Twente offer Van Halst manager position

26 Jun 2003

Eredivisie side Twente are hoping to clinch a deal with their former player Jan van Halst as the club's commercial manager. Van Halst, who  was forced to hang up his boots at the end of last season due to chronic injuries and who has played for Vitesse and Ajax is reported to be very interested in the job and is close to agreeing terms. Van Halst rejected Vitesse's offer for the same position recently.

Twente target Hamburg striker Christensen

24 Jun 2003

Eredivisie outfit Twente are planning to make a bid for German Bundesliga outfit Hamburg's out of favour Dutch striker Kim Christensen.  Christensen has been frustrated at having being consigned to the reserve bench for the majority of the season and admitted last season that he would like to move on top another club in the  summer transfer period. Hamburg have confirmed that they will not stand in his way, making a move to Twente highly likely if both parties can agree terms.

Twente's Cairo signs for SC Freiburg

20 Jun 2003

Twente right winger Ellery Cairo has signed a contract with newly promoted German Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg.  Cairo had already stated last February that he intended to leave the club this summer due to the fact that the club are intending to impose a salary cap which will limit players salaries to €200,000 per year. The Rotterdammer  scored 7 times this season but has played an even greater role as Twente's mister assist.

Achterberg assistant coach Schalke

18 Jun 2003

Eredivisie outfit Twente's Under-21 coach Eddy Achterberg has been offered the position as assistant coach to Schalke's new trainer, Jupp Heynckes. It will be Achterburg's second spint with the Budesliga club after having been second in command to Dutch trainer Huub Stevens at the club between 1998-2000.

Twente target Belgian defender Smeets

09 Jun 2003

Eredivisie outfit Twente are reported to be targeting Belgian side Lierse SK's Axel Smeets.  The 28-year-old right-back has been unable to force his way into Lierse's first team and has been told that he may leave transfer free now that the cclub have already contracted his replacement,Bertrand Crasson of Anderlecht. Smeets, who has played for Belgian side Standard Liege as well as Spanish outfit Salamanca and Premier League club Sheffield United. refused an offer to stay from Lierse who then opted to move for Crasson.

Aberdeen and Hibernian target Scott Booth

07 Jun 2003

Scottish Premier League outfits Aberdeen and Hibernian are both in the market for Scottish international Scott Booth. The 31 year-old striker is currently a free agent after being informed last march that his contract would not be extended and has now been offered trials by Easter Road officials. Aberdeen's assistant manager Duncan Shearer said, "Steve Paterson and I have spoken about Scott since I learned he was back in the Aberdeen area. I played with him and know when he is on his game he is a very good striker."

Ellery Cairo to sign for Serie A side Perugia

06 Jun 2003

Twente winger Ellery Cairo is close to signing for Italian Serie A outfit Perugia. The 26-year-old ex-Feyenoorder who moved to Twente in 2000,  is expected to finalise the contract next week. Cairo has played 86 times for Twente. scoring in total 12 goals for the Enschede outfit.

Ajax finally sign Sander Boschker

06 Jun 2003

Ajax have finally announced the signing of Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker. The Eredivisie runners-up have confirmed that Boschker has signed  a contract at the Amsterdam Arena for the next two seasons. Boschker, has been with Twente for the past 15 years and has turned out for the Enschede outfit,  356 times. Boschker will have to compete with Rumanian international keeper Bogdan Lobont and Dutch youth international, Maarten Stekelenburg, for a place in Ronald Koeman's squad.

Twente's Van der Paar off to Den Haag

04 Jun 2003

Twente's Belgian midfielder Kurt van de Paar has reached a verbal agreement with Eredivisie newcomers Den Haag. The 25-year-old, who is currently a free agent after Twente decided not to renew his contract, has also attracted the ttention of Turkish side Trabzonspor but has decided to remain in Holland.  Van der Paar   "I have chosen to play for ADO Den Haag, because I like the club's ambitions and  Rinus Israel and  Lex Schoenmaker are two appealing names," (trainer and assistant). Plus, the fans cheer for the full 90 minutes. I can't wait to prove myself in Den Haag."

Twente target Belgian striker Schepens

27 May 2003

Belgian striker Gunther Schepens looks set to sign for Eredivisie outfit Twente.  Schepens will be leaving his current club AA Gent at the end of the season and has stated that he hopes that he will be playing in Enschede next term. "There is a big chance that it's going to be Twente. I will be holding talks with the club at the end of this week. If we can come to an agreement then I will come to Holland. Newly promoted Den Haag were also in the market for the 30-year-old striker but saw there interest shunned.

Ajax sign Twente's  Sander Boshker

24 May 2003

According to the Dutch daily newspaper 'Algemeen Dagblad' Ajax have signed goalkeeper Sander Boschker.  With Rumanian international goalie Bogdan Lobont as Ajax's first choice, the 32-year-old Boschker, who has been playing for his current club Twente for the past 18 years, will have to compete with youth goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for the reserve goalkeepers  position.

Twente sign Utrecht defender Jochemsen

21 May 2003

32-year-old  Utrecht defender Arco Jochemsen has penned a one-year-contract with Eredivisie outfit Twente on a one-year deal after declining Utrecht's latest offer. Jochemsen, who has been targeted by Twente for some time now, is a free agent this summer as his contract with Utrecht runs out at the end of the current season.

