Nurnberg trial for De Graef and Den Ouden

25 Jun 2003

RKC's Belgian midfielder Garry de Graef, who was released by the club this summer and RBC striker Geert den Ouden, are on trial with German outfit FC Nurnberg who where relegated from the Bundesliga this season after finishing in 17th place.

Nikiforov signs for Japanese Red Diamonds

18 Jun 2003

RKC defender Yuri Nikiforov has signed a contract with Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds. Although Nikiforov still has one year remaining to his contract the club is willing to let him go. According to Nikiforov's team-mate Zeljko Petrovic  the ex-PSV player wasn't at home with RKC. Petrovic: "He chose to get out of problems by playing nice football and besides that Nikiforov doesn't have leadership capacity," said Petrovic who himself is unsure of his future at RKC. Nikiforov joined RKC last season after having for four years with PSV.

VVV sign RKC's John van Loenhout

17 Jun 2003

Eerstedivisie side VVV have signed RKC's out of favour John van Loenhout for one season with an option for one more year. The 26-year-old midfielder who has played 183 Eredivisie matches, has been yoyo-ing between RBC and RKC since 1996.

RKC and Peppinck agree two year extension

03 Jun 2003

RKC and Fabian Peppinck have agreed a new two year contract extension. Peppinck's contract runs out this summer and at first it was believed that the defender would have to look for a new club due to RKC's lack of funds. However, after goalkeeper Rob van Dijk's transfer to PSV, the Waalwijkers are now in a position that they can offer Peppinck a new deal.

RKC sign Feyenoord talent Schrier

31 May 2003

RKC Waalwijk have signed Feyenoord's talented young defender Sjoerd Schrier on a two year deal. The talented teenager has been described as the most promising young talent to emerge from Feyenoord's youth scheme since striker Robin van Persie. Schrier opted for the Waalwijkers after being offered betters conditions than Feyenoord were prepared to offer.

RKC sign 18-year-old talent Biko

18 May 2003

18-year-old amateur Nombeke 'Biko' Brazil has signed a two-year contract with RKC Waalwijk with an  option for two further seasons. Biko, who was born and bred in Utrecht, has previously turned out for  amateur side Elinkwijk, PSV Eindhoven and Utrecht.

Amateurs GVVV wants Petrovic as coach

17 May 2003

RKC's Serbian midfielder Zeljko Petrovic has been offered the chance to become coach and technical director for Dutch amateur side GVVV. The amiable ex-PSV-er is out of contract this summer and has been informed by RKC that an extension is out of the question due to the club's precarious financial position. Petrovic has often stated that he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet and would like to carry on playing professionally football for one more season. However although the 37-year-old Serb will be giving this offer serious consideration he will first try and obtain a 1 year offer to play for a Dutch club before deciding whether or not to opt for GVVV

Preview Feyenoord - RKC

11 May 2003

Feyenoord face high flying RKC this afternoon who were thrashed 6-1 by Ajax last week, with  Pierre van Hooijdonk heading Feyenoord's strike-force after successfully lobbying the Dutch FA this week to overturn his three-match ban. "I am relieved and glad that justice was done," said Van Marwijk after learning of the Van Hooijdonk decision. Feyenoord are hoping that they can continue their successes of the past few months and extend Feyenoord's club record of 11 consecutive wins to keep them on track for the coveted second place. Feyenoord trainer Van Marwijk "We are still in the race for Champions League-football, but now we should get back the good shape we were in those months after the winter break." RKC coach Jol is not expecting too much this weekend from his team. "I have a lot of good but inexperienced youngsters in my team. Some of them played for the first time in the Amsterdam Arena and of course they make mistakes. We can have this problem in every match, especially in these kind of matches against the top three Dutch teams..

Waalwijk council agree on loan for RKC

24 Apr 2003

High flying RKC have seen their slide towards bankruptcy halted after being informed that the Waalwijk town council have agreed to lend RKC € 2.5 million Euros, allowing the club to make the repayments for the loan via the future rent that they must pay for the club's Mandemakers stadium.  However, The council have stipulated that they will be keeping a finger in the pie and the club will have to ask permission to spend money. The club's chairman J. Snoeren stated that the loan would give RKC the chance to concentrate on sporting matters saying  "We can look forward to a financially secure future and get back to sporting matters as the team is doing well and concentrate on our European qualification for next season.

RKC to axe 15 players this summer

26 Mar 2003

RKC are planning to have a complete cleanout at the end of the season and have informed 15 players that their contracts will not be extended when they expire this summer.  RKC had already stated earlier on in the season that their financial position would force them to take drastic measures in order to settle thier accounts but that as many as 15 players would be asked to leave does come as a surprise. The full list of the 15 players that will have to leave this summer: Tuncay Arslan, Jean Paulo Brustolin, Jeremy Geleyns, Menno Kans, Emmanuel Nwakire, Youri Petrov, Carlos van Wanrooy, Abdeslam Assouiki, Johnny Muya Kaninda, Dennis van der Pennen, Ron Heesakers, Garry de Graef, Zeljko Petrovic, Khalid Sinouh and Fabian Peppinck.

