. Averdijk is one of ten players who Fortuna are being forced to let go this summer due to their financial crisis. If the deal goes through Averdijk will join another Dutchman, 24 year-old former Roda striker Henry Heeren, who's been playing for Alemannia Aachen since the 1997/1998 season.

Fortuna's Edwin Hermans signs for Zwolle?

30 May 2002

Fortuna's Edwin Hermans, whose contract in Sittard runs out this summer, is on the point of signing a contract with Zwolle. The 28 year-old former Eindhoven, FC Volendam and MVV defender has been with Fortuna for the last 5 seasons. He was recently linked with a move to NAC, Willem II and ADO Den Haag but none of the clubs have followed up their initial interest with an offer.

Fortuna forced to sell squad

22 May 2002

Fortuna's financial predicament has become so precarious that they are being forced to sell practically the entire squad in order to have any chance of surviving as a professional club. Despite the sale of Mark van Bommel, Kevin Hofland, Jürgen Dirkx and Patrick Paauwe, which brought in €8.3 million Euros during the last 4 years, mismanagement of the club's financial affairs during the same period has led to the club building up debts to the tune of €7.3 million Euros. Only a private donation made it possible for the team to play its last game of the season against Feyenoord! The club's general manager Theo Mommers has devised a rescue-plan which includes cutting the bill for players' salaries from €2.5 million to €0.8 million Euros and only 3 of the 27 members of the squad will be staying! Who exactly will be forced to leave will be announced on Friday during an extraordinary meeting at the club. There is insufficient capital to buy off existing contracts, there will also be forced reductions in both the technical and administrative staff and, if all goes according to plan, the stadium will also be part of the "summer-sale" in Sittard.

Fortuna players for sale for free!!

16 May 2002

The club's financial crisis is forcing Fortuna Sittard to let  many of their players go without being able to ask a fee! Their money problems have become so acute that the bill for players' salaries is being drastically reduced as the club's current budget of €6.5 million Euros is cut by 30%!  AZ have already profitted from the unfortunate Sittardians' position by getting Joost Volmer for nothing and Groningen also took advantage of the opportunity to snap up Austrian striker Rolf Landerl.  Other players who could soon well be heading out the door are Ronald Hamming, Stijn Haeldermans, Jochem van der Hoeven, Fritz Emeran and Dennis Krijgsman. Up and coming talents Joos van Barneveld and Harry Gommans will not be on offer as Fortuna are planning to rebuild the team around these key players.

AC target Fortuna's Edwin Hermans

10 May 2002

NAC are reportedly interested in signing Fortuna's transfer-free defender Edwin Hermans. The Breda club have already held preliminary talks with Hermans but will have to compete for his services against Willem II and the ambitious Eerste Divisie side ADO Den Haag who've also joined the queue.

Fortuna extend Van Barneveld's deal

01 May 2002

Joos van Barneveld has extended his contract with Fortuna till 2007. The 20 year-old is regarded as one of the club's top young talents but has missed much of this season due to a chronic knee injury. Fortuna would like to try and build a new team around the midfielder but several other clubs (PSV, Willem II, Roda JC and RKC Waalwijk) are already following his progress with interest.

NAC beat Fortuna 3-1

28 Apr 2002

NAC lineup: Babos, Fehér, Van As, Penders, Gudelj, Petö, Cristiano, Schreuder, Stewart, Sérgio, Bobson. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Volmer, Akerboom, Hermans, Meszaros, Rook, Cláudio, Haeldermans, Gerritsen, Hamming. "American Footballer of the Year" Earnest Stewart put the home team ahead on the stroke of halftime.  Rene van Dieren equalized 2 minutes later to give Fortuna hope of a draw but a pair of late goals by Kevin Bobson (86th) and Csaba Fehér (89th) gave NAC the points to lift them past Utrecht (who were beaten by Twente) into 6th place. Fortuna's fate was sealed last weekend in their defeat by Feyenoord and they are bound for Eerste Divisie football next season. The Nijmegenaars, on the other hand, can start to look forward to at least Intertoto football this summer and perhaps even earn themselves a place in the UEFA Cup next season!

Joost Volmer signs for AZ

24 Apr 2002

Fortuna's Joost Volmer has signed a two-year contract with AZ to begin next season. The 28 year-old had made clear earlier this season that he would leave Sittard, after 3 seasons with the club, if Fortuna were relegated. The defender has already had an unsuccesful trial with Scottish side Heart of Midlothian but will now soon be on his way to Alkmaar!

Fortuna's Landerl in Willem II move?

23 Apr 2002

Willem II are interested in snapping up Fortuna's Rolf Landerl who becomes transfer-free this summer. The unfortunate Sittardians have insufficient money to offer the Austrian striker, who arrived from AZ in 1999, a new deal.

Feyenoord win as Fortuna go down

19 Apr 2002

Fortuna Sittard Lineup:Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Joost Volmer, Jurgen Dirkx, Edwin Hermans, Laszlo Meszaros (81. Marcel Akerboom), Cláudio (60. Regillio Simons), Stijn Haeldermans, Dennis Gerritsen, Ronald Hamming, Rolf Landerl. Feyenoord Lineup:Edwin Zoetebier, Christian Gyan, Kees van Wonderen, Patrick Paauwe, Tomasz Rzasa, Brett Emerton, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Shinji Ono, Johan Elmander (62 Igor Korneev), Pierre van Hooijdonk, Leonardo (88. Mauricio Aros). Feyenoord  had a difficult time in Sittard this evening as Fortuna fought hard for their last chance this season of securing Ere Division survival. Pierre van Hooijdonkd the score for Feyenoord in the 23rd minute with a superbly taken free-kick, notching up his 24th goal of the season. Ronald Hamming gave Fortuna a little hope when he equalized for the homeside but in the 64th minute Patrick Paauwe restored Feyenoord's lead. Fortuna tried hard to get back into the match but, after Jurgen Dirkx's sending off 10 minutes before the final whistle, their resilience broke and Feyenoord had no trouble in holding onto their lead. Fortuna are now officially relegated and will be playing Eerste Divisie football next season.

Heering stops at end of season

15 Apr 2002

Fortuna's Marco Heering is to hang up his boots at the end of the season when his current deal runs out. The 31 year-old former Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II  striker is suffering from a range of injuries which make it i

Fortuna beat Twente 2-0 !!

13 Apr 2002

Fortuna Sittard Lineup: Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Marcel Akerboom, Jurgen Dirkx, Edwin Hermans, Laszlo Meszaros (84. René van Dieren), Cláudio (76. Mischa Rook), Stijn Haeldermans, Dennis Gerritsen, Ronald Hamming, Rolf Landerl Twente Lineup: Sander Boschker, Fouzi el Brazi, Chris van der Weerden, Spira Grujic, Jeroen Heubach, Björn van der Doelen (81. Patrick Pothuizen), Erik ten Hag, Tom van der Leegte (81. Ruud ter Heide), Kurt van de Paar, Jack de Gier (46. Arjan van der Laan), Ellery Caďro It seems that wonders never cease now that Fortuna has finally managed another win, in fact their third this season. The 1st 45 minutes of the game were aboninable, making stamp collecting look more exciting. The second half was also no better and apparently Hamming scored in the 53rd and Gerritsen did the same in the dying seconds.

Roda and AZ after Volmer

12 Apr 2002

Relegation bound Fortuna will have to do without Joost Volmer next season as both Roda JC and AZ have stated that they are determined to contract the midfielder. Volmer has also attracted the attention of Scottish Premier League club Heart of Midlothian.

