Roda inform Van Dijk to look for a new club

04 Oct 2003

Roda JC midfielder Gregoor van Dijk has been informed by  coach Wiljan Vloet that his future does not lay with the club and that he must look out for a new club. The 21-yeay-old player, whose contract runs out in 2006,  has spent most of his time with the club occupying the bench and has only managed 4 first team appearances, three of which as substitute. Vloet has now informed the Dutch youth international that he will be lent out. Vloet: "'Gregoor really wants to play football but he does not have a first team place with us. You can see that he is not happy and looks discontented. Van Dijk also believes that it is time to move on saying: "I was surprised to hear the news but at the same time I'm glad that the situation has become clear. The trainer chooses other players and there is nothing I can do about that. I understand that I may be sold although the chance of that happening is nowadays is remote. I'm going to target an Eredivisie outfit as I still believe that I can easily handle this level."

Roda concern for Cristiano injury

30 Aug 2003

Roda JC are concerned about the fitness of their Brazilian forward Critiano who has gone into hospital to undergo tests on a niggling groin injury.  The club will now have to patiently await the results. Roda trainer Wiljan Vloet said "We do not know as of yet how serious the injury is. One week, two weeks a month or a year, we just do not know how long it will take."

Roda land striker Aroune Kone

17 Aug 2003

Roda have wasted no time in finding a replacement for Belgian international striker Tom Soetaars who has been captured by Ajax, after signing Ivory Coast striker Aroune Kone. Roda, who recieved €3.5 million euros for Soetaars, are beleived to have paid just €1 million euros to sign Kone from Lierse. Kone, who made his debut for Lierse last season, had also attracted the attention of Belgium outfit Anderlecht as well as French club Bastia, but opted for a three year stay in Kerkrade.

Ajax to sign Soetaars today

15 Aug 2003

Tom Soetaers is expected to complete his transfer to Ajax today for an undisclosed fee.  Roda have already consoled themselves with the Belgian internationals departure after stating on their official website: "Although Roda JC are losing a quality player with the transfer of Tom Soetaers, the club is convinced that it can fill the gap in a good way,"  Soetaars,, who travelled off to Amsterdam yesterday for a medical added: "It is good for my career if I change club at this stage."

Boukhari and Van der Gun for Soetaars ?

12 Aug 2003

Ajax coach Ronald Koeman his hoping to use forwards Cedric van der Gun and Nourdin Boukhari as bait to lure Tom Soetaars away from Roda JC.  The Amsterdammer were hoping to land the Belgian international for tonight's Champions League clash against Grazer AK but Roda are more intersted in the Amsterdammers Brazilian winger Wamberto. Koeman  however is reluctant to see Wamberto leave the club. Koeman: "I see that Wamberto has a role at Ajax. I would have loved to have Soetaers in my squad for Grazer. We have been after him for quite some time already. And my gut feeling tells me that he will come to Ajax in one of the coming days. If none of our players will go in the opposite direction, the price for Soetaers will be higher, and that's logical of course."

Ajax approach Roda for Tom Soetaars

07 Aug 2003

Ajax have informed Eredivisie outfit Roda JC of their interest in signing their Belgian international forward, Tom Soetaers and are planning totalks at the end of this week. Roda's technical director and personal sponsor Nol Hendriks has informed Ajax that "If the right price is paid, everyone is for sale," Ajax coach Ronald Koeman is keen to see Soetaars, who can play both as striker as well as leftwing,  join the club as soon as possible. However, the 23-year-old prolific striker has also attracted the attention of Premier League outfit Manchester City and First Division Nottingham Forest.

MVV loan Roda JC forward Diego Jongen

22 Jul 2003

Eerstedivisie outfit MVV Maastricht have completed a one-year-loan deal of 20-year-old Roda JC forward Diego Jongen who had also been targeted by Helmond Sport. Jongen, who has been with Roda JC for the past three season, has never been able to force his way into Roda's first team squad and has only scored one goal for the Kerkrade outfit during the past three seasons.