Hoogendorp still hoping for Ajax deal

10 Mar 2003

Rick Hoogendorp is still hoping that Ajax and RKC can come to some sort of agreement before Friday's transfer deadline closes in Holland, for a loan deal to Ajax until the end of the season.  Ajax were in search of a replacement for the troublesome Mido who is awaiting FIFA approval to make a temporary swith to Celta Vigo but if that deal falls through then Ajax will not be able to afford 'Mido's' wages as well as Hoogendorp's.  "I'm well here in Waalwijk, but my hopes are on Ajax," said Hoogendorp. I can understand that RKC wants to keep me in Waalwijk, but playing at Ajax for half a year would be fantastic for me. What I can learn there, even only on training, is more than what I can learn in Waalwijk - and I don't think that they only want me for the bench too."

Hoogendorp still hoping for Ajax deal

10 Mar 2003

Rick Hoogendorp is still hoping that Ajax and RKC can come to some sort of agreement before Friday's transfer deadline closes in Holland, for a loan deal to Ajax until the end of the season.  Ajax were in search of a replacement for the troublesome Mido who is awaiting FIFA approval to make a temporary swith to Celta Vigo but if that deal falls through then Ajax will not be able to afford 'Mido's' wages as well as Hoogendorp's.  "I'm well here in Waalwijk, but my hopes are on Ajax," said Hoogendorp. I can understand that RKC wants to keep me in Waalwijk, but playing at Ajax for half a year would be fantastic for me. What I can learn there, even only on training, is more than what I can learn in Waalwijk - and I don't think that they only want me for the bench too."

No loan deal to Ajax for Hoogendorp

06 Mar 2003

RKC's general manager Marcel Brands has confirmed that Ajax have been in touch with the club concerning a possible move to the end to of the seasaon for their top-scorer, Rick Hoogendorp. However the RKC are not prepared to loan Hoogendorp out saying that the club was only interested in a permanent deal. Brands "RKC Waalwijk striker Rick Hoogendorp will not go to Ajax," "Ajax only wants to rent Hoogendorp, we only want to sell players."

Ajax interested in RKC's Hoogendorp

05 Mar 2003

Ajax have knocked on RKC's door for striker Rick Hoogendorp.  The Amsterdammers are hoping to hire the striker until the end of the season to help alleviate their lack of firing power. Ajax have banished Egyptian striker Mido to the reserve squad for the rest of the season and have hired Greek striker Nikos Machlas out to Sevilla for the rest of the season and are confronted with only having one center forward in their squad, Zlaran Ibrahimovic.  The 28 year old Hoogendorp would certainly like to join Ajax's squad for the rest of the season but according to the Dutch Daily newspaper 'De Telegraaf'  their is a considerable difference in what Hoogendorp is demanding and what Ajax are prepared to offer. Ajax have also enquired by Heerenveen if they can loan Denneboom until the end of the season. Ajax have until the 14th of March before the transfer-window period in Holland closes. If Ajax are unable to do a deal with either RKC or Heerenveen then they will no longer continue their search, knowing that with the return of Rafael van der Vaart and the recent progression of Wesley Sneijder and Steven Pienaar they already have a strike-force in the makings.

Jol prepared to leave RKC if need be

03 Mar 2003

Martin Jol has offered to quit his trainers job with the club at the end of the season to help ease the club's financial burden. Since his arrival at the RKC, Jol has turned the club into a force that can be a menace for most teams and the club would more than likely slide back down to the Eerste Divisie without their leader. Jol has also stated that he is keen to stay on but recognizes that he one of their best paid employees. In an interview in the Dutch daily newspaper "De Telgraaf" Jol said: "It seems to me that, as coach, I get the most money at RKC," "The club must make cutbacks. If I have to help them with that, I will always do that. "If RKC Waalwijk can keep a important player like Peter van den Berg by letting me go, I will go."

AIK Stockholm target Van Loenhout

26 Feb 2003

Swedish side AIK Stockholm have targeted RKC midfielder John van Loenhout. Van Loenhout, who is unable to secure a first team place with the Waalwijkers, has flown off to Sweden and will have his first training with the club today.

Carlos van Wanrooy to swap RKC for RBC

13 Feb 2003

With only the fine details to be settled it looks as if RKC midfielder Carlos van Wanrooy is set to make the switch from RKC to RBC. The 35 year old veteran has agreed to a loan deal until the end of the season and is hoping for a further year to be added.

Lamey to replace AZ's Tobiasen.

20 Jan 2003

PSV newcomer Micheal Lamey has been lent out for the rest of the season to AZ. PSV bought the ex-Ajax youth players at the beginning of last season from RKC under the agreement that Lamey could stay for one more year with RKC to gain more Ere Divisie experience. Lamey has been unable to secure a first team place with RKC so PSV have decided that it is better for the players development to transfer him to AZ who are searching for a replacement for defender Ole Tobiasen who in turn has decided to return to his homeland.

NEC and RKC in goalless draw

21 Dec 2002

Tonight's Ere Divisie match between NEC and RKC Waalwijk ended in a goalless draw. RKC were the better team, particularly in theng half, while NEC have not given away a goal in 385 minutes of football.