Roda, Fortuna and MVV = FC Limburg?

09 Apr 2002

Roda, Fortuna and MVV are on the point of combining forces to become a new club, FC Limburg! The merger could well take place as early as June 1st with chemical-giant DSM as main sponsor. All three clubs have huge amounts of debts to be cleared and this, combined with poor performances this season, has been the main motivation for the merger. The Dutch FA (KNVB) has agreed to the plan and is willing to help with the sale of players for whom there will be no place with the new club. The new side's home matches will be played in Roda's Parkstad Limburg Stadion in Kerkrade while the reserves will get to use Fortuna's new stadium in Sittard. The old (but recently renovated) "De Geusselt" stadium will then be free for sale or hire. FC Limburg's budget will be somewhere in the region of €16 - 18 million Euros while DSM has apparently agreed to pump in €4˝ million Euros annually for the next 5 years.

Willem II beat Fortuna 3 - 0

06 Apr 2002

Willem II lineup: De Vlieger, Victoria, Mariana, Van Nieuwstadt, Janssens, Landzaat, Caluwé, D. Mathijssen - Ceesay, Bombarda and Shoukov. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Meszaros, Haeldermans, Landerl, Rook, Hamming and Gerritse. Fortuna remain stuck at the bottom after this latest and 21st defeat of the season and are bound for Eerste Divisie football, one more defeat and their fate is sealed. Willem II were 11th on 37 from 28 played but now climb to 9th place on 40 points from 29. Fortuna could be said to have played the better football but threw away the chances they created, Ronald Hamming hitting the post from a Dennis Gerritsen pass halfway through the 2nd half was only one of several opportunities missed. Substitute Tarik Sektioui replaced the injured Jatto Ceesay and turned out to be 'Man of the Match' with a hattrick and put the "Tricolores" ahead in the 27th, adding a 2nd in the 61st minute before scoring his 3rd in the 83rd minute.

Fortuna to sell stadium

04 Apr 2002

Fortuna have been searching since the beginning of the season for potential buyers for their "De Wagner & Partners Stadion". The club need the money to be able to guarantee that a sound financial plan for next season will earn them a new licence. The Dutch FA (KNVB) recently announced stricter rules for obtaining licences and many clubs are faced with some tough financial decisions if they are to meet the new demands being placed on them. Fortuna are one of the few clubs left in Holland who actually own their own stadium (most are owned by the relevant municipal councils where they are located).

Fortuna clear out squad

02 Apr 2002

Fortuna are saying goodbye to several hired players in their squad: Rene van Dieren (Feyenoord) and Regilio Simons (NAC) are both going for sure, while the futures of Claudio and Jurgen Dirkx (on loan from PSV) are uncertain. Ismail Ayaz (hired to Eindhoven), Cliff Hamers, Roger Haine and the club's 3rd goalie, Davy Bertjens, are not being offered contract extensions. Marco Heering is hanging up his boots at the end of the season and starts a new job with the club. Fortuna are not planning to let their talented midfielder Joos van Barneveld, currently recovering from a knee injury, leave without a fight - he's being targeted by PSV and Roda.

NEC beat Fortuna 3 - 1

31 Mar 2002

NEC lineup: Dennis Gentenaar, Resit Schuurman, Peter Wisgerhof, Danny Hesp, Jeffrey Leiwakabessy, Jarda Simr, Rob Wielaert, Bart Latuheru (82. Marcel Koning), Patrick Ax, Dennis de Nooijer (46. Zico Tumba), Frank Demouge (86. Stefan Jansen). Fortuna lineup:Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Joost Volmer, Edwin Hermans, Jurgen Dirkx, René van Dieren, Laszló Mészarós, Claudio (86. Samir El Gaaouiri), Stijn Haeldermans, (76. Harrie Gommans), Rolf Landerl, Ronald Hamming, Dennis Gerritsen Fortuna Sittard's hopes of Ere Divisie survival were dealt yet another blow with this 3 - 1 defeat at the hands of NEC. Fortuna were the better team throughout the whole of the match but were, nonetheless, unable to convert their 'superiority' into goals-on-the-board.  The visitors got off to a good start and went into the lead after only 12 minutes. NEC's keeper Dennis Gentenaar misjudged Landerl's weak shot, allowing the ball to slip through his fingers. Ronald Hamming was alert to the chance that offered itself and netted from close range. 0-1. In the 27th minute Patrick Ax headed against the post and Belgium Frank Demouge pounced on the rebound, levelling the score. The 2nd half also belonged to Fortuna but, again, it was NEC who scored.  Ex-Barcelona keeper Ruud Hesp let the ball slip through his hands with Rob Wielaert just waiting there to claim it and finish it off, 2-1. In the last minute of the game Tumba made it 3-1 for the homeside, rounding off a NEC counter.

No Negotiations for Volmer and Hearts

30 Mar 2002

Joost Volmer has been told by Fortuna Sittard that the club will not allow him to leave for the time being. Scottish club Heart of Midlothian have been showing an interest but have been denied permission by Fortuna to make an approach to the  player. The club currently need all of their players in their fight for Ere Divisie survival. Volmer has stated that he would enjoy the challenge of playing for a foreign club but that he could understand Fortuna's point of view. According to the player there are also 2 Dutch teams currently in the market for him.

Fortuna lose to AZ 0 - 1

23 Mar 2002

Fortuna  Lineup:Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Marcel Akerboom (46. Soufične El Khadri), Joost Volmer, Edwin Hermans, Jurgen Dirkx, René van Dieren (70. Ronald Hamming), Laszló Mészarós, Claudio (75. Misha Rook), Dennis Gerritsen, Rolf Landerl. AZ  Lineup:Oscar Moens, Jannes Wolters, Peter Wijker, Michael Buskermolen, Barry Opdam,Reinier Robbemond, Barry van Galen, Olaf Lindenbergh, Kenneth Perez (80. Urvin Lee), Robin Nelisse, Jamal Dibi (81. John Bosman). AZ climb to a safe-from-the-playoff zone 9th place after their 0-1 away win last night against Fortuna Sittard. Barry van Galen made the one and only goal of the evening, in the 21st minute of the 1st half, in a  less-than-entertaining match. it goes without saying that fortuna are super-glued to the bottom rung of the table and headed for Eerste Divisie football next season.

End of season for Fortuna's Colin Cramb

20 Mar 2002

End of season for Colin Cramb. Fortuna Sittard's Scottish striker Colin Cramb, who joined transfer-free from English side Crewe Alexandra last summer, will miss the rest of the season after picking up a knee injury in last Sunday's 3 - 0 defeat by Utrecht. He looks certain to be out of action for 9 - 12 months and his absence couldn't have come at worse time for the unfortunate Sittardians who have only 7 matches left in which to ensure that they avoid direct relegation and earn themselves a fight-for-survival place in the playoffs.