Twente striker v.d. Paar off to Turkey

21 May 2003

Twente's 25-year-old Belgian striker Kurt van de Paar looks set to be leaving the club  for an adventure with Turkish club Trabzonspor. "It all looks very good. In Turkey they still have money for players, but that is not the most important thing," said Van der Paar. Trabzonspor is a big club in Turkey, it has won the cup and they will play in the UEFA Cup. The club has enormous ambitions," Van de Paar also added that his decision to sign will be dependent on whether or not he likes the town of Trabzon. "I want to see with my own eyes how the city looks and where we should live. If that's OK I will put pen to paper."

Ten Rouwelaar one season with Twente

19 May 2003

Twente have signed PSV reserve goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar a loan deal for next season. Ten Rouwelaar is, who is currently on loan to strugglers Groningen, will make the move next season where he will replace Sander Boschker who has been told that there is no more room for him in Enschede. Ten Rouwelaar moved from Eerstedivisie outfit Emmen to PSV last season but has been unable to impress PSV sufficiently to warrant a first team place.

Sander Boschker attract English interest

14 May 2003

According to the Dutch daily newspaper 'Algemeen Dagblad' Twente's transfer free goalkeeper Sander Boschker has attracted the interest of a Premier League outfit. Boschker has also attracted Ajax's interest who see the Twente goalkeeper as a worthy replacement for reserve goalkeeper Joey Didulica, who in turn has opted for the Austrian competition with Austria Wien. Boschker: "England also has a nice competition and I hope to make a decision as soon as possible.".

Bankruptcy threat Twente halted

13 May 2003

Eredivisie outfit Twente, who owe the Dutch tax authorities €3.1 million Euros,  have seen the threat of being declared bankrupt lifted after the legal owners club's licence, the Foundation Twente '65,  reached an agreement with the Dutch Inland Revenue. The foundation has agreed to pay €2.4 million Euros, leaving just €0.5 million Euros outstanding which was sufficient for Inland Revenue to halt bankruptcy proceedings.

Twente fans threaten Enschede alderman

28 Apr 2003

Enschede alderman Jeroen Goudt has lodges a complaint by the police after receiving threating e-mails from Twente 'supporters'. Goudt is a member of Enschede's Municipal Council who refused Twente a €10 million euros loan to help them out of their current financial difficulties. Goudy has not disclosed the nature of the threats but said that they were serious enough to warrant him to lodge his complaint. Twente have also been set a June deadline by the Dutch FA to sort out their financial problems.

Twente given June deadline by Dutch FA

25 Apr 2003

Ere Divisie side Twente have been given till the beginning of June to sort out their financial difficulties. If the club fail to come up with a suitable plan before the deadline set by the the Dutch FA (KNVB) then the club's application for a new license will be revoked.

City council refuse loan to ailing Twente

24 Apr 2003

Twente's city council have decided not to lend the ailing club 10 million euros, denting their hopes for Ere Divisie survival. The club were expecting the council to agree to their plan that the club would put up the Arke stadium as a guarantee in return for the loan. The council's refusal also means that the club are unable to pay 3.1 million euros in tax arrears and could see them declared bankrupt.  Council member, Mr Alderman-Goudt, stated that the club should be salvaged by a number of investors and should not be the sole responsibility of the council and also added that football clubs asking their local councils for funds has become a national sport.

RBC striker Den Ouden targeted by Twente

22 Apr 2003

RBC striker Geert den Ouden has been targeted by bankrupt Ere Divisie side Twente and will soon commence talks with the club. Den Ouden has confirmed that his agent Marin van Ophuizen held preliminary talks last Friday. In an interview in the Dutch provincial daily newspaper 'BN/DE Stem' Den Ouden said "Van Ophuizen will now go and talk with Twente about the possibilities and how they see my position. Of course I'mfor these talks. Twente is a great club and despite the reports financially pretty stable, so it seems to me. I'm not worried."

Twente Goalie Boschker linked to Ajax

12 Apr 2003

Twente goalie Sander Boschker, who recently failed to agree terms over a new contract,  can be added to the list of goalkeepers being linked to Ajax.  Although Ajax have two prolific goalkeepers in their midst's  with Bogdan Lobont and Maarten Stekelenburg, the Amsterdammers are looking for a replacement for Australian goalie Joe Didulica who has penned a three year deal with Austria Wien.  Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar has also been mentioned in connection with a return to Ajax and Utrecht Goalie Harald Wapenenaar's name has also cropped up

Twente to appeal against Bankruptcy verdict

10 Apr 2003

Twente have announced that they will appeal against Wednesday's verdict by an Almelo court to declare the club bankrupt after failing to pay 1.3 million euros to Dutch tax authorities. A club spokesman said ' "FC Twente will appeal against today's bankruptcy verdict of the Almelo court."  A spokesman for the Dutch FA (KNVB) has said that the Twente's bankruptcy will  have no effect on Twente's presence in the Eredivisie (for the time being) saying, "FC Twente have appealed and as long as that appeal has not been handled [before the end of the season] the licence to play is in the club's hands and the club will not be taken out of the competition."