Roda trial for Greek defender Diamadis

17 Jul 2003

Eerstedivisie side Roda JC have handed a trial to 24-year-old Greek defender Giorgio Diamadis who is available on  a free transfer. Diamadis, who currently plays for Athens side Akratitos,  will be given one week the time to to earn a contract. Roda, who isist that he will only be offered a contract if he can prove that he is a potential first team member, are planning to put the player through his paces with the first-team squad this week and will see him in action in Monday`s friendly against a local amateur side and against German side Schalke on Wednesday.

VVV sign Roda's Bas Jacobs

01 Jun 2003

Roda JC striker Bas Jacobs has signed a two year deal with Eerstedivisie side VVV. The 23-year-old player has been on hire with VVV for the past season and has scored 16 goals this season for the Venlo's outfit.

Roda want to sign PSV's Addo

22 May 2003

According to the weekly Dutch football magazine 'Voetbal International', Eredivisie outfit Roda JC want to secure the services of PSV defender Eric Addo. The PSV-er joined Roda on a loan deal midway through the season and although failing to win the support of Roda's supporters, the Limburger's feel that he is a welcome addition in their defence.

Preview Utrecht -  Roda JC

16 May 2003

Utrecht know that they must win this evening's match against Roda JC, who have three points more than the Kerkraders, if they intend to keep their chances of playing European football next season alive. Utrecth coach Foeke Booy : "We have to play to win. That's always the case when Utrecht play at home but definitely now because to keep in the running for fourth place, it is necessary to get three points."  The coach also remarked that Roda play a very defensive game and wait patiently for the counter, saying "Their strength is the quick change of pace when they receive the ball - by that I mean that Roda immediately have the quality to attack well once they get possession. They will wait for us to make a mistake and they have the quality to react well on that. So it is our duty to try to come ahead in the game as soon as possible and be aware on their counter-attacks." Roda go into the game feeling confident after their whipping FC Groningen 5-1 last Tuesday. Even so, Roda coach Vloet is not expecting a walk-over.  Vloet: "It will be in any case a difficult game. FC Utrecht need six more points to get European football for next season so the team will do everything possible to defeat us. "I just hope that our bad results in away games are not in the heads of my players and that they will play their own game and not follow FC Utrecht in their battle. We must play our normal game - then we have a chance. FC Utrecht have no secrets for us, we know how that team plays and we also know where our chances lie. That's a thing we must make use of."

Roda extend contracts Senden and Roorda

28 Mar 2003

Roda JC and 31-year-old defender Ger Senden and Roda JC have finally agreed terms for a new contract extension. Senden has been with the club since 1989. Roda have also agreed a new contract extension with goalkeeper Bas Roorda who has already began talks with his old club Groningen for a possible return. Both players have signed a new one year deal.

Roda's Sonko out of action 6-8 months

23 Mar 2003

Roda JC's talented Gambian midfielder Edrissa Sonko has seriously injured his achilles and will be out of action for between 6 to 8 months. Sonko, who is 23 today, received the injury during Roda's 2-1 win over NEC on Saturday evening.

Roda's Senden close to contract extension

21 Mar 2003

Roda JC and defender Ger Senden look set to be on the verge of agreeing a new contract extension at the club. Both parties have been in talks for some time now and Roda were worried that they would be forced to let the 31-year-old go after his pay demands were deemed too excessive by the club. However, although a comprise has still to be reached, Senden and Roda are now nearing a solution. Senden: "We're not yet there completely, but the difference has become significantly smaller,"

Roda target Lommel defender Hoefkens

13 Mar 2003

Roda JC have targeted 24 year old Lommel defender Carl Hoefkens and are hoping that they can clinch a deal in the summer transfer-window. Although the Belgian international has also attracted the attention of several other clubs, Roda are believed to be the most serious candidate and have apparently already offered the defender a deal which he is now contemplating.