NAC beat RKC 1-0

14 Dec 2002

NAC lineup: Gábor Bábos, Levi Risamasu (15. Ali Boussaboun), Rob Penders, Jürgen Colin, Adnan Barakat, Csaba Fehér, Arne Slot, Alfred Schreuder, Orlando Engelaar, Earnest Stewart (83. Bart van den Eede), Kevin Bobson (72. Rick Versteeg). RKC Waalwijk lineup: Khalid Sinouh, Patrick van Diemen, Yuri Nikiforov (80. John van Loenhout), Peter van den Berg, Carlos van Wanrooy (72. Jason Oost), Zeljko Petrovic, Rogier Molhoek, Garry de Graef, Yuri Cornelisse (53. Robert Fuchs), Jochen Janssen, Eddy Putter. Orlando Engelaar scored the match winner for NAC in the 26th minute, the Brdea side's first win against the Waalwijkers in 4 years. Although they have won their last 8 home matches, NAC were a little nervous going into the match but once Arne Slot saw his fine piece of solo work rounded off by Engelaar, the home team proved to have little to fear from the visitors in theng half. After the break it was a different story and RKC deserved an equalizer with technically better football while Slot wasted at least three good chances to seal the result for NAC. As it is, the 3 points help Henk ten Cate's boys climb from 7th to 4th place while RKC drop to 5th.

Hoogendorp out for 6 weeks

10 Dec 2002

RKC striker Rick Hoogendorp will miss the next 6 week's football after picking up a broken shinbone in the Ere Divisie match against Roda JC at the weekend. He's already in plaster and misses the last two matches before the winter-break against NAC and NEC.

RKC beat Roda 3-1

08 Dec 2002

Martin Jol's RKC snatch 4th place from Wiljan Vloet's side who sink to 5th with this convincing win. They had to play an hour's football with only ten men after goalie Rob van Dijk 'celebrated' his  200th Ere Divisie match with a sending-off. Zeljko Petrovic put the Waalwijkers ahead in the 33rd, Jochen Janssen adding a 2nd on the hour before Diego Jongen pulled one back for the 'Kerkrade Crew' in the 77th. Garry de Graef knocked in a 3rd for the home team in the 93rd minute

Den Haag knock RKC out of Cup

04 Dec 2002

Eerste Divisie leaders Den Haag, knocked Ere Divisie RKC out of the Amstel Cup. Jason Oost put RKC ahead in the 20th minute of the match.  In the 82nd, Jean Paul Saeijs levelled for the home-side, forcing the match into extra time.  In the 102nd minute of the game Romeo Castelen scored the "Golden Goal", steering Den Haag into the 3rd round.

AZ beat RKC 2-0

30 Nov 2002

AZ Lineup: Moens - Tobiasen, Buskermolen, Wijker, de Cler - Lindenbergh, Robbemond, Opdam, van Galen - Perez, Nelisse. RKC Lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, van den Berg, de Graef - Greene, Molhoek, van Diemen - Hoogendorp, Janssen, Cornelisse. AZ continue their confident performances of the past few weeks, beating RKC tongiht in the 'Alkmaarderhout' stadium.  This was a good test case for AZ, against a notoriously difficult opponent, as they haven't lost a match since ex-Ajax trainer Co-Adriaanse took over (10 points from 4 matches) and once again they played well, putting RKC under pressure for most of the match.  Michael Buskermolend for AZ in the 63rd minute, rounding off a Van Galen cross. 5 minutes before time Kromkamp made it 2-0 via a neat counter.

RKC beat Feyenoord 1-0

23 Nov 2002

RKC lineup: van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, van den Berg, de Graef - Greene, Molhoek, van Diemen - Hoogendorp, Janssen, Cornelisse Feyenoord lineup: l'Ami - Rzasa, Paauwe, Loovens, Song C G - Bosvelt, Ono, Buffel, Emerton - Lurling, Bombarda Low budget-High profile RKC beat Feyenoord this evening in an entertaining 1-0. Jason Oost scored the one and only goal of the night, 8 minutes before the end of the game.

English interest for RKC's Teixeira

20 Nov 2002

RKC's Virgilio Teixeira is being targeted by English clubs West Ham United and Sheffield United. The 29 year-old central defender is seeing little action in Waalwijk since the arrival of former PSV player Yuri Nikiforov, despite having extended his deal with the club last year till the summer of 2006. A case of pneumonia during the pre-season preparations has also meant that he's only played in 3 matches so far this season, and two of those as substitute.

Willem II lose to RKC 0-1

15 Nov 2002

Willem II lineup: Martin - Wau, Van Nieuwstadt, Janssens, J. Mathijsen - Landzaat, D. Mathijssen, Sektioui - Van der Gun, Ceesay, Shoukov. RKC lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, Greene - Van Diemen, Molhoek, De Graef - Janssen, Hoogendorp, Cornelisse. RKC Waalwijk have won tonight's match in Tilburg, beating Willem II 0-1 and climbing, if only for a couple of days, to 6th place. Yuri Cornelisse scored the winner in the 4th minute to give their first away win against the 'Tricolores' since 1996. It's Willem II's 4th defeat in a row and puts them out of touch with the Ere Divisie top.

RKC's Heesakkers on loan to Helmond

13 Nov 2002

Ron Heesakkers is moving from Ere Divisie RKC to play for Eerste Divisie Helmond Sport on a loan deal for the remainder of this season. The 23 year-old forward was seeing little action in Waalwijk and was to old to play regular matches for Jong RKC.