Court declare Twente Bankrupt

08 Apr 2003

Ere Divisie side Twente are in serious financial problems and are  look to be facing bankruptcy as the Dutch Inland Revenue demand 3.1 million euros and with debts totaling more than 14 million euros, forcing the court of Almelo to declare them bankrupt. Twente spokesman Edwin van Lenthe said: "This case is now something for the judge,"  "The case is tomorrow (Wednesday) and until then we have no comment. But of course we hope that something can be done. It is unbelievable that a club like FC Twente could go bankrupt."

Twente and Vitesse's Levchencko hold talks

07 Apr 2003

Vitesse Ukranian midfielder Evgeniy Levchencko has stated to the Dutch provincial newspaper 'De Gelderlander' that he could be making the switch from Vitesse to Twente at the end of the season when his contract with the club expires. Vitesse have have already informed Levchencko that his contract will not be renewed. The 25-year-old held talks with Twente's technical manager Johan Plageman. "A couple of weeks ago I spoke with Twente but since then I haven't heard from them. We have lefthow the future will look,"  Plageman told De Gelderlander newspaper. "It is an uncertain time for players and clubs. After this competition we will know which players stay and which become available on the market. "FC Twente is, in any case, a beautiful club to play for

Twente target Utrecht's Jochemsen

20 Mar 2003

Twente have targeted Utrecht midfielder Arco Jochemsen and  are currently  negotiating a possible deal with the club. Jochemsen, 32, is transfer free at the end of the summer and so Twente will not have to dig too deep into their empty pockets to clinch his signature. Twente spokesman Edwin van Lenthe said: "I cannot comment on this news, just as we never do, before we really have signed a new player. But it's a fact that we are losing a few players at the end of the season and that we always look for players that can be of help to our first team."

No Twente extension for  Scott Booth

01 Mar 2003

Twente's Scottish striker Scott Booth has confirmed that his contract with Twente that runs out this summer will not be renewed. Although Booth would prefer to stay with the club, both he and number of key players at the club have been been informed they do not fit into Twente's  budget reduction plan. In an interview in the 'Twentsche Courant Tubantia' Booth said that it is a was shame  having to leave the club but that all things must come to an end. The ex-Aberdeen player also said that he had experienced both good time and bad times at the club but had always enjoyed being with the club. Booth said he was not planning to return to Scotland saying  "Things in Scotland are no better than here, so staying in Holland could be the best option."

Twente reserve goalie pens new 3 year deal

21 Feb 2003

Twente and reserve goalkeeper Cees Paauwe looks set to clinch  a new three-year contract and with first choice Sander Boschker still being unable to agree to a new contract extension with Twente , Paauwe is hoping that he will soon be seeing some Ere Divisie action at last. Since his arrival arrival at Twente last summer Paauwe has only managed six first team appearances.

Strasbourg target Kurt van de Paar

06 Feb 2003

Twente's Kurt van de Paar has been targeted by French side Strasbourg. Van de paar, who joined Twente from Anderlecht five years ago, is still waiting for a contract extension with Twente and could now well decide to leave the club. "It would appear that Twente don't want me anymore. I have had two very long meetings with the club and I didn't get the impresion that they wanted to hold onto me. If Twente offer me a better deal then I will certainly take it into consideration as I am quite satisfied here"

Cairo and Boschker to leave Twente

02 Feb 2003

Twente, who already faced with Simon Cziommer leaving the club after signing for Schalke 04, are likely to see Sander Boschker and Ellery Cairo leave the club this summer due to the fact that the club is intending to impose a salary cap which will limit players salaries to €200,000 per year. Goalkeeper Boschker has been with the Twente since his early youth and Ex-Feyenoorder Cairo joined the club three seasons ago.

Schalke 04 sign Twente's Cziommer

01 Feb 2003

German side Schalke 04 have signed Twente's midfielder Simon Cziommer. Cziommer who was also in the picture by several other top clubs including Feyenoord has signed for three years. "I am convinced that this is the perfect place for me to develop," commented the versatile 22-year-old midfielder, who will complete the season in the Dutch first division.

Feyenoord confirm interest for Cziommer

14 Jan 2003

Feyenoord have confirmed that they are interested in Twente's German midfielder Simon Cziommer. The talented player is a product of Twente's youth academy and has played for Twente for the past six years. Cziommer's, who's contract runs out at the end of this season has also attracted the interest of several foreign clubs.

Forrest trial for Twente youth international

08 Jan 2003

Twente's Dutch youth international Ibad Muhamadu has been offered a trial with English Division 1 club Nottingham Forrest. Muhamadu, who hasn't been able to seal a first team place at Twente is tired of sitting on the bench and would welcome the move. The left-winger is transfer-free.

De Gier wants to return to Dunfermline

02 Jan 2003

Twente striker Jack de Gier has spoken to Dunfermline's trainer Jimmy Calderwood over a possible return to the club. De Gier, who flew over to Scotland during the Christmas break, has been unable to secure a first team place at Twente  since returning to Holland in 2001.  Calderwood, who spent many years in Holland and speaks the language fluently, stated that he would welcome De Gier back in his team but was unsure whether Twente were willing to let the player go.   "Jack was here and I spoke to him during the week and he would love to come back. In fact he said he'd be prepared to swim back to Scotland", said Calderwood. "But it's up to Twente to set things in motion and I certainly won't be the one to start the ball rolling."