Den Haag hire Roda's Gabor Torma

07 Mar 2003

Eerste Divisie leaders Den Haag have hired Roda JC's Hungarian striker Gabor Torma for the rest of the season. Torma, who previously played for Hungarian side Dunaferr and Belgium club Cercle Brugge before coming to Holland, has been plagued by injuries for most of his career. The striker has also been subjected to several loan deal and has had several trials. Related stories: American trial for Roda's Gabor Torma De Graafschap trial for Gabor Torma Torma return to Roda

American trial for Roda's Gabor Torma

25 Feb 2003

Roda JC's injury plagued Hungarian striker Gabor Torma has been invited for a trial with American side the Burn at the end of this week. Gabor move to Roda after the 26-year-old scored  18 goals in 1997 for Belgian club,Cercle Brugge but since his move he has not been able to secure a first team place. Torma, whose contract runs out at the end of this season has also had trials with bottom of the table De Graafschap but the 'Super Farmers' were also not impressed. The Hungarian is due to arrive in Dallas on Friday.

Roda JC lend Berglund out to Elfsborg

19 Feb 2003

Roda JC's Swedish striker Fredrik Berglund is to leave the club and return to his native Sweden. Berglund, whose contract runs out in 2006, has been unable to secure a first team place with both Roda's ex-trainer George Leekens as well as Roda's current trainer Wiljan Vloet since his arrival and has not been able to live up to Roda's expectaitions. The Kerkraders have now loaned the player out to IF Elfsborg until the Summer of 2003 where it is hoped that he will be able to play football on a regualr basis and hopefully improve his skills.

Roda's Nygaard hoping to sign for Lommel

22 Jan 2003

Roda JC's Danish forward Marc Nygaard is about to make the switch to Belgian side Lommel. The 26-year-old Danish international who is transfer free this summer has been looking for a new club since failing to regain a first team place with Roda this season. Nygaard, who saw an earlier transfer to FC Cagen fall through this month, is planning to go to Belgium this Tuesday to seal the move.

Roda JC's Lachambre out for 3 weeks

17 Jan 2003

High flying Roda JC will have to miss their Belgian defender Vincent Lachambre for the start of the second half to the season after falling a breaking his hand during a training session. Although Lachambre is still able to train with the squad he will be out of action for at least three weeks.

VVV test Van Galen & lend Begois-Leemans

15 Jan 2003

Eerste Divisie club VVV who are currently in trainings camp in Turkey are to test KV Mechelen forward, Martijn van Galen. Because KV Mechelen are currently unable to pay their players wages the 33 year old Dutch striker may leave transfer-free. Roda JC who recently signed Belgian talents Kevin Begois and Ken Leemans are intending stall them at VVV until the end of the season.

Roda JC's Nygaard to return to Denmark

07 Jan 2003

Roda JC's Marc Nygaard has been targeted by Danish club, FC Kagen.  The 26 year Danish forward has played 85 times for the 'Kerkraders' scoring in total 13 goals. Before joining Roda, Nygaard played for Dutch clubs Heerenveen and MVV.  Nygaard's manager hopes the deal can be sealed this week.

Roda JC sign Leemans and Begois

02 Jan 2003

High flying Roda JC have made two new additions to their squad with the signing of two Belgian talents, Ken Leemans and Kevin Begois. Defender Leemans has agreed a two and a half year contract and goalkeeper Begois has signed until 2004.  Both players will be allowed to leave transfer-free as their current club, KV Mechelen, has been unable to pay their players' wages for the past four months.

Roda beat Utrecht 1-0

20 Dec 2002

Roda JC lineup : Bas Roorda, Roel Brouwers,Predrag Filipovic, Mark Luijpers,Ger Senden,Sérgio,,Kevin van Dessel, Gregoor van Dijk, Tom Soetaers, Edrissa, Sonko,Cristiano, Utrecht lineup : Harald Wapenaar, Stijn Vreven, Patrick Zwaanswijk, Étienne Shew A Tjon, Alje Schut, Pascal Bosschaart, Jean-Paul de Jong, Igor Gluscevic, Dirk Kuijt, Stefaan Tanghe, Dave van den Bergh. A 39th minute Sonko goal put Roda into 4th place tonight. Although Sonko, went just wide, and Sergio, hit the post, did their best to increase the score, Roda will be satisfied with the 3 points.