Utrecht beat RKC 0-1

10 Nov 2002

RKC lineup: Van Dijk - De Graef, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, Greene - Van Diemen, Molhoek, Petrovic - Oost, Hoogendorp, Cornelisse. Utrecht lineup: Ponk - Vreven, Zwaanswijk, Schut, Van Mol - Tanghe, De Jong, Bosschaart, Van den Bergh - Kuijt, Roiha. Utrecht have finally won an away match with this 0-1 win at the RKC. It's coincidence that they also won their last Ere Divisie away match on April 14th this year (1-2) in the  Mandemakers stadium. They were reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when Jean-Paul de Jong headed for an early shower after picking up his 2nd yellow card. Paulus Roiha put away the only goal of the match in the 56th minute allowing Utrecht to climb to equal 5th with NAC on 16 points from 10 matches.

RBC and RKC in tiresome 0-0

02 Nov 2002

RBC lineup: Aerts - Keller, Nascimento, Oliseh, Fleur - De Graaf, Heije, Tininho - Den Ouden, Vos, Wooter. RKC lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, Greene - Molhoek, Van Diemen, De Graef - Oost, Hoogendorp, Cornelisse. The first half was a tiresome affair in which the Waalwijkers played somewhat better football than the home team. RKC remained superior after the break but had to play out the last minutes of the match with 10 men when Khalid Boulahtouz picked up his 2nd yellow card in the 82nd.

RKC reject Twente offer for Molhoek

27 Oct 2002

RKC Waalwijk have rejected Twente's overtures for youth international Rogier Molhoek. The Enschede club wanted to swap him for their own sidetracked Tom van der Leegte. "We're not interested in this kind of exchange", said technical director Marcel Brands. "Rogier Molhoek is a young and talented player who we'd be willing to sell if there's an interesting offer but this is not one of them."

RKC and Ajax draw 1-1

26 Oct 2002

RKC lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Van Diemen, Molhoek, Greene - Hoogendorp, Oost, Cornelisse. Ajax lineup: Timmer - Trabelsi, Bergdølmo, Chivu, Van Damme - Galásek, Litmanen, Witschge - Van der Meyde, Ibrahimovic, Boukhari. Ajax drop a couple of points in Waalwijk and lose pole position to PSV after this 1-1 draw against RKC, who once more prove that they are no push-over for the Ere Divisie top. Ajax should have decided the match in theng half but, Zlatan Ibrahimovic in particular, couldn't find the back of the net. Things didn't improve for the Amsterdammers after the break as Martin Jol's team grew ever more confident. Rick Hoogendorpd the score for the home team in the 58th with a freekick goal after Christian Chivu had been sent off for felling the striker. The referee, René Temmink, halted the match for 10 minutes, due to offensive chanting by sections of the crowd, which actually gave the Amsterdammers time to recover and Maxwell equalized for them in the 70th.

Groningen lose to RKC 2-3

20 Oct 2002

Groningen lineup: Beukenkamp - Elshot, Boekweg, Kruiswijk, Florén - Matthijs, Krstev, Van Gessel - Ikedia, Salmon, Tuhuteru. RKC lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Molhoek, Van Diemen, Fuchs, Cornelisse - Janssen, Hoogendorp. RKC had veered off course the last few weeks but today completely outplayed their Oosterpark opponents with a leading role for Yuri Cornelisse who scored 2 of their 3 goals. The new 4-4-2 tactic, introduced after much internal soul-searching involving the players, didn't help to produce a more effective Groningen while the return of Sander van Gessel and Rold Landerl equally failed in the inspiration department. Yuri Cornelisse put the Waalwijkers ahead in the 7th minute while Groningen failed to take advantage of a penalty awarded them to draw level, Van Gessel's wet spot-shot easily finding Rob van Dijk's arms. The home team never really recovered and in the 47th minute Peter van den Bergh headed in the 0-2, Cornelisse putting away the 0-3 from a lightning fast counter. Supersub and goal-getter Martin Drent clawed one back for the home team and Glen Salmon made the final score respectable on paper with a 2nd but life will continue to look grim for Groningen after this latest defeat.

Eddy Putter gets two-match ban

09 Oct 2002

RKC's Eddy Putter has been given a two-match ban for his red card in the match against Zwolle. The 20 year-old forward hit out at Zwolle's midfielder Morten Karlsen in the 80th minute and was soon heading for the dressing room. He'll miss the matches against Groningen on October 20th and Ajax on October 26th.

Jason Oost debuts for Jong Oranje

08 Oct 2002

Jason Oost's fine performances with RKC have earned him his first call-up for Jong Oranje. The 19 year-old striker has been called up by coach Wim Koevermans for the 2nd European qualifier in and against Austria next Tuesday. Romano Denneboom has been left out while Jordi Hoogstrate and Maarten Stekelenburg are both injured and unavailable.