Utrecht beat Fortuna 3 - 0

17 Mar 2002

Utrecht lineup: Wapenaar, Jean-Paul de Jong, Roest, Zwaanswijk, Bosschaart, Jochemsen, Van Mol, Tanghe, Van den Bergh, Kuijt and Gluscevic. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Van der Hoeven, Akerboom, Volmer, Hermans, Meszaros, Rook, Gerritsen, Landerl, Simons and Cramb. Fortuna were reduced to 10 men in the 15th when Regilio Simons got a red card but Utrecht, who've failed to impress since the winter break, simply couldn't seem to get into gear and take advantage of their numerical advantage. The Sittardians managed to hold on till just before half-time when Patrick Zwaanswijk headed in from a Van den Bergh corner for the 1 - 0. Igor Gluscevic added a 2nd in the 67th from anothet piece of Van den Bergh work and Stefaan Tanghe made it 3 - 0 in the 90th. The final score was flattering for the Domstad side as this was not one of their better performances. Unfortunate Fortuna notch up their 18th defeat of the season while Utrecht side stay in 7th on 40 points from 27 games.

Heerenveen beat Fortuna 3 - 1

13 Mar 2002

Heerenveen lineup: Vonk, Venema, Gérard de Nooijer, Edman, Ebbinge, Radomski, Selakovic, Jensen, Nurmela, Allbäck and Lurling. Fortuna lineup:Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Volmer, Hermans, Meszaros, Gerritsen, Haeldermans, Landerl, Simons and Cramb. Heerenveen stay in touch with the top 3 clubs with this win against Fortuna. Coach Foppe de Haan was bannished to the stands in the break by referee Ruud Bossen while substitute Jesper Hĺkansson celebrated with two goals. Erik Edmand the score in the 7th minute but Heerenveen had problems getting into gear tonight and a dubious penalty decision gave Colin Cramb the chance to draw Fortuna level in the 45th from the spot. De Haan's reaction was to snatch the ball from the ref's arms at the whistle for half-time which led to his banishment. Heerenveen continued to make hard work of their task after the break but the Fin Hĺkansson's 2 goals in the 67th and 69th minutes decided the match and put a repectable score on the board.

Fortuna lose to Groningen 0 - 1

09 Mar 2002

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Volmer, Hermans, Landerl, Meszaros, Haeldermans, Heering, Simons and Gerritsen. Groningen lineup: Beukenkamp, Allach, Matthijs, Schoenmakers, Florén, Hoogstrate, Tuhuteru, Broerse, Boussaboun, Curovic and Robben. Both sides played the 'waiting game',

Cláudio makes Fortuna debut this week

05 Mar 2002

It's a week later than originally planned but Brazilian striker Cláudio will be making his debut for Fortuna this week after  Dutch immigration issued the remaining documents he'd been waiting for, permitting him to play in Holland. The 23 year-old is on loan from PSV to the Limburgers till the end of the season and he expects to be moving to Eindhoven after he's played his 10 matches for bottom of the table Fortuna. Nonetheless, he's going to do his best for them and try to score a goal in every one of those ten remaining games of 2001/2002.

Goalless Sparta and Fortuna

03 Mar 2002

Sparta lineup: Kros, Bouchiba, Nieuwenburg, Marília, Zijm, Mendes, Boukhari, Winter, Sanou, Koevermans and Langerak. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Volmer, Akerboom, Hermans, Landerl, Van der Hoeven, Gerritsen, Haeldermans, Simons and Hamming. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in this degradation duel and they remain at the bottom of the table. Frank Rijkaard must be getting pretty desperate now as his team fail to live up to the 'promise' he (thought) he saw when he took on the job. The former Oranje coach just can't seem to get them back on track. This was their 11th draw of the season and they've only won 4! Sparta are 17th on 23 points from 25 and Fortuna remain totally sunk with only 13 from 24 played.

Fortuna and Ajax draw 1 - 1

27 Feb 2002

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Volmer, Hermans, Van der Hoeven, Haeldermans, Landerl, Gerritsen, Hamming and Simons. Ajax lineup: Grim, O'Brien, Bergdřlmo, Chivu, Maxwell, Galásek, Van Halst, Pienaar, Van der Meyde, Machlas and Wamberto. Ronald Koeman's fears came true tonight as Ajax obviously had their minds elsewhere, such as on the coming clash with Feyenoord. The coach had warned his squad that they should be extra alert/sharp in Sittard if they wanted to win. As it was the Amsterdammers dropped valuable points, leaving PSV only 4 points behind and Feyenoord 5 behind, but with a game in hand. The table-toppers had by far the most possession during the 1st half but failed to convert their advantage into anything more than Wamberto's one attempt to pass Ruud Hesp! In fact it was only Fred Grim's (a surprise choice) good work that prevented one of the 4 good opportunites Fortuna had from going in! The home team went ahead after the break when Rolf Landerl's solo-run gave an unmarked Ronald Hamming the chance to put away a simple 1 - 0 in the 52nd minute. Ajax equalized with a goal by Wamberto, set up by Machlas, in the 59th. The match continued in the same fashion, the Amsterdammers having more possession, the home team having the best chances. Marco Heering missed 2 for Fortuna while Ajax, though they threw even more men into attack, failed to show their teeth! Nonetheless, they are now on 50 points from 24 games played while Fortuna continue to languish at the bottom of the table on a mere 12 points from 23 played.

Utrecht target Jürgen Dirckx

27 Feb 2002

Dutch regional newspaper "De Limburger" is running a story that PSV's Jürgen Dirckx, currently on loan to Fortuna, is being targeted by Utrecht. The 26 year-old defender played for PSV as a youth player, turning out for Fortuna between 1995 and 1998 before returning to Eindhoven in 1998 where he's become superfluous under Eric Gerets.

Fortuna debut this Sunday for Cláudio?

26 Feb 2002

Fortuna are hopeful that Brazilian striker Cláudio will be eligible to make his debut on Sunday when the unfortunate Sittardians face Sparta in an important relegation clash. PSV and Fortuna had already reached agreement on a hire contract for the 22 year-old, who's been on loan to Brazilian sides Vitoria and Botafogo, and there remained only the question of him obtaining the necessary permits from Dutch immigration authorities. With a bit of luck all the necessary papers should be ready by the end of the week!

Fortuna want Roda's Dave Zafarin

22 Feb 2002

Fortuna would like to add Roda's Dave Zafarin to their squad. The right-winger's contract with the 'Kerkrade Crew' runs till 2004 but he has been told he can start looking for a new employer. The 23 year-old is a product of Roda's youth academy and has played in 106 matches for them.

RBC's Gijs Cales moves to Fortuna?

20 Feb 2002

Fortuna have been continuing their attempt to persuade RBC's Gijs Cales to switch clubs at the end of the season when his contract runs out. The 24 year-old midfielder, who's been in Roosendaal since the 1995/1996 season, was impressed during his visit to Sittard but RBC still want to talk to him before he makes a final decision.

Dan Gallier on trial with Fortuna

19 Feb 2002

The English striker Dan Gallier has been offered a week's trial with struggling Fortuna. He's currently under contract to German side Dynamo Dresden and previously played for Wimbledon, Gillingham and Rot-Weiß Essen. Trainer Hans de Koning said the club were given a tip about the technically gifted Englishman who is regarded as a possible long-term investment rather than someone they're bringing in to help remedy their current sunk-at-the-bottom-of-the-table predicament.

Fortuna in injury problems

15 Feb 2002

Fortuna are the Pluto of the Ere Divisie, stuck way out in a space of their own at the bottom of the table with little hope of escaping relegation. They're also suffering from a long list of injured players: last Saturday's match at the Gelredome cost them 3 victims, Jürgen Dirkx (torn calf muscle - out for 3 to 4 weeks), Joost Volmer (slight concussion, should be back next week) and Jochem van der Hoeven (broken nose, resumes training today); then there's René van Dieren (hamstring injury - out for 5 to 6 weeks), Colin Cramb and Dennis Krijgsmean who both have got flu; as well as the longterm absentees Joos van Barneveld, Jo Geerinckx, Georges Tychon, Pascal Averdijk. Dennis Gerritsen and Chris van Geem are on the point of coming back from their knee injuries.