Zwolle target Roda's Nygaard

16 Dec 2002

Zwolle are currently targeting Roda's out of favor Danish forward Marc Nygaard and could well make the move during the winter break's transfer period. Nygaard's contract runs out at the end of this season so Roda may well opt for the cash.

PSV's Addo on loan to Roda?

16 Dec 2002

PSV's Eric Addo is set for a loan-spell with Roda JC after the winter-break. The Limburgers are currently negotiating the deal which should see the 24 year-old Ghanaian defender play for Wiljan Vloet's team for the rest of the season. Addo has seen little action in Eindhoven since joining the club in the summer of 1999, partly due to a string of injuries, and has only made 23 appearances. The former Club Brugge player turned down an earlier loan move to Groningen and will be a much neede reinforcement for the shaky 'Kerkrade Crew' defence.

Groningen beat Roda 3-2

13 Dec 2002

Groningen booked their first home success against Roda since 1990 with a 3-2 win. They were 0-2 down within half an hour of the start after goal by Cristiano (16tt) and Ivan Vicelich (25th) leading to some crowd unrest. The referee, Eric Braamhaar, had to halt the match for a short while in the 33rd due to fireworks thrown on the pitch. After 6 minutes cooling off Sander van Gessel reduced the gap for the home team (40th). A rejuvenated Groningen came out of the dressing rooms for the 2nd act and the Brazilian Hugo drew them level in the 63rd. Paul Matthijs put away the winner 15 minutes before time. It continues the Oosterpark side's recovery since Ron Jans took over with 12 points in 8 matches. Groningen are now 16th while Roda sink to 6th.

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

Roda beat NEC in Amstel Cup

04 Dec 2002

Although Greek forward Anastasiou missed a 64th minute penalty, Roda go through to the next round of the Cup via a 113th minute Tom Soetaars golden goal and meet Ajax.

Roda beat Zwolle 2-0

29 Nov 2002

Roda lineup: Vladan Kujovic, Fatih Sonkaya, Mark Luijpers (83rd Ger Senden), Roel Brouwers, Predrag Filipovic, Edrissa Sonko (75th Fredrik Berglund), Ivan Vicelich (46th Gregoor van Dijk), Kevin van Dessel, Tom Soetaers, Yannis Anastasiou, Cristiano. Willem II lineup: Johan van der Werff, Robert-Jan Ravensbergen, Ruud Kras, Remco Schol, Albert van der Haar, Maarten Schops (46th Morten Karlsen), André de Ridder, Arjan Bosschaart (65th Ivan Cvetkov), Marino Promes, Richard Roelofsen, Dominggus Lim-Duan (85th Marco Roelofsen). Attendance: 14,000. Roda booked their 400th Ere Divisie victory in their 1000th match in Holland's top-flight this evening with a 2-0 win against Zwolle giving them 4th place in the table while Zwolle languish in 16th. 58th and 63rd minute goals by Brazilian striker Cristiano and Edrissa Sonko gave their fans in the Parkstad Limburg Stadium something to cheer about and help the team shake off the malaise of the last few weeks after a 4-1 defeat at RBC Roosendaal and a 1-3 defeat at home to Co Adriaanse's revitalized AZ.

Roda lose to AZ 1-3

23 Nov 2002

Roda JC lineup : AZ lineup : Moens - Wijker, Lindenbergh, Opdam, Tobiasen, de Cler - Buskermolen, Robbemond, van Galen, Meerdink - Nelisse AZ's disastrous start to the season seems to have come to an end now that Co Adriaanse has taken over as trainer. Since the arrival of the ex-Ajax trainer, AZ haven't lost a game and have climbed to a safe 10th position. Barry van Galen was AZ's man of the match with 2 goals ( 3rd and 43rd) and 1 assist to ex-Ajax defender Ole Tobiasen in the 20th minute of the match. Pedrag Filipovic scored Roda's consolation 10 minutes before time.