Twente beat RBC 3-0

20 Dec 2002

Twente lineup : Sander Boschker, Sjaak Polak, Rahim Ouédraego, Jeroen Heubach, Faouzi el-Brazi, Simon Cziommer, Kurt van de Paar, Thijs Houwing, Scott Booth, Jurgen Cavens, Spira Grujic, David Nasciment. RBC lineup : Maikel Aerts, Eric Hellemons, Azubike Oliseh, Peter Maseland, Pascal Heije, Edwin de Graaf, Nordin Wooter, Melvin Fleur, Henk Vos, Ebou Sillah. Twente had a comfortable home win against RBC this evening. Jurgens Cavensd in the 21st, cleverly passing goalie Maikel. In the 71st minute, Houwing pounced on a cross to hit in from close range and, 2 minutes later, Collin John put the final 3-0 score-line on the board with a nice 25 meter shot.

Excelsior draw 2-2 with Twente

14 Dec 2002

Excelsior lineup: Zbigniew Malkowski, Danny Buijs, Civard Sprockel, Steve Olfers, Michel Fernandes Bastos (87. Leo Koswal), Gil Swerts, Saïd Boutahar, Patrick Mtiliga, Mounir El Hamdaoui (78. Brett Holman), Cecilio Lopes, Brian Pinas. FC Twente lineup: Sander Boschker, Faouzi el-Brazi, Spira Grujic, Patrick Pothuizen, Jeroen Heubach, Simon Cziommer, Rahim Ouédraego, Kurt van de Paar (82. Jurgen Cavens), Sjaak Polak, Ellery Cairo, Collins John (74. Houwing, 90. Zomer) Jurgen Cavens first ball contact could have been the match-winner for Twente but Excelsior denied them the points with a last minute equalizer. On a difficult pitch both teams tried to string some nice football together and Tukker Ellery Cairod the score against his former club, where he played 53 matches between 1999 and his move to Enschede. Said Boutahar got the equalizer before Cavens nosed the visitors ahead again only for Cairo to be sent off for a headbutt. Finally, Steve Olfers drew Excelsior level, pouncing on Jeroen Heubach's sloppy defending.

Twente's Van der Leegte in trouble again

13 Dec 2002

Tom van der Leegte is once again in trouble with his club Twente after failing to turn up for The Tukkers' home match against Groningen last Sunday. Although not chosen to play, Van der Leegte was expected to take his place in the stands along side with the rest of Twente's reserves. Van der Leegte was warned before the match that failing to attend would aggravate his present negative status at the club, but took no heed of the warning. Trainer René Vandereycken has now banished the 26 year-old midfielder to training with the reserve team squad.

De Graafschap to hire Van der leegte

10 Dec 2002

Twente midfielder Tom van der Leegte is talking to De Graafschap about a possible speel on loan in Doetinchem after the winter-break. The 25 year-old midfielder has been dropped by trainer René Vandereycken from the 1st team squad in Enschede and has expressed his wish to have his contract with the 'Tukkers', that runs out in the summer of 2004, terminated.

Twente and Groningen in 0-0 draw

08 Dec 2002

Twente stay in midtable 11th place on 18 points from 15 played with this 0-0 against lowly 17th placed Groningen who are just one point ahead of bottom-of-the-table De Graafschap with 10 points. The Tukkers could have booked what would have been only their 2nd home win of the season while Ron Jans will be pleased that his team have gained another point, their 9th in 7 matches under the new trainer.

Jack de Gier back in Twente's squad

04 Dec 2002

Twente coach René Vandereycken has reinstated Jack de Gier  in the 1st team squad after he was dropped, along with Björn van der Doelen and Tom van der Leegte, for his lack of effort in October. Vandereycken stated in provincial daily 'De Stem' that he satisfied enough with De Gier's change of attitude to allow him to commence training as of today. Björn van der Doelen and Tom van der Leegte's exile remains in force.

Ajax beat Twente 2-1

01 Dec 2002

Ajax lineup: Joey Didulica, Hatem Trabelsi, André Bergdølmo, Cristian Chivu, Nigel de Jong (46. Maxwell), Tomás Galásek, Rafael van der Vaart, Steven Pienaar (64. Jari Litmanen), Andy van der Meyde, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (60. Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam), Victor Sikora. Twente lineup: Sander Boschker, Faouzi el-Brazi, Spira Grujic, Patrick Pothuizen, Jeroen Heubach, Rahim Ouédraego, Simon Cziommer, Kurt van de Paar (82. Chris de Witte), Sjaak Polak, Ellery Cairo (90. Jan Verlinden), Jurgen Cavens (64. Colins John). Ajax knock PSV off the top-of-the-table spot they took over yesterday on goal average with this 2-1 at home to Twente. As so often that 'little diamond' Rafael van der Vaart put them ahead in the 18th and decided the match in injury-time after the 'Tukkers' drew level with a spot-shot in the 42nd. Although the Amsterdammers dominated the match they couldn't translate their on-pitch superiority into goals in the-back-of-the-net. Nonetheless, they didn't seem in any kind of trouble after Van der Vaart's 18th minuter till Ellery Cairo was felled, leading to the penalty-equalizer which Sjaak Polak put away. Van der Vaart's 7th goal in 8 Ere Divisie matches gave Ajax their 30th home win, out of 37, against Twente and puts Ronald Koeman's boys back on top.