RKC lose 2nd in row .. 0-2 against Zwolle

04 Oct 2002

RKC lineup: Van Dijk - Boulahrouz, Van den Berg, Teixeira, Van Wanrooy - Molhoek, Van Diemen, Fuchs - Hoogendorp, Putter, Oost. Zwolle lineup: Van der Werff - Doesburg, Schol, Kras, Van der Haar - M. Roelofsen, Bosschaart, De Ridder - Promes, R. Roelofsen. Zwolle have had a surprise 2-0 away win at RKC Waalwijk to take them into 11th place while RKC look to have have lost their way after their 2nd home defeat in a row. The Waalwijkers got off to a more than solid start this season, losing only to PSV and with just the one draw against Vitesse. Their prospects were two, on paper, relatively simple home games ahead of them against Excelsior and Zwolle but trainer Martin Jol's crew have failed both tests, losing 0-3 to Excelsior last week and now 0-2 to Zwolle. Peter Boeve's team went ahead in the 11th minute with an Arjan Bosschaart goal and Albert van der Haar put away the 0-2 in the 29th. Late in the match frustrations got the better of  RKC's Eddy Putter who saw red and was sent off.

Van Dijk returns for RKC tonight

04 Oct 2002

Rob van Dijk returns between the posts for RKC Waalwijk tonight against Zwolle after an absence of almost 8 months due a serious knee injury he picked up back in February during the match against AZ. Trainer Martin Jol has decided, despite reserve keeper Khalid Sinouh's fine performance, to give Van Dijk back his place in the team. "I've always said that there isn't a better keeper in Dutch professional football than Sinouh but Van Dijk has been even better during the last few seasons." Van Dijk is unsurprisingly in agreement, "In a way it's a fair decision as I have indeed done a really good job for RKC."

RKC's Petrovic looks East for new club?

02 Oct 2002

Zeljko Petrovic is determined to play more football and is tired of spending so much time on the bench at RKC Waalwijk. The 36 year-old Yugoslavian midfielder, who only signed a new deal last year, has been talking to Dutch football magazine 'Voetbal International' this week and badly wants to play more matches in what he sees as his last season before hanging uop his boots. If necessary he'll push for a transfer during the winter break in Holland. "RKC is a great club and I'm always ready to play when the trainer wants me but I don't want to have to wait much longer! If I can't play here then I will start looking for a new club in the Middle-East!" However, the club's general manager Marcel Brands doesn't want to lose him yet, "He's invaluable for us during training and I'm sure we're going to need him on-pitch in the course of the season."

RKC lose to Excelsior 0-3

29 Sep 2002

RKC lineup: Khalid Sinouh, Khalid Boulahtouz, Peter van den Berg, Youri Nikiforov, Garry de Graef, Carlos van Wanrooy, Patrick van Diemen, Robert Fuchs, Rick Hoogendorp, Jochen Janssen, Yuri Cornelisse. Excelsior lineup: Zbigniew Malkowski, Gill Swerts, Steve Olfers, Civard Sprockel, Michel Fernandes Bastos, Michel Breuer, Leo Koswal, Patrick Mtiliga, Said Boutahar, Cecilio Lopes, Brian Pinas. Excelsior continue their run of good performances since promotion to the Ere Divisie with a fine away win at RKC. The home team had also made a good start to the season and got off to the better start this afternoon with several minor goal-scoring chances, the best being for Rick Hoogendorp but Excelsior got into the match andd with a goal by Patrick Mtiliga in the 45th. Second half goals by Leo Koswal in the 78th and Australian Brett Holman in the last minute gave the Rotterdammers 3 points to take home.

Redan's return delayed for 4 weeks

27 Sep 2002

Iwan Redan's return from injury at RKC Waalwijk has been delayed after the striker had keyhole surgery to try and finally solve the problem with his knee which has kept him out of action for more than a year. Redan had surgery to repair the damage last season but it obviously failed to solve it completely and he'll now have to wait at least another 4 weeks before he can contemplate a return to duty.

Vitesse and RKC Waalwijk draw 1-1

22 Sep 2002

Vitesse lineup: Jevric - Cornelisse, Zeman, Stefanovic, Fränkel - Hofs, Rankovic, Claessens, Martel - Peeters, Mbamba. RKC lineup: Sinouh - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Van Diemen, Van Wanrooy, Fuchs, Cornelisse - Janssen, Hoogendorp. RKC Waalwijk's Rick Hoogendorp made his 250th professional this afternoon as RKC looked to restore a bit of confidence after their 4-0 defeat by PSV last weekend. Vitesse could have done with a bit of a boost after their disappointing 1-1 UEFA Cup result against Rapid Bucharest in the Gelredome on Tuesday but, for the second time this week, the Arnhemmers gave away a virtual-victory. Patrick van Diemen blasted in the equalizer for the Waalwijkers in the 90th after Alexandar Rankovic had given Vitesse the lead in the 69th. RKC had been the better team and deserved to take home a point so they'll be glad that Van Diemen felt like celebrating his 300th professional appearance with a goal.