RBC beat Roda 4-0

17 Nov 2002

RBC lineup: Aerts - Keller, Nascimento, Oliseh, Hellemons - Maseland, Heije, de Graaf, Tininho - den Ouden, Vos. Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Luijpers, Brouwers, Filipovic - Sonko, Vicelich, van Dessel, Soetaers - Cristiano, Anastasiou. RBC booked a convincing 4-0 win against the 'Kerkrade Crew' this afternoon. Geert den Oudend proceedings with two goals in the 31st and 53rd. Henk Vos put away a spot-shot in the 80th and Melvin Fleur took the final score to 4-0 in the 88th.

Roda and Ajax draw 1-1

08 Nov 2002

Roda and Ajax have treated their fans to an attractive game in the Parkstad Limburg stadium with both teams playing attacking football and plenty of goal-scoring chances on both sides. Ajax were without the injured Cristian Chivu, Jari Litmanen, Andy van der Meyde and John O'Brien but got off to a good start. Within theng minute Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a greatng but his shot was too weak to surprise Vladan Kujovic. The Yugoslavian goalie had to react alertly to a Van der Vaart shot whose shot ricocheted off the keeper onto the post. Yannis Anastasiou and Tom Soetaers has chances for Roda but their efforts failed to trouble the Australian goal-stopper and Hatem Trabelsi cleared Ivan Vicelich's header off the line in the 23rd. The 'Kerkrade Crew' had the better of the early chances in the 2nd act with Soetaers shooting wide in the 46th and two minutes later Christiano narrowly failed to connect with a Sonko pass. Two fine saves by Kujovic, stopping Ibrahimovic's shot and Van der Vaart's header, in the 59th kept the scoreboard clean. Three minutes later Didulica failed to smother a Predrag Filipovicá cross and Sonko pounced on the chance to notch up his 5th of the season. In response Ronald Koeman brought on Victor Sikora and Wamberto for Richard Witschge and Ibrahimovic but it was Van der Vaart who showed one of his famous turns to slot home a finely placed ball in the 72nd for the equalizer. The teams took the remaining 15 minutes at an easy pace, happy to have a point each.

Groningen want Senden

28 Oct 2002

Groningen are seriously interested in adding Roda's Ger Senden to the squad at the Oosterpark stadium as a possible replacement for the departed Mohammed Allach. "Some people from Groningen have taken a look at me a couple of times to check how fit I am and now they want to do business." Senden's deal with the 'Kerkrade Crew' runs out at the end of this season but the club's technical director Nols Hendriks is reluctant to let him go before then. He made his first appearance in the starting lineup this season last Saturday in the 5-0 win against De Graafschap and knows that he's mostly had to be content with a role as substitute in Limburg. "It's a difficult situation as I've mostly been happy here with Roda, even though I'm currently only a reserve, but I feel I've still got a couple of good years in me yet and it remains to be seen whether they will be spent here or elsewhere."

Roda beat De Graafschap 5-0

26 Oct 2002

Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Senden, Brouwers, Filipovic - Sonko, Vicelich, Van Dessel - Soetaers, Cristiano, Anastasiou. De Graafschap lineup: Wevers - Bot, Berck Beelenkamp, Van der Kruis, Hermans - Hertog, Van Leerdam, Smit - Van der Haar, Zafarin, Van Vossen. After a tameng half hour another strong performance by the 'Kerkrade Crew' took care of the SuperBoeren and secures Roda's 3rd place in the table. Brazilian Cristianod the score in the 39th, Yannis Anastasiou made it 2-0 with a spot-shot in the 44th and Belgian forward Tom Soetaers added a 3rd on the stroke of half-time. Anastasiou put away his 2nd of the match for the 4-0 in the 69th and Edrissa Sonko made the final score 5-0 in the 76th.

Roda in 3rd place after 0-2 at Vitesse

22 Oct 2002

Vitesse lineup: Jevric - Cornelisse, Rankovic, Stefanovic, Fränkel - Mustapha, Levchenko, Hofs, Claessens - van Beukering, Amoah. Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Brouwers, Luijpers, Filipovic - Vicelich, Soetaers, Sonko, van Dessel - Cristiano, Anastasiou. Roda climb to 3rd place after this away win at the Gelredome. Vitesse began well but Matthew Amoah and Jhonny van Beukering failed to convert the chances they got into goals-in-the-back-of-the-net. Roda were less wasteful and made good use of fast counters, going ahead just before the break with a goal from Edrissa Sonko (43rd). Sérgio, who replaced Yannis Anastasiou for the 2nd act, put away a spot-shot for the 0-2 in the 62nd.