Van der Leegte wants to leave Twente

30 Nov 2002

Tom van der Leegte wants to get out of his contract with Twente and the 26 year-old midfielder is currently negotiating with the 'Tukkers' to have his deal (which runs till 2004) terminated so that, as a transfer-free player, he'll be in a better position to find a new club. Van der Leegte, along with Björn van der Doelen and Jack de Gier (whom Scottish side Dunfermline have been rumoured to want to bring back to the tartan-fold) is out-of-favour with trainer René Vandereycken. Earlier this month Twente wanted to swap Van der Leegte for RKC's Rogier Molhoek.

Twente beat Vitesse 1-0

23 Nov 2002

Twente  Lineup: Boschker - Grujic, el-Brazi, Pothuizen, Heubach - van de Paar, Cziommer, Polak - Booth, Cavens, Cairo Vitesse  Lineup: Jevric - Cornelisse, Stefanovic, Fränkel, Zeman - Claessens, T. Janssen, Levchenko - Mustapha, Peeters, Amoah Twente have finally managed to book their first home win of the season, beating Vitesse 1-0 in the Arke stadium with a Kurt van der Paar 12th minute goal.

Zwolle and Twente in 1-1 draw

17 Nov 2002

Zwolle lineup: van der Werff - Kras, R. Roelofsen, Ravensbergen, van der Haar - de Ridder, van Steeg, Schops - Cvetkov, Promes, Lim-Duan Twente lineup: Boschker - el-Brazi, Grujic, Pothuizen, Heubach - Cairo - Cziommer, Ouédraego, Polak - Booth, Cavens. Twente had been putting on some fine performances in recent matches but failed to continue their convincing form in this match. After a very poor first half in which neither side created any goal-scoring opportunities Jurgen Cavensd the score soon after the start of the 2nd act. Cavens, Houwing and Polak all had chances to increase the score but failed, allowing Richard Roelofsen to curl in a late freekick equalizer for the home team.

Twente win 1-2 at NEC

10 Nov 2002

Twente continue their run of improving performances with a 1-2 win in Nijmegen and are now undefeated in 6 matches. They could have put away even more goals if they'd been a bit sharper. Twente went 0-2 up thanks to a freekick goal by Sjaak Polak (16th minute) and an own goal by Mike Zonneveld (38th) but wasted many chances to increase the score. Zico Tumba's 73rd minute goal inspired the home team to put the 'Tukkers' under considerable pressure in the closing stages but Twente hung on and climb to 12th place while NEC are now 11th.

Willem II beat Twente 2-1 in Cup

07 Nov 2002

Willem II were lucky to book a 2-1 Amstel Cup win last night against Twente. Trainer Mark Wotte's team squeezed past the 'Tukkers' who had three great chances in the dying minutes to put the match into extra-time but Patrick Pothuizen, Thijs Houwing and Jürgen Cavens all saw their attempts saved by keeper Geert de Vlieger. Dmitri Shoukov gave the Tilburgers the lead, Scott Booth pulling one back for the 1-1 before Mourad Mghizrat nosed them ahead again, after which the 'Tricolores' fought hard to hang on their slim advantage.

Twente and PSV in 0-0 draw

02 Nov 2002

Twente II lineup: Boschker - El-Brazi, Pothuizen, Grujic, Heubach - Cairo, Cziommer, Van de Paar, Polak - Booth, Cavens. PSV lineup: Waterreus - Bøgelund, Ooijer, Hofland, Bouma - Rommedahl, Van Bommel, Vogel, Robben - Bruggink, Kezman. Twente and PSV have both been in good form during their last few matches but tonight's display in the Arke Stadion  was a pale reflection of those performances. Most of the match took place in midfield and there few goal scoring chances for either side, youth player Collins John's professional debut for the 'Tukkers' being the most noteworthy detail. "We played a naive and sloppy match, in the first half playing the ball around with no idea of what to do with it," said a disappointed Guus Hiddink. PSV stay table-toppers with 24 points from 10 matches but Ajax can dislodge them on Sunday if the Amsterdammers beat Willem II. Twente coach René Vandereycken is happy to have earned a point and his team is now unbeaten in 5 matches in 13th place on 10 points.

Twente target Molhoek

28 Oct 2002

Twente have shown an interest in RKC midfielder Rogier Molhoek. Twente have informed RKC of their interest in the talented player and are hoping that RKC might want to do  a 'swap' involving Tommie van der Leegte, who moved to Twente from RKC in 2000. Van der Leegte, is currently looking for a new club after being dropped from the 1st team selection along with Jack de Gier and Björn van der Doelen.

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."