Vitesse - RKC preview

21 Sep 2002

RKC Waalwijk's Rick Hoogendorp will make his 250th professional appearance against Vitesse tomorrow. The club's top-scorer made his debut on August 28th 1994 for Den Haag in the 3-1 defeat by TOP Oss. He played a total of 33 matches for Den Haag, 42 for MVV, 65 for Dordrecht and 109 for the Waalwijkers, scoring 108 goals in 249 matches. In his short spell abroad with Celta del Figo he failed to score in the 7 matches he played in the Primera División. Vitesse will be looking to restore some honour after the disappointing 1-1 in de UEFA Cup match against Rapid Bucharest as they continue the search for better form than they've shown in the Ere Divisie. RKC usually have problems in Arnhem, only winning once in their last 13 visits, on March 15th 1992 when they won 0-1 thanks to a goal by Raymond Beerens. If Matthew Amoah is fit in time to play tomorrow it will be his 100th Ere Divisie match and his 85th appearance for Vitesse after 15 for Fortuna. Evgeny Levchenko is set to play his 50th Ere Divisie match while Louis Laros might put away his 25th Ere Divisie goal. As far as RKC is concerned Patrick van Diemen will play his 300th league match, having made his debut on August 28th 1990 for Utrecht against PSV. Van Diemen went on to play 35 matches for the Domstad side, 21 for AZ, 67 for NEC, 81 for Belgian side Anderlecht and 95 so far for RKC.

PSV too strong for RKC 4-0

14 Sep 2002

PSV lineup: Waterreus - Bøgelund, Ooijer, Hofland, Bouma - Rommedahl, Van Bommel, Van der Schaaf, Gakhokidze - Bruggink, Kezman. RKC lineup: Sinouh - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Van Diemen, Van Wanrooy, Cornelisse - Putter, Hoogendorp, Janssen.  Tonight's match was going to be hard work for RKC who won their last match in the Philips stadium 10 years ago (0-3) while they've only earned themselves one point in their last 7 visits (a 2-2 draw in 1999). Yugoslavian striker Mateja Kezman rammed that point home with a hattrick to take his total to 5 so far this season,ng the score in the 8th minute. PSV were in a class of their own compared to RKC who, even though they haven't dropped a point this season, were no match for the home team. Arnold Bruggink made it 2-0 in the 53rd while Kezman got his 2nd of the evening in the 63rd, followed by his 3rd in the 73rd.  PSV stay top-of-the-table, with their 4th win in a row, 11 goals scored and none against!

Match of the Day ... PSV - RKC

14 Sep 2002

RKC are one of the high fliers in the Ere Divisie after a storming start to the season which briefly saw them top-of-the-table. They visit Eindhoven tonight where PSV are currently table-toppers after taking it over from Ajax who had, in their turn, taken it away from the Waalwjkers. 'We've got a good team but I think we'll be happy to end the season between 6th and 12th in the table. So far this season Khalid Boulahrouz, Rogier Molhoek, Eddy Putter and Jason Oost have impressed. Right-back Boulahrouz and midfielder Molhoek have unobtrusively earned themselves a place in the lineup. Putter and Oost are less sure of a regular place but have both put in fine performances as substitutes.  Molhoek, Boulahrouz and Oost all experienced troubled times with their previous clubs - Boulahrouz had the reputation as difficult to get on with at AZ, Molhoek had become sidetracked at Dordrecht and Oost was a neglected talent at Feyenoord where he couldn't cope with all the competition from other players. RKC's scouting team follows up on every single lead they get and that delivers results but even so the club's general manager remains surprised that others have not recognised the talent of Michael Lamey (now with PSV but so far failing to reveal the skills shown in Waalwijk), Putter and Oost. "It only took me 30 minutes to see Eddy's talent while Jason was Feyenoord reserves' top scorer." Tonight's match will be hard work for RKC who won their last match in the Philips stadium 10 years ago (0-3) while they've only earned themselves one point in their last 7 visits (a 2-2 draw in 1999).

RKC beat Twente 3-2

30 Aug 2002

RKC lineup: Sinouh - Boulahrouz, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Molhoek, Oost, Van Diemen - Hoogendorp, Janssen, Cornelisse. Twente lineup: Boschker - El-Brazi, Zomer, Grujic, Heubach - Cziommer, Ouédraego, Houwing, Van der Leegte - Cairo, Booth. RKC continue their surprisingly efficient start to the season with this defeat of Twente and can continue to enjoy their top-of-the-table position for another two weeks. The first half was a tame affair until top-scorer Rick Hoogendorpd the score for the Waalwijkers in the 41st, slipping past two opponents on the left wing to slot the bal past Sander Boschker. Two minutes later Ellery Cairo went past Gary de Graef to curl the ball with his left foot past Khalid Sinouh equalizing two minutes later. Hoogendorp returned the advantage to RKC in the 78th, slamming in a free-kick for the 2-1. As the match sizzled on to the whistle the Tukkers' new signing Jurgen Cavens drew them level in the 84th, slotting home a Simon Cziommer pass. Four minutes later Eddy Putter put away the match-winner for RKC, neatly passing his opponent to slide the ball under Boschker.

Scholten new RKC youth trainer

28 Aug 2002

Arnold Scholten is to be the new youth trainer at RKC Waalwijk. The former Den Bosch, Ajax and Feyenoord player will be coaching the Waalwijkers A-youth team. Up till the end of last season he was manager at Den Bosch.