PSV and Roda in 0-0

19 Oct 2002

PSV lineup: Waterreus - Bøgelund, Faber, Addo, Bouma - Rommedahl, Van Bommel, Vogel, Robben - Leandro, Kezman. Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Luijpers, Brouwers, Filipovic - Sonko, Vicelich, Van Dessel, Soetaers - Cristiano, Anastasiou. PSV handed over the top-of-the-table position to Ajax after dropping points against Roda. Making a rare appearance for PSV was Eric Addo, an expensive addition to the squad who played his last match back in March against....Roda! The home team made hard work of the match and failed to really worry the 'Kerkrade Crew' while Roda were content to go home with a point and rarely ventured over the halfway line. It resulted in a far from sparkling spectacle with only a few chances for Mateja Kezman, Wilfred Bouma and Arjen Robben.

Roda lose 2-3 to Excelsior

05 Oct 2002

Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Rudge, Luijpers, Filipovic - Sérgio, van Dessel, Vicelich - Soetaers, Cristiano, Anastasio. Excelsior lineup: Malkowski - Swerts, Olfers, Sprockel, Breuer - Bastos, Boutahar, Mtiliga - Lopes, Koswal, Pinas. A week after giving RKC an unwelcome defeat at the Mandemakers stadium, Excelsior continue their run of successes with a 2-3 away win against Roda for whom it's the 1st home defeat of the season.  Adri Koster fielded a defensive formation in the Parkstad Limburg Stadion and was content to leave one or two strikers up front and let Roda come at them. It worked for a while as the home team couldn't come up with anything threatening to worry Zbigniew Malkowski in the Rotterdammers' goal. Excelsior concentrated on launching dangerously fast counters and after 17 minutes Cecilio Lopesd the score. Wiljan Vloet's team couldn't come up with any moves of their own, which is pretty much their form of late, and they were lucky to be still unbeaten at this stage. Roda looked better after the break and Fredrik Berglund drew them level in the 62nd. 6 minutes later Lopes nosed the Rotterdammers ahead again with a header and Leo Koswal added a 3rd in the 83rd. Patrick Mtiliga was sent off in the 87th minute befor Edrissa Sonko scored a late consolation 2nd for the 'Kerkrade Crew' in the last minute.

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.

Roda beat Heerenveen 1-0

22 Sep 2002

Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Rudge, Luijpers, Filipovic - Sonko, Vicelich, Sérgio, Soetaers - Cristiano, Anastasiou. Heerenveen lineup: Vonk - Venema, Klompe, Ebbinge, Edman - Radomski, Jensen, Barsom - Nurmela, Selakovic, Kolk. Roda continue their run of successes under Wiljan Vloet after a negative 2001/2002 with too much negative publicity. The Kerkrade Crew's latest signings, Sérgio, Cristiano, Vladan Kujovic and Predrag Filipovic, have turned out to be valuable reinforcements for the team. Man of the moment is Tom Soetaers who took his season's tally to 5 with the only goal of the match in the 23rd.  Heerenveen are still desperately trying to find themselves after a disastrous start to the Ere Divisie season and a 3-0 UEFA Cup defeat by National Buchrest. Roda were sitting comfortably in 6th place with a few good results under their belts, a win against Willem II, a win at NEC, a home draw with Feyenoord and an away draw at NAC - they climb to 5th place. Soetaers 23rd minute goal was enough to deliver Heerenveen their latest defeat and put a few more lines on Foppe de Haan's brow. It's their 5th defeat in a row and there's still no sign of any sort of recovery yet, stuck as they are in 16th place and only 'un point'!