Vitesse and Fortuna share points 1 - 1

09 Feb 2002

Vitesse lineup: Jevric, Tim Cornelisse, Van der Schaaf, Stefanovic, Nanu, Hofs, Kreek, Martel, Fortes, Van Beukering and Sikora. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Heering, Van der Hoeven, Haeldermans, Landerl, Simons and Hamming. This was the 3rd time the teams had faced each other this season and once again Fortuna denied Vitesse a win. The visitors deserved their point with tight defensive work and a frontline that looks a lot more dangerous since the addition of hired gun Regillio Simons last Thursday. Marco Heering gave the visitors the lead in the 29th minute but Didier Martel equalized in the 41st. Vitesse had their chances in the 2nd half but failed to put any more goals-on-the-board, to the obvious and audible disatisfaction of their fans. The Arnhemmers move up a place to 6th on 35 points from 22 games but Utrecht play tomorrow and could well leapfrog them again. Fortuna are without hope at the bottom on 11 points from 22 games.

Fortuna hire Regillio Simons

07 Feb 2002

In a last attempt to inject some extra life into the team, and hopefully avoid relegation, Fortuna have hired NAC's Regillio Simons till the end of the season. The former Telstar player previously turned out for the Sittard side between 1995 and the summer of 1999, scoring 12 goals in 29 games during his last season with them. At NAC he's made 57 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and now joins Fortuna's other recent addition, the Braziliaan Cláudio who's on hire from PSV.

Feyenoord beat Fortuna 1 - 0

06 Feb 2002

Feyenoord lineup: Zoetebier, Emerton, Paauwe, Loovens, Rzasa, Smolarek, Van Wonderen, Bosvelt, Ono, Van Hooijdonk and Tomasson. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Heering, Van Dieren, Haeldermans, Landerl, Cramb and Rook. Fortuna put up brave resistance and cannot be accused of not trying, even when René van Dieren had to quit through injury after only 7 minutes. Last season they even had a surpise 2 - 3 win in the Kuip and tonight managed to hold their own during an unexciting 1st half. Elmander was brought on for Loovens in the 2nd half as Feyenoord upped the tempo - a goal by Danish international Jon Dahl Tomasson, probably off to Spain this summer, finally came in the 67th  to give the Feyenoorders the points. They squeeze past Ajax to go top on goal difference. Fortuna remain nailed to the bottom rung after their 15th defeat of the season.

De Graafschap smash Fortuna 5 - 0

26 Jan 2002

De Graafschap lineup: Postma, Bot, Berck Beelenkamp, Van der Kruis, Fränkel, Meerdink, Van den Brom, Van Leerdam, Valeev, Turpijn and Van Vossen. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Van der Hoeven, Dirkx, Volmer, Emeran, Rook, Van Dieren, Haeldermans, Hermans, Cramb and Hamming. The "SuperBoeren" put another nail in unfortunate Fortuna's Ere Divisie coffin and 5 goals past poor Ruud Hesp. Theirng 'hatrick' came from John van den Brom in the 27th and Peter van Vossen's brace in the 40th and 68th. Fortuna were reduced to 10 men when Joost Volmer got sent off in the 70th minute, allowing AZ to put away two more, care of Ilja van Leerdam in the 77th and Martijn Meerdink in the 86th. Fortuna remain rooted at the bottom, now 9 points behind one-from-bottom Groningen (on the same amount of points as Sparta). It will take a major miracle for them to avoid relegation while De Graafschap climb to 14th on 21 from 19 played!

PSV lend Cláudio to Fortuna

26 Jan 2002

PSV have lent their Brazilian Cláudio to Fortuna for the rest of the season so that he can get in some 1st team Ere Divisie match experience. The 22 year-old was signed up for 5 years by the Eindhoven side when he still a youth player at his former club Vitor Bahia (where he also spent last season on loan) but so far he's only played 12 games for the Dutch Champions, scoring 3 goals.

Edwin Hermans leaves Fortuna

19 Jan 2002

Edwin Hermans has told Fortuna that he's not going to extend his contract this summer while also denying

Operation for Fortuna's Dennis Gerritsen

15 Jan 2002

Dennis Gerritsen will be having an operation on one of his knees on tomorrow. The 30 year-old former De Graafschap, Helmond Sport and NAC striker, who's scored 3 goals in 15 matches this season, will be out of action for a few weeks.

De Koning stays on as Fortuna coach

08 Jan 2002

Hans de Koning, who replaced Hans Verel when he was sacked in December, is to stay on as trainer with Fortuna till the end of the season. He'll be assisted by Dick Voorn while former player Willy Boessen has also been added to the technical staff, taking over from Henk Duut who's left for Japanese side Imikya Ardija.

Arvin Smid on loan to Fortuna

28 Dec 2001

In a follow-up to the story on PSV's signing of Stormvogels/ Telstar's Arvin Smid it seems that the young midfielder could be swapped for Pascal Averdijk. The Eindhoven club want to make sure that Smid already gets in some Ere Divisie action this season and this move looks to be a sign of long-term cooperation with the Sittardians.  The Limburgers are also in talks with four clubs in Belgium, Holland, Germany and England with a view to creating an intense form of cooperation between the clubs involving the loan of players and trainers.

Robert Roest breaks nose

20 Dec 2001

Utrecht's Robert Roest broke his nose last night in a clash with Harry Gommans in the match against his old club Fortuna. Medical staff had a lot of trouble stopping the bleeding and the defender had to be replaced by Karim Touzani 15 minutes before time. He looks unlikely to play in the last match this side of the winter break against Ajax on Sunday.

Ruud Hesp out with eye injury

19 Dec 2001

Fortuna's goalie Ruud Hesp is out of action for the coming 2 - 3 weeks after a blood clot was discovered behind one of his eyes. Medical staff diagnosed the keeper's problem after the match against NAC last weekend and he will be replaced by reserve keeper Reein Baart while he recuperates.

Fortuna talk to Cramb and Krijgsman

19 Dec 2001

Fortuna are to hold talks with Colin Cramb and Dennis Krijgsman about their future with the club after former coach Hans Verel, himself recently sacked, dropped the Scottish striker for an 'obscene' gesture while Krijgsman was dropped for lack of motivation. Krijgsman will have to take a fitness test which, if he passes, should get him back into the team while Cramb will undoubtedly be expected to behave himself in future!

Ousmane Sanou move to Fortuna called off

15 Dec 2001

Ousmane Sanou will not be signing for Fortuna after all! Although the Willem II player is injury- and pain-free he's still regarded by Fortuna's medical team as being a risk and so the deal has been called off.

Unfortunate Fortuna lose to NAC 2 - 3

14 Dec 2001

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Van der Hoeven, Dirkx, Volmer, Emeran, Van Dieren, Heering, Haeldermans, Gommans, Hamming and Landerl.  NAC lineup: Babos, Fehér, Penders, Becht, Gudelj, Petö, Sérgio, Schreuder, Stewart, Cristiano and Bobson. Fortuna just can't get a point nowadays and it's clear after tonight's performance that trainer Hans Verel's departure hasn't exactly helped to inspire them. They've just signed Willem II's Ousmane Sanou, maybe the extra firepower will help in the longterm. Kevin Bobson put NAC ahead in the 16th and Sérgio made it 2 - 0 three minutes later. Joost Volmer pulled one back with a spot-shot in the 34th and Ronald Hamming drew them level in the 56th minute. A goal by Tamás Petö in the 82nd clinched the points for NAC and lift them into 3rd place.