Twente's 2nd win of season 1-2 at AZ

26 Oct 2002

AZ lineup: Moens - Tobiasen, Opdam, Wijker, Fortes R. - Meerdink, Robbemond, Lindenbergh, Van Galen - Nelisse, Perez. Twente lineup: Boschker - El-Brazi, Grujic, Pothuizen, Heubach - Polak, Van de Paar, Cziommer - Cairo, Cavens, Booth. A winning coach is never wrong and noone at Twente will be mentioning René Vandereycken's decision yesterday to drop Björn van der Doelen, Jack de Gier and Tom van de Leegte for this match. The 'Tukkers' booked a healthy 1-2 away win at AZ, climbing from 15th to 13th place in the table. Simon Cziommer (24th) and Ellery Caïro (35) gave them a comfortable lead going into the break but Martijn Meerdink's 54th minute goal for the Alkmaarders heralded a tight 35 minute spell for the visitors who nonetheless managed to hold on to their slender advantage for what is only the Enschede team's 2nd of the season.

Vandereycken drops trio

26 Oct 2002

Twente coach René Vandereycken has dropped Björn van der Doelen, Jack de Gier and Tom van der Leegte and the trio have been told they can start looking for a new club. The Belgian trainer declared that his decision is not a reflection of the players' qualities but is a result of their lack of effort. Vandereycken had previously shown his displeasure by regularly allotting the trio a place on the bench even though they all had a regular place under John van 't Schip and Van der Leegte was even captain. Twente is currently having a poor start to the season with only one win to their name and a very disappointing 15th place in the table.

Twente and Heerenveen draw 1-1

19 Oct 2002

Twente lineup: Boschker - El-Brazi, Pothuizen, Grujic - Heubach, Ouedraogo, Cziommer, Polak, Cairo, Cavens, Booth. Heerenveen lineup: Vonk - Venema, Ebbinge, Hansen, Edman - Radomski, De Jong, Jensen, Nurmela, Denneboom - Selakovic. Twente have managed to snatch a point against Heerenveen with a last minute goal, a fine shot by El Brazi. It's another disappointing Ere Divisie result for Foppe de Haan's team who'd gone ahead with a 69th minute spot-shot by Mika Nurmela. El-Brazi's goal was coincidentally Twente's 2000th in the club's history. The 'Tukkers' could have settled the match in theng half but were hampered by a lack of self-confidence, Cravens' hitting the bar with their best chance. Heerenveen remained a shadow of their normal selves in the first half but picked themselves up after the break and played some better football. After the Frieslanders went ahead with the penalty Twente fought back and launched a series of late attacks resulting in the injury-time equalizer. After this result both teams remain at the wrong end of the table.

De Visscher signs new deal with Twente

18 Oct 2002

Jeffrey de Visscher has signed a new deal with Twente which should keep him in Enschede till 2006. The 21 year-old forward has lost his place in the lineup with the Tukkers and was on loan to Eerste Divisie Emmen last season. Trainer René Vandereycke has persuaded him, despite his current absence from the team, to extend his stay with the club.

De Graafschap lose to Twente 0-1

05 Oct 2002

De Graafschap lineup: Wevers - Bot, Van der Kruis, Hermans, Berck Beelenkamp - Van Leerdam, Hertog, Culina, Ter Avest - Valeev, Van Vossen. Twente lineup: Boschker - Grujic, el-Brazi, Pothuizen, Heubach - Cziommer, Ouédraego, Polak - Cairo, Booth, Cavens.  An Ellery Cairo goal in the 90th minute of the match gave the  Tukkers the points, making it the second match in a row where they stole the points in the dying minutes. The 1st half was evenly balanced and El Brazi cleared the best attempt off the line for the SuperBoeren. The physical game really got underway after the break and the Tukkers began to run away with the match. René Vandereijcken's team were the better side and had 5 good chances to score but De Graafschap did well to hang on and even launched a late assault of their own. Ellery Cairo scored the only goal and match-winner in a penalty box scramble after a Twente freekick to give the Enschede side their first win of the season.

Twente and Roda in 3-3 draw

28 Sep 2002

Twente lineup: Paauwe - el-Brazi, Pothuizen, Grujic, Heubach - van der Leegte, Ouédraego, Cairo, Polak - Cavens, Booth. Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Luijpers, Rudge, Filipovic - Vandenbroeck, Vicelich, Cristiano, Soetaers - Sérgio, Anastasiou. 'The Tukkers' and the 'Kerkrade Crew' shared the points after a 6 goal match with 3 for each side but the fans had to wait an hour before the first went in! Roda seemed to be in control and heading for a win when Edrissa Sonkod the score just on the hour (59th) and Yannis Anastasiou made it 0-2 in the 70th. Scottish striker Scott Booth pulled one back a minute later for the Enschede side but Fredrik Berglund restored the lead for Roda in the 80th. Twente fought hard and their new signing Jurgen Cavens put away the 2-3 in the 85th while Ellery Cairo evened things up in the 89th for a share in the points.

Twente in financial crisis

28 Sep 2002

According to a report in provincial paper 'TC Tubantia', Twente are faced with serious financial problems with debts totalling €11.3 million Euros and rumours that debts are even higher have forced general director Freek van Beusekom to counter with a publical denial. The main part of the debts consists of a loan of 6 million Euros owed the players fund, a further 4 million owed in taxes and budgetary debts of 1.3 million Euros. Herman Wessels, chairman of the board of comissioners, explained that the sale of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Niels Oude Kamphuis, Jan van Halst and other 'expensive' players has not helped to get the club out of the red. Van Beusekom says it will take 2 years to get back on track and 'The Tukkers' have already started costing costs by replacing technical director Jaap Uilenberg with Johan Plageman, who's doing the job for free, and the cuts are bound to have an effect on the squad too. Influential sponsors have also announced plans to create some new sources of income in the near future.