Roda miss Van Dijk for weeks to come

16 Sep 2002

Roda will be missing Gregoor van Dijk for the next few weeks after he was diagnosed as having 'glandular fever'. Two weeks ago the midfielder was complaining of a throat infection but it's turned out that he's actually suffering from a different infection altogether. Infectitious mononucleosis, as it's medically known, is a common ailment which often affects young people (it's common name 'kissing disease' says it all!) and is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. Due to it's unpredictable nature it's unclear how long Van Dijk will be out of action and there's always the risk of post-viral problems. This writer can attest to just how frustrating an infection it is due to the often chronic fatigue accompanying the infection and post-viral stages. In that sense it's a bit like malaria - get it once and you're often stuck with the consequences for life.

NEC lose to Roda 2-4

15 Sep 2002

NEC lineup: Gentenaar - Wisgerhof, Wielaert, Hesp, Zonneveld - Schuurman, Hersi, Govedarica, Simr - Demouge, De Nooijer. Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Luijpers, Rudge, Filipovic - Van Mieghem, Vicelich, Sérgio, Soetaers - Anastasiou, Cristiano. Roda will be travelling home to Limburg with 3 hard-fought points in their collective pocket after this tough confrontation in Nijmegen's De Goffert stadium. Dennis de Nooijerd the score for the home team in the 19th minute but Belgian striker Tom Soetaers drew the Kerkrade Crew level in the 44th. Youssouf Hersi returned the advantage to the Nijmegen side a minute later but ten minutes into the 2nd half Brazilian striker Cristiano equalized for Roda and went on to score his 2nd of the afternoon in the 62nd to give the visitors a 2-3 lead. It acted as some kind of signal for the home team to start kicking out at their opponents' legs as the match turned ugly for the remaining half-hour. Surprisingly, referee Herman van Dijk kept his red cards in his pocket and only awarded yellows to NEC's Rob Wielaert and Dejan Govedarica. Tom Soetaers put away his 2nd of the match for the 2-4 in the 88th to seal the points. Wiljan Vloet's team passed the 1400th Ere Divisie goal mark with Soetaers' first of the afternoon and it was also the 7th time they've won at Nijmegen. The 'Kerkrade Crew' climb to 5th place while NEC stay in 10th.

Roda beat Willem II  1 - 0

31 Aug 2002

Roda lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Rudge, Luijpers, Filipovic - Sérgio, Nygaard, van Dessel, Soetaers - Cristiano, Anastasiou. Willem II lineup: De Vlieger - Jaliens, Van Nieuwstadt, Janssens, J. Mathijsen - Victoria, Landzaat, Mariana - Mghizrat, Sektioui, Shoukov. An 88th minute goal by Yannis Anastasiou, with a little help from Chris Janssens, gave the 'Kerkrade Crew' their second win of the season. The 'Tricolores' are well-known for playing attractive football and Roda had been showing a similar stylish approach to the game in theirng games of the season. There was, however, a visible difference between the teams tonight with the home team putting on a poor and chaotic display in theng half. The visitors looked far better in comparison, controlled and in control of the game only missing out on 1st half goals 'by virtue of bad-luck'. Denny Landzaat managed to stumble over the ball when he only had goalie  Vladan kujovic to beat, Dimitri DShoukov's shjot was stopped and Youssef Mariana grazed the bar. Willem II continued to throw away their chances after the break while Roda got into gear and had chances of their own. Cristiano hitting the bar and Anastasiou's shots being stopped by Geert de Vlieger. It still looked as if the visitors would be the first to score but  Anastasiou's 88th minute freekick shot in off the head of poor Chris Janssens for the lucky-goal match-winner.