Fortuna sign Ousmane Sanou

14 Dec 2001

In an attempt to escape relegation Fortuna have signed Willem II's Ousmane Sanou. The 23 year-old striker from Burkina Fasso told the "Tricolores" last November that he wasn't planning to extend his contract when it ran out and he's now signed with the unfortunate Sittardians till the summer of 2004. He joined Willem II in July 1996 but has never been able to earn himself a regular place in the lineup, scoring 15 goals in 105 appearances.

Fortuna sack Verel

14 Dec 2001

Fortuna have sacked their trainer Hans Verel after only 4 months in the saddle in Sittard. He succeeded Frans Thijssen who left last July after deciding that there was no future for him with the club. This is the 7th club he's looked after - he previously trained FC Den Bosch, RBC Roosendaal, NAC, Dordrecht’90, RKC Waalwijk and, for a short spell, Willem II. Fortuna had a bad season last time round, are currently stuck at the bottom of the table and have been knocked out of the Amstel Cup by Stormvogels/Telstar. Whether or not Verel is to blame for the bad results is debatable.

Verel drops Cramb for rest of season

10 Dec 2001

Fortuna trainer Hans Verel has dropped Scottish striker Colin Cramb for the rest fo this season as punishment for giving the fans and sponsors 'the finger' when he was substituted during the match against Den Bosch. According to Verel it's the latest example of 'misconduct' on the part of the player in recent months and the trainer's patience is at an end.

Ajax beat Fortuna 4 - 0

04 Dec 2001

Ajax lineup: Grim, Heitinga, Bergdřlmo, Chivu, De Cler, Knopper, Yakubu, Van der Vaart, Van der Meyde, Machlas and Wamberto. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Akerboom, Dirkx, Volmer, Emeran, Van Dieren, Haeldermans, Van der Hoeven, Landerl, Gerritsen and Cramb. The big question beforehand was how would Ajax look/play under their new coach - the answer was a return to Ajax old-style with plenty of attacks down the wings. Richard Knopper made his first appearance for some time in the absence of Mido, who's sitting out a suspension. The Amsterdammers were inspired by their new boss and went on the attack. It wasn't long before André Bergdřlmo put away a penalty in the 14th minute  to get the ball rolling and Nikos Machlas headed in Tim de Cler's cross for the 2 - 0 in the 28th. After the break Chivu had a 'goal' disallowed while Knopper and Zlatan had several chances to increase the score. Only once Knopper was replaced by John O'Brien did they get their 3rd of the evening when Zlatan Ibrahimovic slotted it away in the 68th and scored another in the 79th to put Ajax back on top, although Feyenoord have a game in hand. The result was a fine start for new coach Ronald Koeman and a welcome 90 minutes footballing entertainment for the fans.

Twente and Fortuna draw 1 - 1

01 Dec 2001

Twente lineup: Boschker, Van der Weerden, Grujic, Pothuizen, Polak, Van der Doelen, Van de Paar, Van der Leegte, Van der Laan, Caďro, and De Gier. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Akerboom, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Emeran, Van Dieren, Haeldermans, Landerl, Gerritsen and Cramb. The match began promisingly as Kurt van der Paar and Jack de Gier put together a flowing move which gave Arjan van der Laan the chance tothe score in the 2nd minute. The fans were ecstatic as they watched the first goal scored by their team in the Arke stadium since August 25th in the 3 - 0 against Roda. Unfortunately "The Tukkers" failed to build on their lead and Fortuna began to get to grips with the match. It took a long time but Scottish striker Colin Cramb finally found the back of the net with an equalizer in the 83rd. By the end of the match the Twente fans were calling for trainer John van 't Schip's scalp!

Roda beat Fortuna 1 - 0

28 Nov 2001

Roda lineup: Kalac, Sonkaya, Senden, Luijpers, Vrede, Van Dessel, Nygaard, Gregoor van Dijk, Lawal,Tchoutang and Anastasiou. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Akerboom, Van Dieren, Gerritsen, Rook, Landerl and Cramb. Both teams are sunk at the bottom of the table and it was clear to see in the many mistakes made on pitch. Rolf Landerl and Mark Nygaard missed clear opportunities to score in the 1st half. After the break Fortuna looked to be slightly better than the home team but a Yannis Anastasiou goal in the 72nd gave the Kerkrade crew the points.

Verel drops Krijgsman

26 Nov 2001

Fortuna trainer Hans Verel has dropped Dennis Krijgsman from the 1st team squad - he'll be training on his own for the time being. The reason for the 'banishment' is that 29 year-old striker has not been putting in enough effort, has been missing training sessions and shows little interest in playing.

Fortuna lose to RKC 1 - 4

24 Nov 2001

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, Van Dieren, El Khadri, Rook, Cramb, Gerritsen and Landerl. RKC lineup: Van Dijk, Van Diemen, Nascimento, Van den Berg, De Graef, Petrovic, Van Wanrooy, Fuchs, Yuri Cornelisse, Hoogendorp and Janssen. Fortuna were no match for the Waalwijkers and stay firmly rooted at the bottom of the table after this defeat. The visitors had 3 good chances to score in the 1st half and converted all of them into goals-in-the-back-of-the-net. Yuri Cornelisse put away the 1st in the 21st minute, Robert Fuchs got the 2nd in the 28th, Jochen Janssen the 3rd in the 40th and Carlos van Wanrooy added a 4th in the 54th. Their 4-0 lead was only 'dented' by a consolation goal for Fortuna from Dennis Gerritsen in the 69th. RKC are now in 8th place with 20 points from 14 games.

Groningen beat Fortuna 4 - 2

18 Nov 2001

Groningen lineup: Beukenkamp, Elshot, Van Gessel, Schoenmakers, Allach, Matthijs, Tuhuteru, Broerse, Boussaboun, Drent and Robben. Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Volmer, Hermans, El Khadri, Van Dieren, Rook, Landerl, Gerritsen and Cramb. A match of poor quality but with plenty of goals and it gave Groningen their 400th professional league victory. Colin Cramb put the visitors ahead after only 3 minutes but a one-two from Martin Drent in the 20th and 25th gave Groningen the edge while Rolf Landerl found an equalizer for the Sittardians in the 34th. The 2nd half, and the final score, was decided by two substitutes - Hugo put away the 3rd in the 81st within 60 seconds of making his appearance for the 3 - 2 and Dejan Curovic did likewise in the 90th for the 4 - 2. Fortuna stay sunk at the bottom of the table while Groningen climb to 13th.

El Idrissi trial ends in injury

09 Nov 2001

Groningen's out-of-favour Mustapha El Idrissi's trial with Fortuna has ended in injury after a collision with goalie Ruud Hesp left the 21 year-old striker with a groin problem. He was unhappy at Groningen and was planning to return to France before the Sittard side developed an interest in him. Once he's recovered he'll be given a new chance to prove himself.

Injuries end Marco Heering's career

08 Nov 2001

Fortuna's 31 year-old striker Marco Heering is considering ending his career after years of struggling with injuries -  he's in his 4th year with Fortuna. The former Willem II and Go Ahead Eagles player's knee is causing him so much trouble that  doctors have advised him to stop now before things get worse. It's possible that his 'disability' will be used as a reason to end his career on medical grounds.