NAC beat Twente 2-0

20 Sep 2002

NAC lineup: Babos - Colin, Penders, Schenning, Gudelj - Fehér, Schreuder, Boussaboun - Engelaar, Van den Eede, Bobson. Twente lineup: Paauwe - Grujic, El-Brazi, Heubach, Ouédraego - Cziommer, Zomer, Polak - Cairo, Booth, Cavens. NAC may still be hovering on the brink of financial ruin but they are doing far better business on pitch. The Breda side is unbeaten so far this season and tonight they beat Twente 2-0. Kevin Bobsond the score in the 35th and American international Earnest Stewart made it 2-0 in the 79th. NAC have won 9 points from their first 5 games and tonight's was their first home win.  The last time they beat Twente was on March 14th 1998 when Stewart also scored, putting away the only goal.

Arjan Hoop to exit Twente

17 Sep 2002

Arjan Hoop is leaving Twente at the beginning of December. The associate commercial director has been with the Enschede club for the last 3 years but has decided to return to his former work in banking. He's denied that his decision is fuelled by any form of unrest or conflict within the club. However, Hoop is the fifth member of the management team to leave within a short space of time, after earlier departures by Hans van Holten, Frans van Dommelen, Theo Vonk and Jaap Uilenberg.

Twente overrun by Feyenoord 1-5

14 Sep 2002

Twente lineup: Boschker - Van der Doelen, Grujic, El-Brazi, Heubach - Cairo, Cziommer, Ouédraego, Van der Leegte - Booth, Cavens. Feyenoord lineup: Zoetebier - Emerton, Van Wonderen, Paauwe, Van Haaren - Song C G, Bosvelt, Ono, Pardo - Buffel, Van Hooijdonk. Feyenoord put in a convincing performance to overwhelm Twente in the Arke stadium tonight. After Shinji Onod the score in the 24th, Scottish striker Scott Booth drew the Tukkers level only two minutes after Ono'sr later before Buffel returned the advantage to Feyenoord in the 40th and Ono added his 2nd of the evening for the 1-3 in the 45th. Pierre van Hooijdonk took the score to 1-4 in the 66th with a header and Buffel added his second for the 1-5 in the 76th. Korean signing Chong-Gug Song revealed himself to be an excellent addition to the squad. The strong competition between the players has brought out the best in many of them and Song was given the chance to show exactly what he can do, playing an important part in two of the five goals. His cross found 'Japanese Wizard' Shinji Ono waiting to head in ther in the 24th minute and after the break another curling ball was headed in by Pierre van Hooijdonk for the 1-4 in the 66th. Thomas Buffel also had another strong match, crowned with two fine goals, the first a deep lob over Sander Boschker's head and the second an absolute topper. The result was fitting revenge for the two defeats Twente inflicted on the Rotterdammers last term. and is confidence booster as Feyenoord prepare to face Italian side Juventus in the Champions league at the Kuip next week.

Twente - Feyenoord preview

14 Aug 2002

Pierre van Hooijdonk will probably get to play his 250th professional match in Holland tonight against Twente. The 32 year-old striker played 249 at RBC (69 of those in the Eerste Divisie), 68 Eerste Divisie and 47 Ere Divisie matches for NAC,  29 Ere Divisie matches for Vitesse and 36 so far in the Ere Divisie for Feyenoord. Van Hooijdonk made his professional debut for RBC against NAC on September 8th 1989. He's scored 166 goals in those 249 matches.  Paul Bosvelt could celebrate his 300th Ere Divisie match and his 150th in the Feyenoord colours tonight. He made his professional debut for Go Ahead Eagles against NAC on August 12th, 1989 and played his first for Feyenoord on August 21st, 1997 against MVV ( coincidentally also playing three seasons for Twente before his move to Rotterdam in 1997). For Twente's Spira Grujic tonight's could be his 100th Ere Divisie match! Feyenoord have had a lot of problems playing in Enschede during the last 9 years, winning only two and losing both their matches against the 'Tukkers' last season. Twente have not won any of their last 4 Ere Divisie matches while Feyenoord are currently unbeaten in their last 5.

No future at Twente for Roland Kollmann

14 Sep 2002

Twente have told Roland Kollmann that he has no future at Enschede. The Austrian striker, who still has a contract till 2004 with the 'Tukkers', is currently on loan to Grazer AK but they have said that they are no interested in signing him for the €450,000 Euro asking price. The current loan deal runs out at the end of December and Kollmann would be expected to return to Twente at the beginning of January. "Perhaps Grazer will change their mind now that Roland has a regular place in the team," said technical coordinator Johan Plageman in provincial newspaper the 'Twentsche Courant/Tubantia'. "It would be better for both parties bceause Kollmann wants to stay where he is and he's certainly got no future with us because we have more than enough strikers at the moment." Kollmann was signed up by Twente last season as the successor to Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink but got off to a false start with injury hampering his performances. At the beginning of the year he was hired out to Grazer AK where, since trainer Thijs Libregts' departure, he's grown into a regular member of the team. Reason enough for Grazer manager Günther Koschak to reconsider his option to buy him.