Heerenveen lose to RKC 1 - 2

24 Aug 2002

Heerenveen lineup: Vonk - Bakkati, Hansson, De Nooijer, Edman - Selakovic, Hansma, Jensen, Nurmela - Denneboom, Samardzic. RKC lineup: Sinouh - Van Diemen, Nikiforov, Van den Berg, De Graef - Molhoek, Boulahrouz, Fuchs, Hoogendorp - Janssen, Cornelisse. RKC Waalwijk can enjoy the luxury of being top of the Eredivisie for at least another week after a surprising away win against Heerenveen with a 1-2 result. After going down 1-0 early on in the match Martin Jol's men managed to turn the match around and book their first away since December 8th last year. Foppe de Haan's men began the match convincingly enough and Gérard de Nooijer put them ahead in the 11th minute which set the Abe Lenstra Stadion alight. Heerenveen went into the dressing room with their half-time 1-0 advantage but RKC came out after the break and displayed the gutsy style they're renowned for. A quarter of an hour into the 2nd half Yuri Cornelisse drew them level and, nine minutes later, the club's top scorer Rick Hoogendorp put the final 1-2 result on the board.

RKC win Amstel Cup match 0-5

22 Aug 2002

RKC have won their latest Group 9 Amstel Cup match 0-5  against amateurs ASWH. Rick Hoogendorpd the score with a debatably awarded spot-shot after 20 minutes play. Further goals by Patrick van Diemen, Hoogendorp (2) and Iwan Redan took the score to 0-5.

RKC beat De Graafschap 4-2

18 Aug 2002

RKC lineup: Gentenaar, Wisgerhof, Wielaert, Hesp, Zonneveld, Schuurman, Govedarica, Hersi, Simr, De Nooijer, Demouge. De Graafschap lineup: Wevers, Bot, Vreman, Bakens, Hermans, Culina, Van Leerdam, Turpijn, Hertog, Van Vossen, Valeev. The Waalwijkers got off to strong start and their first win of the season this afternoon, Rick Hoogendorp putting the home team ahead after 25 minutes. The Doetinchemmers fought back and Ilja Van Leerdam equalized 3 minutes into the 2nd half but they then seemed to ran out of steam. Another Hoogendorp goal on the hour and a suspiciously looking offside goal by Jason Oost three minutes later more or less tied things up although the visitors continued to look for anng to get back into the match. A 4th goal by Yuri Cornelisse a 4th in the 68th was answered by Hans van den Haar who reduced the gap for the Doetinchemmers in the 70th.

RKC win Amstel Cup match v. SV Top 12-0

09 Aug 2002

RKC Waalwijk have won their first Amstel Cup match of the new season, in Group 9, by beating amateurs SV Top 12-0. Rick Hoogendorp, Jochen Janssen, Eddy Putter, Robert Fuchs (2 goals), Peter van den Berg, Yuri Cornelisse, Jason Oost and Zeljko Petrovic put the balls-in-the-back-of-the-net.

Nikifirov signs for RKC Waalwijk

03 Aug 2002

Juri Nikiforov is leaving PSV after signing a contract for two years with RKC Waalwijk. The Russian international was transfer-free in Eindhoven and had been looking for a new club for some time. Earlier interest from Glasgow Rangers came to nothing when the Scottish club failed to obtain a work-permit for the central defender.

RKC hire Brazilian Jean Brustolin

26 July 2002

RKC trainer Martin Jol has a new face for next season after the Waalwijkers hired 20 year-old Brazilian forward Jean Brustolin from Italian side Udinese for next season. Technical director Marcel Brands explains, "We've agreed terms on a hire-contract which will give the youngster the chance to prove himself this coming season. Brustolin has already experienced the football in Waalwijk last season but had to returnto Italy to apply for his Italian passport. In the meantime RKC are about to lose two players: Ron Heesakkers is currently oin trial with Dordrecht and Youri Petrov is trying to earn himself a deal in Turkey.

Abdellaoui on trial with RKC

25 July 2002

Willem II's Yassine Abdellaoui could be playing for RKC Waalwijk next season. The Moroccan forward will train with the Waalwijkers while the Tilburgers continue with their application to the Dutch FA (KNVB) to have his contract terminated. The 27 year-old has been 'accused' of failing to live up to the normal working terms of his contract with the 'Tricolores' and his so-called refusal to work has led to the current legal conflict. A decision on the conflict is expected in 3 weeks time. Abdellaoui started his career with the Tilburgers but moved to play for NAC in 1994. Via Rayo Vallecano and NEC he returned in 1998 to Willem II.

Van der Pennen stays with Dordrecht

01 July 2002

Dennis van der Pennen has made the move to Dordrecht a permanent one after spending the last two seasons on loan to the Eerste Divisie club from RKC. The 26 year-old midfielder has signed a deal for 3 years.

RKC have new sponsor in VHS

25 Jun 2002

RKC have a new sponsor in the shape of property developers VHS who've signed a contract for two seasons with an option for two more. The Waalwijkers will receive €1 million Euros per season with a bonus of €100,000 Euros if the club earn themselves a place in European football or reach the final of the Amstel Cup. VHS were ADO Den Haag's shirt sponsor during the last 4 seasons but were unable to reach agreement with the Eerste Divisie side regarding a new deal. VHS director Ed Maas explained: "We've had 6 or 7 clubs who wanted to do business with us and we narrowed the choice down to RKC and RBC, finally choosing RKC because they play Ere Divisie football and have the reputation of being honest and solid as a team which fits our own image."