Amstel Cup Roundup

07 Nov 2001

Fortuna beat Cambuur 2 - 1. Yesterday evening Cambuur's Michael Ferrierd the score for Fortuna by scoring an own-goal and  Dennis Gerritsen scored a spot-shot after the break. Cambuur goalie Cees Pauuwe got a red card in the 53rd.

Fortuna beat Heerenveen 1 - 0

03 Nov 2001

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Volmer, Hermans, Van der Hoeven, El Khadri, Gerritsen, Rook, Krijgsman and Hamming. Heerenveen lineup: Vonk, Venema, Klompe, Gérard de Nooijer, Edman, Nurmela, Jensen, Radomski, Lurling, Allbäck and Denneboom. Fortuna's 5 man defensive wall made life very, very difficult for Heerenveen. Despite their attempts to penetrate the home team's backline it was Joost Volmer who headed in Fortuna's match-winner from a freekick close to the end of the 1st half   (40th minute). The frustration at not being able to convert their on-pitch superiority into goals-in-the-back-of-the-net led to Heerenveen's Arek Radomski being sent off for a red card offence in the 88th. Tonight's win is only the Sittardian's 2nd of the season, lifting them into 17th place while pushing Roda back into bottom position.

Date Feyenoord - Fortuna moved again

30 Oct 2001

The Ducth FA (KNVB) will be looking for a new date to play the match between Feyenoord and Fortuna, planned for November 13th. Feyenoord has successfully appealed against the date because Brett Emerton, Shinji Ono, Ebi Smolarek and Pieter Collen all have international commitments which will prevent them from playing. The Ere Divisie match has already been moved once from October 10th due then to the change in scheduling of the Rotterdammers' Champions League match against Bayern München resulting from the events in New York on "Black Tuesday".

AZ beat Fortuna 3 - 0

27 Oct 2001

AZ lineup: Moens, Lee, Wijker, Opdam, El Hadrioui, Boussatta, Robbemond, Buskermolen, Van Galen, Nelisse and Elkhattabi.  Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Van der Hoeven, Hermans, Volmer, El Khadri, Rook, Gerritsen, Cramb and Hamming. Two goals by that man Ali Elkhattabi, in the 37th minute and the 65th, and a 3rd by Kenneth Perez in the 83rd gave the Alkmaarders the points. Fortuna's Colin Cramb was sent off when he collected his 2nd yellow card in the 52nd - the unfortunate Sittardians are still waiting to get their first away point of the season after this, their 4th away defeat. AZ climb to 8th while Fortuna remain sunk at the bottom of the table.

Fortuna lose to Sparta 3 - 4

13 Oct 2001

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Akerboom, Van der Hoeven, Hermans, Landerl, Van Dieren, Van Geem, Gerritsen, Cramb and Hamming. Sparta lineup: Kooiman, Mendes, Winter, Goossen, Van der Meer, Bouchiba, Nielsen, Zijm, Boukhar, B. Marbus and Blinker. Sparta climb to 13th place with their first away win of the season at the expense of Fortuna who are stuck one point ahead of Roda at the bottom of the table. They only narrowly managed to escape relegation last time round and look to be having a fight on their hands to prevent it happening at the end of this season. A lot of goals were scored but the match itself was nothing to write home about. Dennis Gerritsend the score for the home team in the 7th minute. Bram Marbus equalized for Sparta in the 22nd, but not for long as Scottish striker Colin Cramb nosed Fortuna ahead again in the 26th. Nourdin Boukhari put away a penalty in the 55th to bring the Rotterdammers level before Danny Koevermans gave the visitors the lead in the 59th. Regi Blinker got a 4th in the 86th minute to seal the points for Sparta and Cramb put away a 3rd consolation goal for Fortuna with a spot-shot in the 90th.

Fortuna and NEC draw 2 - 2

29 Sept 2001

Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, van Dieren, van der Hoeven, Hermans, Akerboom, Rook, Landerl, Cramb, Hamming and Haeldermans. NEC lineup: Gentenaar, Schuurman, Wisgerhof, Hesp, Leiwakabessy, Simr, Schultz, Latuheru, Zonneveld, Jansen and Tumba. NEC fought back to play the last half an hour with only 9 men to earn a point in Sittard. Fortuna were 1 - 0 up after 13 minutes thanks to Englishman Ronald Hamming. Before the break NEC were reduced to playing with 10 men when Marchanno Schultz (NEC 40th minute) was sent off. The match saw some unpleasant tackles/fouls and NEC were the main culprits. They were reduced to 9 men when Mike Zonneveld also got his marching orders in the 62nd minute after having scored a 51st minute goal for the Nijmegen side. Marcel Akerboom scored a 2nd for the Sittardians in the 74th minute but NEC's substitute Patrick Ax got a late equalizer in the 83rd minute.

RKC beat Fortuna 1 - 0

22 Sept 2001

RKC lineup: Rob van Dijk, Patrick van Diemen, David Nascimento (replaced in 50th by Virgillio Teixeira), Peter van den Berg, Garry de Graef, Rogier Molhoek (replaced in 46th by Fabian Peppinck), Zeljko Petrovic, Dejan Govedarica, Joeri Cornelisse, Rick Hoogendorp, Jochen Janssen (replaced in 76th by Giovanni Franken). Fortuna lineup: Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Jochem van der Hoeven, René van Dieren, Edwin Hermans, Marco Heering, Misha Rook, Pascal Averdijk, Dennis Gerritsen (replaced in 46th by Stijn Haeldermans), Ronald Hamming, Colin Cramb (replaced in 77th by Meszaros). The score was the most exciting thing about this match but it needed a penalty to get one on the board. Fortuna are already starting to look like they'll have to fight to prevent relegation  this season while the Waalwijkers had a poor start to the season until their 3 - 0 against Groningen. Despite an attacking lineup with Colin Cramb, Ronald Hamming, Pascal Averdijk and Marco Heering, Fortuna showed little more than their intentions to score. RKC were equally uninspired and both teams excelled in poor passing. Colin Cramb had the best shot of the 1st half which goalie Rob van Dijk managed to tip onto the bar.  The 2nd half was equally poor entertainment and it took Rick Hoogendorp's spot-shot in the 63rd minute (when there was some pulling of Virgillio Teixeira's shirt) to give the Waalwijkers the points