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.

Twente to sign Belgian striker

21 Aug 2002

Twente are on the point of completing the transfer of Belgian striker Jurgen Cavens. The 24 year-old has become superfluous to his current club Standard Luik's needs and the Tukkers' new trainer René Vandereycken wants to bring him to Enschede. The clubs have reached agreement on the move and it only remains for Cavens to negotiate his personal terms. He spent several months last season on loan at top French side Olympique Marseille.

Twente lose to Willem II 0-2

17 Aug 2002

Twente lineup:  Boschker, Ouédraego, Grujic,  El-Brazi, Polak,  Heubach, Cziommer, Van der Leegte, Van der Weerden, Caïro and Booth. Willem II lineup: De Vlieger, Jaliens, J. Mathijsen, Van Nieuwstadt, D. Mathijssen,  Janssens, Landzaat, Mariana, Ceesay, Sektioui and Shoukov. Willem II took home the points after a disappointing match in which 60 minutes of poor football went by before Tarik Sektioui found the back of the net in the 61st minute, picking up a Denny Landzaat long-ball to slam it past Sander Boschker. The goal came just as the 'Tukkers' were getting into gear and it spurred them even more into attacking the Tilburgers' goal but Jeroen Heubach's best chance for them was cleared off the line by Kew Jaliens. Another Landzaat ball was passed through by Mourad Mghizrat to Dmitri Shoukov who put it away for the 0-2.

Plageman succeeds Uilenberg at Twente

10 Aug 2002

Johan Plageman succeeds Jaap Uilenberg as Twente's technical director. The former Sportclub Enschede, FC Twente and DOS player was already a member of the club's board of commissioners and apparently played a major role in bringing the new trainer René Vandereycken to Enschede.

Willem II & Twente want Van der Gun

31 July 2002

Ajax's Cedric van der Gun is attracting the attention of several clubs now that it's clear he's not going to be included in the Ajax squad for next season. RBC Roosendaal have already approached the Amsterdammers to hire the young forward but could lose the battle to sign him as Van der Gun has expressed a preference to move to Willem II while Twente have also joined the queue.

Ramon Zomer promoted at Twente

31 July 2002

Ramon Zomer will be given a chance to prove himself this coming season in Twente's 1st team squad after impressing the 'Tukkers' new coach René Vandereycken with his performance during a recent friendly. The 19 year-old left-footed central-defender is in his 7th season in Enschede and had been playing for Jong Twente.

René Vandereycken new Twente coach

23 July 2002

René Vandereycken has been presented to the press as Twente's new trainer, succeeding former Ajax player John van 't Ship who recently and unexpectedly resigned. The former Belgian international, who has been without a club since he was sacked by Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 last year, has signed a contract for two years with the 'Tukkers'. The 49 year-old ex-international started his footballing career in 1997 with Club Brugge and has coached AA Gent, Standard Luik, RWDM and Anderlecht, a club where he was also active as player.

Twente squad want tough trainer!

17 July 2002

The Twente squad have let it be known that they want an experienced trainer to take over the reins in Enschede. The club's management is desperately looking for a successor to John van 't Schip who resigned last week. Team captain Spira Grujic thinks the players need someone with a firm hand who will crack the whip when necessary and get the side back into shape for the coming season after the disappointment of last term. Gert-Jan Verbeek, currently looking after Eerste Divisie side Heracles Almelo, is one of the candidates for the job and the players have made clear that the "Tukkers" former boss Co Adriaanse, who was sacked by Ajax last autumn, is not on their list of preferred choices.

Twente miss Pothuizen for start of season

12 July 2002

Twente will miss central defender Patrick Pothuizen for the start of the season after he tore a thigh muscle which will keep him out of action for the coming 6 weeks.

Twente's John van 't Schip resigns

10 July 2002

In a surprise move John van 't Schip has resigned as Twente's coach and why he's decided to exit Enschede at the beginning of the pre-season warmup is a mystery! The reason he's given is that it would not be in the club's best interest for him to stay on! Assistant-trainers Eddie Achterberg and Rini Coolen will take over until a new coach is appointed. Last season began well for the "Tukkers", who were even Ere Divisie leaders at an early stage, but they fell further and further down the table, ending in 12th place. The 2000/2001 Amstel Cup winners lack of success led to repeated calls by supporters for his 'head' but the squad remained supportive of their trainer although there were rumours that not all of the players were happy! Twente was the former Ajax and Oranje player's first job as head trainer after spells as Ajax's youth, and later, assistant trainer.

Uilenberg leaves Twente & returns to KNVB

05 May 2002

Ex-referee Jaap Uilenberg, who hung up his ref's boots 3 years ago to take over the job as Twente's technical director, has been offered a new job with the Dutch FA (KNVB) as referee supervisor. The KNVB want Uilenberg to train, manage and appoint referees in Dutch professional football. Uilenberg is delighted with his new appointment saying, "FC Twente is a great club with great people, but my heart lies with the referees, and when the KNVB asked me for this position I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I fell as though I've grown three years older during my one year at Twente. Despite that, I would have stayed in Enschede if the KNVB had not asked me. I don't think I have failed here. I have made mistakes of course, but who doesn't?"