RKC sign youth talent

25 Jun 2002

RKC's technical staff have signed two new talents in the shape of 19 year-old Jason Oost, topscorer of Feyenoord's youth team, and goalie Arnold Hofmans from FC Den Bosch. The club is also negotiating the signing of Heerenveen's Santi Kolk. Technical director Marcel Brands explained that the club is looking to strengthen their defence after the exit of Lamey, Nascimento, Govedarica and Kalezic.

RBC return Van Loenhout to Waalwijk

20 Jun 2002

RBC's new trainer Chris Dekker has told John van Loenhout that his hire contract will not be renewed and the midfielder can return to RKC Waalwijk. The Roosendaalers have just hired Ajax's Mitchell Piqué to play in the left-half position.

RKC's Brands denies Roda move

18 Jun 2002

Marcel Brands has issued a statement denying the stories that he's moving to work for Roda JC and making clear his intention to stay on as RKC's technical director. Brands held talks with the Kerkrade side last week as Roda wanted him to take over from Nol Hendriks. Dutch provincial newspaper "Het Brabants Dagblad" claims that, despite his denial, Brands will be moving after all and that the Waalwijkers, who are in negotiations with a new sponsor, do not need this kind of publicity at the moment.

Maarten Schops on trial with Hearts

14 Jun 2002

Former Lommel, Roda JC and RBC Roosendaal player Maarten Schops has been invited for a trial with Scottish side Heart of Midlothian and the 28 year-old midfielder will be travelling shortly to Edinburgh. Schops was dropped by RKC Waalwijk some time ago after a series of disciplinary problems and last month told to look for a new club after his contract, which ran till 2004, was annulled.

RKC's Nascimento signs for RBC

31 May 2002

David Nascimento is leaving RKC Waalwijk for RBC Roosendaal. The 35 year-old Portugese defender has signed a contract for one season with the newly repromoted side who are the 4th Dutch club he'll play for after earlier spells with Roda JC, FC Utrecht and lastly RKC Waalwijk.

Schops and RKC part ways

31 May 2002

Maarten Schops and RKC Waalwijk part ways as of July 1st after the KNVB's (Dutch FA) arbitration committee gave permission for his contract to be terminated. RKC agreed to the terms of the annullment of the deal which still had two years to run. The Belgian player's negative on-pitch behaviour lost him his place in the squad some time ago.

Petrov and Van Eijkeren exit Den Haag

30 May 2002

ADO Den Haag are bidding farewell to Youri Petrov and Emiel van Eijkeren. The 27 year-old Russian forward is returning to RKC, where his contract runs till 2003, after a season on loan to the Eerste Divisie side while Van Eijkeren's contract is not being renewed. The 34 year-old former AZ, NEC and Utrecht striker played 29 Eerste Divisie matches last season, scoring 16 goals.

RKC sign 4th Belgian talent

17 May 2002

RKC have snapped up another Belgian youngster: Davy Claessens has followed the example of his teammates Tim Aelbrecht, Kris Ottoy and Koen Van Der Heyden by signing a deal for 2 years with the Waalwijkers. Aelbrecht (20), Van Der Heyden (19) and Claessens (18) are midfielders while Ottoy (17) is a keeper and all are Belgian youth internationals. The intention is to let the quartet gain experience with RKC's reserve team.

RKC extend Sinouh's contract

11 May 2002

RKC keeper Khalid Sinouh has had his contract extended for another year with the Waalwjkers. The 27 year-old has been standing in for the injured no.1 goalie Rob van Dijk during the latter part of the season.

RKC win friendly v EURO 1988 Champs

08 May 2002

RKC Waalwijk won a benefit match played last night against a team made up of Oranje players who beat Germany to win the European Championships in 1988. The money received is going to benefit the SOS Childrens' Villages Charity. The most remarkable thing about the match was the fact that Marco van Basten was voted "Man of the Match" before the kickoff but the legendary striker had to leave after only 5 minutes with a twisted knee.

RKC talk to Belgian goalie Kris Ottoy

01 May 2002

RKC Waalwijk are going to be holding talks on Friday with 17 year-old Belgian goalie Kris Ottoy, currently playing for Eendracht Aalst. The Belgian side have recently been declared bankrupt and the youngster has only played two matches since the club went bust.

Arjan Human leaves ADO Den Haag

26 Apr 2002

ADO Den Haag's Arjan Human has decided to end his professional career at the end of the season. The 23 year-old striker has been on loan to the Haagenaars from RKC this season but has decided to return to 'normal' life. He's seen little action this season in the Hague and, at the beginning of April, the Waalwijkers told him that he would not be returning to RKC either! He'll continue to play as an amateur while continuing his study which he 'abandoned' in order to play professional football.

Feskens new RKC youth trainer

21 Apr 2002

John Feskens has signed a one-year contract with RKC to look after their youth squad. The 36 year-old former midfielder was the most successful, and most experienced, footballer in a  'youthful' Excelsior team for the last 3 seasons. He made his professional debut for Willem II on May 14th 1983 in the 3-0 away defeat at Sparta. After 15 seasons with the "Tricolores" he moved to NAC in 1997 before ending up at Excelsior.