RKC beat Fortuna 1 - 0 22 Sept 2001 RKC lineup: Rob van Dijk, Patrick van Diemen, David Nascimento (replaced in 50th by Virgillio Teixeira), Peter van den Berg, Garry de Graef, Rogier Molhoek (replaced in 46th by Fabian Peppinck), Zeljko Petrovic, Dejan Govedarica, Joeri Cornelisse, Rick Hoogendorp, Jochen Janssen (replaced in 76th by Giovanni Franken). Fortuna lineup: Ruud Hesp, Fritz Emeran, Jochem van der Hoeven, René van Dieren, Edwin Hermans, Marco Heering, Misha Rook, Pascal Averdijk, Dennis Gerritsen (replaced in 46th by Stijn Haeldermans), Ronald Hamming, Colin Cramb (replaced in 77th by Meszaros). The score was the most exciting thing about this match but it needed a penalty to get one on the board. Fortuna are already starting to look like they'll have to fight to prevent relegation  this season while the Waalwijkers had a poor start to the season until their 3 - 0 against Groningen. Despite an attacking lineup with Colin Cramb, Ronald Hamming, Pascal Averdijk and Marco Heering, Fortuna showed little more than their intentions to score. RKC were equally uninspired and both teams excelled in poor passing. Colin Cramb had the best shot of the 1st half which goalie Rob van Dijk managed to tip onto the bar.  The 2nd half was equally poor entertainment and it took Rick Hoogendorp's spot-shot in the 63rd minute (when there was some pulling of Virgillio Teixeira's shirt) to give the Waalwijkers the points. Fortuna lose 1 - 2 to Willem II    14 Sept 2001 Fortuna lineup: Hesp, Emeran, Dirkx, Akerboom, Hermans, Van der Hoeven, van Dieren, Cramb, Haeldermans, Hamming and Gerritsen. Willem II lineup: De Vlieger, Jaliens, van Nieuwstadt, Janssens, J. Mathijsen, Abdellaoui, Landzaat, Caluwé, Victoria, Sanou and Bombarda. Willem II won their 300th Ere Divisie match tonight ( their first victory was in 2 september 1956 when they beat BVC Amsterdam in the capital 0-6) on the European Day of Mourning for the victims of the New York/Washington attacks. Out of respect both Hans Westerhof and Hans Verel would rather have played on Sunday but it was not to be! The match had a somber atmosphere as a result of the events of last Tuesday and the 1st half saw little real 'excitement' - Dennis Gerritsen had the best chance after 30 minutes for Fortuna but his effort was no problem for De Vlieger. Yassine Abdellaoui, Joris Mathijsen and Bombarda had chances for the visitors but they were off target. After the break things were more 'interesting' -  Fritz Emerand the score at the end of a solo run for the home team in the 58th minute. Two goals within 3 minutes from the " Tricolores" man-of-the-hour (and-a-half) Denny Landzaat, a decisive header in the 63rd and a nice lob over Ruud Hesp in the 66th, gave the "Tricolores" the points. It is only their 3rd win against Fortuna - on August 29th 1992 Hans Vincent scored the only goal to give Willem II their first win, and on April 7th 1999 they won 1 - 2 when Tomás Galásek and Yassine Abdellaoui scored for the "Tricolores", the English striker Ronald Hamming putting away Fortuna's only goal. Willem II can be pleased to go top of the table for at least 24 hours! Fortuna want Nikos Kounenakis 10 Sept 2001 Fortuna have been impressed by the efforts of Nikos Kounenakis during his trial with the club and want to extend his trial-period with them. They are currently negotiating with his club Anderlecht to see if they can keep him a while longer so that they can see just how injury-prone the midfielder is. Kounenakis began his careeer with OFI Crete and joined the Belgian club in the season 1999/2000 but didn't get to see much action as a result of a chronic knee injury. PSV beat Fortuna 3 - 0 08 Sept 2001 PSV lined-up:Waterreus, Wielaert, Nikiforov, Hofland, Bouma, van Bommel, Vogel, Ramzi, Rommedahl, Kezman and Vennegoor of Hesselink. Fortuna lined-up:Hesp, Akerboom, van der Hoeven, Dirkx, Hermans, Emeran, van Dieren, Haeldermans, Gerritsen, Cramb and Hamming. The Champions have got off to a slow start this season, being surprised by the resistance of Groningen in the Oosterpark Stadium 2 - 2 and only squeezing past newly promoted Den Bosch 3 - 2 at home. Fortuna had a terrible season last time round, held Vitesse to a 0 - 0 at home in theirr, beat De Graafschap 2 - 1 but got smashed 4 - 0 in Den Bosch. PSV made little impression on the Sittardian defence during the 1st 45 minutes apart from when Kezman hit the crossbar. After the break Bruggink replaced the Yugoslav and De Jong came on for Vogel which improved things - Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored two goals in the 52nd and the 76th, John de Jong added a 3rd 5 minutes later. Fortuna test Greek Kounenakis 29 Aug 2001 Fortuna are testing Anderlecht's Nikos Kounenakis this week - the 23 year-old midfielder had been close to moving to Roda at the beginning of the year but a problem with medical insurance put an end to the deal. He began his career with OFI Crete, moving to Brussels in 1999/2000 but, due to a series of injuries, he didn't get to play much. Fortuna have also been given permission by the Dutch FA (KNVB) to field Laszlo Meszaros, their Hungarian youth player.  Den Bosch beat Fortuna 4 - 0 26 Aug 2001 Den Bosch will be happy to pick up 3 points for this convincing 3 - 0 win against 'unfortunate' Fortuna, proving coincidentally once again (after a 0 - 0 against Heerenveen and almost causing an upset against PSV, losing 3 - 2) that they are anything but the 'ugly duckling' some have been calling them since they gained promotion at the end of last season. They played a compact match and showed good teamwork - crowd favourite Jan Michelsd the score with a cool shot into the bottom  left hand corner in the 23rd minute. Fred van den Hoorn slotted away the 2nd from a freekick in the 45th and Mourad Mghirizat added a 3rd in the 48th. Den Bosch held their own during the remainder of the match as the visitors threw everyone forward, Ronald Hamming and Dennis Gerritsen had their chances but were decidedly off  today. Den Bosch's strikers proved far  more efficient and Mourad showed how it should be done with his 2nd of the afternoon in the 87th minute. Fortuna offer Hungarian trial 22 Aug 2001 Fortuna have offered Laszlo Meszaros the chance to return to the Limburg club where he played as a youth and reservist. He was regarded as a promising talent while in Sittard but didn't translate that promise into success and never made it into the 1st team. The midfielder played for Hungarian side Depregen last season but has been recalled to Holland by trainer Hans Verel and impressed sufficiently during training for Fortuna to offer him a deal. They've enrolled him with the Dutch FA (KNVB) and he could be able to play against De Graafschap tonight if the Hungarian FA approve the move in time.  Fortuna miss Van Barneveld for season 20 Aug 2001 Fortuna may have started well, holding Vitesse to a 0 - 0 draw, but the bad news is that they will miss Joos van Barneveld for the rest of the season. The 19 year-old youth international has a chronic knee injury as a memento of Saturday's match.  Fortuna celebrate holding Vitesse to 0 - 0 19 Aug 2001 Both teams have troubled seasons behind them and Fortuna will be glad to have managed to hold Vitesse to a draw this afternoon. Fortuna had added Jürgen Dirkx, on loan from PSV, to their lineup while the Arnhemmers were missing the injured Louis Laros, Didier Martel and Victor Sikora plus the suspended Nanu and Stefanovic. The match began in a sloppy fashion with lots of bad passing, creating little or no scoring opportunities, there being only a few 'hopeful' shots from a distance to test the goalies at either end. Fortuna's Ronald Hamming had the best chance of the 1st half but wasted it. The 2nd half was pretty much the same, Vitesse trying to create somengs , Fortuna defending with ease. The visitors had hope on the hour when Amoah loomed large in front of goal but his header went straight into Ruud Hesp's body. After that it was English striker Mr.Hamming who had the last real chance to put one away for the home side but carelessness ended any hope of getting 3 points.  Still, not losing was enough cause for a celebration -  last season they lost 19 matches). Dirkx on loan to Fortuna 17 Aug 2001 Jürgen Dirkx is returning to his former club Fortuna on a hire contract for the coming season. The defender had come up through PSV's youth scheme before playing for Fortuna between 1995 and 1998. He was recalled to Eindhoven in November 1998 by Bobby Robson but made fewer and fewer appearances, partly through injury and partly because of the intense competition for 1st team places. The 26 year-old has little chance of getting back into the team now due to the presence of André Ooijer, Rob Wielaert, Ernest Faber, Yuro Nikiforov and Kevin Hofland while Fortuna need some reinforcements in defence - they let in 64 goals last season! He's been signed up in time to play against Vitesse on Sunday! Amstel Cup Roundup 13 Aug 2001 Fortuna had a simple 3 - 1 against MVV. Second half goals by Ronald Hamming, Pascal Haverdijk and Dennis Gerritsen gave the Sittardians the win while John Mutsaers got one back for MVV. Van Geem on loan to Fortuna 11 Aug 2001 Fortuna have hired Chris van Geem for the coming season from RC Genk (he's been on trial with the Sittardians) and they will be able to field him in the coming Cup match against MVV on Monday.  Fortuna win friendly but lose Colin Cramb  08 Aug 2001 Fortuna won their friendly against SV Meersen 5 - 2 but will miss Scottish striker Colin Cramb (who scored twice) for the next 2 - 3 weeks after he injured his ankle.  No Fortuna contract for Pavlicic 04 Aug 2001 Despite scoring 4 goals in the friendly against SV Beatrix, during his trial with the club , Croatian striker Milan Pavlicic will not be getting a contract with Fortuna. Hans Verel decided that, although he's a good footballer, the club already have too many players in the squad with similar qualities and they need someone with that little extra to strengthen the side.  Fortuna give Chris van Geem trial 01 Aug 2001 Fortuna are giving Belgian defender Chris van Geem a trial - the 30 year-old has been given permission by his current club Racing Genk to look for a new employer. Fortuna test Milan Pavliic 31 July 2001 Fortuna have invited Milan Pavlicic for a trial during their training camp this week. The 20 year-old Croatian striker is without a team-place at his current club NK Osijek, having played only 3 matches last season and 9 in the season before that (when he scored 9 goals). Fortuna get financial help from Town Hall 27 July 2001 Fortuna are in serious financial difficulties and had recently asked their town council to act as guarantor so that the club could arrange a loan of €1,82 million Euros. The council have agreed to their request on the precondition that the club find €2,27 million Euros in sponsoring themselves during the coming weeks. They also want to see Fortuna improve their financial management during the coming season so that the council will not be asked to help again next year!  Fortuna miss Volmer for a month 25 July 2001 Fortuna will be without central defender Joost Volmer for at least the coming month after his knee was 'cleaned-up' and cartilage removed during exploratory surgery. He reports to the club's medical staff today to hear how long his recuperation will take.  René van Dieren on loan to Fortuna 23 July 2001 Feyenoord's René van Dieren is almost certainly on his way to Fortuna. The youth international has been with the Rotterdammers for the last 3 years and played in 5 matches for them (making his debut for them against NEC on May 16th 1999). He'd earlier refused to be lent out to Excelsior, preferring a spell wiith a Premier Division club. Limited financial resources has forced the Sittardians to strengthen their squad with hired players and they are apparently considering the hire of another Feyenoorder. Fortuna sign VVV's Rein Baart  20 July 2001 Fortuna have signed VVV's goalie Rein Baart who replaces 2nd choice keeper Mark Zegers, on loan to Helmond Sport, while Ruud Hesp remains 1st choice for goalkeeping duties. Willy Dullens new tech director Fortuna 18 July 2001 Willy Dullens has been appointed as Fortuna Sittard's new technical director. The 56 year-old ex-striker was a footballing 'wonder kid' who had the potential to become the "Cruijff of the South" in the 1960s but, sadly, his career came to a premature end at the age of 23 due to a persistent knee injury. He was "Footballer of the Year" in 1966 and played for both Sittardia and Fortuna SC. Financial blow for Fortuna and NAC 12 July 2001 Fortuna and NAC will not be travelling to Saudi Arabia for the prestigious King Fahd tournament, which has been postponed till January 2002. The clubs will sorely miss the income they would have received for taking part and it also disrupts their pre-season preparations. NAC will be staying in Holland which means that the cancelled friendly against RBC during the RoosendaalersDay will now take place. Fortuna sign Mischa Rook 12 July 2001 Fortuna have signed Mischa Rook on a contract for two years - the 28 year-old began his career with Dordrecht '90 and comes transfer-free from Cambuur Leeuwaarden. Fortuna ask town council for financial help 07 July 2001 Troubled Fortuna have approached their local municipal council for financial aid in the form of a guarantee allowing the club to borrow €1.92 million Euros. They need to strengthen their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation and the money would give them the opportunity to buy some fresh blood.  Fortuna sign Scottish striker 06 July 2001 Fortuna Sittard have signed Colin Cramb from English side Crewe Alexandra. The 27 year-old striker began his career at Southampton in 1992 before playing in Scotland for Falkirk, and Heart of Midlothian, moving back to England to play for Doncaster Rovers, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra and Notts County. He'd been on loan to Bury last season, where he played 15 matches, and they were also interested in signing him but he's now chosen instead to try his luck in the Ere Divisie.  Verel new coach at Fortuna 04 July 2001 Fortuna have a new coach to replace the departed Frans Thijssen - 48 year-old Rotterdammer Hans Verel takes over at the troubled club on a contract for two years. He's worked at FC Den Bosch, RBC Roosendaal, NAC, Dordrecht '90, RKC Waalwijk and, during the last two seasons, he's been assistant trainer with Willem II. Frank Thijssen resigns at Fortuna 20 June 2001 Framk Thijssen has resigned as trainer at Fortuna Sittard after last night's defeat by Zwolle in the last of the playoffs. He'd taken over earlier in the season from Henk Duut but had not developed a rapport with the players (who remained unmotivated by the replacement trainer) while he, himself, had doubts about the club's future. Playoff roundup 20 June 2001 Fortuna went down to Zwolle 1 - 2 ... After Fortuna went ahead in the 11th minute from a Dennis Gerritsen goal, in the 2nd half Zwolle took control of the match and won with goals from Arne Slot  in the 57th and Dominggus Lim-Duan in the 73rd.  Playoff Roundup 16 June 2001 Today's matches were in Group A - Telstar met Fortuna at home 1 - 3...It didn't look as though it would be Fortuna's night when Telstar came out fighting, and had a penalty saved in the 9th minute. Throughout the 1st half they were the better side but it was the Sittardians who went ahead in the 43rd minute with a Ronald Hamming goal. After the break Nenad Bjekovic scored a 2nd in the 57th, Arvid Smit getting one back for the home team and Rolf Landerl making the final score 1 - 3. Fortuna stay up while Telstar stay down.  Playoff Roundup 14 June 2001 Fortuna beat Volendam 3 - 1 in group A -Yuri Rose put Volendam ahead from the penalty spot in the 31st minute at Fortuna but ended up playing most of the match with ten men after Misha Salden was sent off. Robert Roest (44th) and Ronald Hamming (48th) gave the home team the lead and Rolf Landerl made it 3 - 1. Fortuna go top in Group A.  Playoff...Volendam beat Fortuna 1 - 0 10 June 2001 A Houssein Ouhsaine goal in the 79th minute was enough to clinch the points for Volendam and give them a 2 point lead over Fortuna and Telstar in Group A. They look on course for promotion again to the Ere Divisie - they last turned out in Holland's Premier League in the 1997/98 season while unfortunate Fortuna are now in serious danger of being relegated.