Roda draw with Feyenoord 2 - 2

24 Aug 2002

Roda JC lineup: Kujovic - Sonkaya, Rudge, Luijpers, Filipovic - Van Dijk, Cristiano, Van Dessel, Sérgio - Soetaers, Anastasiou. Feyenoord lineup: Zoetebier - Gyan, Van Wonderen, Paauwe, Van Haaren -Emerton, Bosvelt, Ono - Kalou, Van Hooijdonk, Lurling. Feyenoord managed to gift Roda a point last night with an unaccustomed display of un-Feyenooord-like football, though Roda certainly deserved their point by merit of passion and effort. It was an unusually sloopy performance by Feyenoord-keeper Edwin Zoetebier combined with their growing diffidence that let them down. The Rotterdammers kicked off in style and put the home team under considerable pressure in the Parkstad Limburg Stadion. It resulted in a 13th minute goal by Patrick Paauwe, punishing Roda for some poor defending. A case of increasing over-confidence crept into the UEFA Cup winners' game and Wiljan Vloet's team got the chance to get back into the match, giving their all in the fight for an equalizer. The goal was rather controversial (if you were a Feyenoord supporter that is!) - Edwin Zoetebier parrying a long-pass out of harm's way that then hit Tom Soetaer's hand before the Belgian struck it home into an empty goal. Refereee Ruud Bossen somehow managed not to see the 'handsball' and allowed the goal. It gave Roda a shot of confidence and they looked better and better while Feyenoord lost more and more momentum. Anthony Lurling failed once more to convince on the left-wing and was replaced for the 2nd act of the match by young Robin van Persie. He's unfortunately still missing match-rhythm and couldn't please with a display of the dashing kind of performances he put on last season. Roda had the best chances after the break but failed to convert them into goals-in-the-back-of-the-net. Marc Nygaard came closest with a distance blast that hit the post after Bonaventure Kalou had done the same at the other end minutes earlier. Pierre van Hooijdonk, who'd had a poor night, converted a free-kick to draw Feyenoord level and give his team a point to take home. It was P-Air's 10th goal in 8 matches against the Limburgers.

NAC and Roda draw 2-2

17 Aug 2002

NAC lineup: Babos, Fehér, Penders, Schenning, Gudelj, Colin, Petö, Schreuder, Slot, Bobson and Boussaboun. Roda JC lineup: Kujovic, Rudge, Filipovic, Luijpers, Sonkaya, Van Dijk, Van Dessel, Nygaard, Van Mieghem, Cristiano and Anastasiou. NAC and Roda JC have drawn theirng match of the season 2-2 in an entertaining 'Avondje NAC' match in Breda. The home team dominated the 1st half with Kevin Bobson and Ali Boussaboun threatening to score but only took the lead after the break through goals by new signing Arne Slot in the 24th minute and Csaba Fehér in the 51st. They were the far stronger looking of the two teams, even without the injured Earnest Stewart and Bart van den Eede, but threw away the points with two defensive blunders. Igor Korneev came on to loud applause in the 2nd half - turning out as an amateur for the Breda side he's by far the cheapest player in the Ere Divise, awaiting financially better times at the club or an offer to play somewhere else. The match looked wrapped up for NAC but Roda fought back, applying the counter-principle trainer Wiljan Vloet used as the backbone of his tactics at his previous club Den Bosch, and goals by Marc Nygaard (56th) and Van Dessel (85th) gave the 'Kerkrade Crew' a point to take home.

Soetaers gets 3 match-ban

16 Aug 2002

Tom Soetaers has been handed out a 3 match-ban by the Dutch FA (KNVB), one of which is suspended, for the red card the Belgian forward picked up in the Amstel Cup match against MVV on Tuesday. He'll miss theng match of the season against NAC. Roda's new signing Pedrag Filipovic, on the other hand, looks set to make his debut for the 'Kerkrade Crew' on Saturday in Breda after the 27 year-old Yugoslavian received his work-permit.

Roda sign Predrag Filipovic

10 Aug 2002

Roda have contracted Yugoslavian defender Predrag Filipovic today after earlier deciding that he was too expensive for them. The Kerkrade side's technical director Nol Hendriks' football-loving heart won this particular battle of the bank-balance and he has decided to sign the left-back after all. Vincent Lachambre's injury has left the 'Kerkrade Crew' vulnerable in defence and, although Filipovic's contract at Belgian club SK Lommel will have to be bought off and his 'expensive'salary demands met, the need was too great and the temptation too! Filipovic has now signed a contract for 3 years but still has to obtain a work permit to play in Holland.

Roda win first Amstel Cup match 4-0

07 Aug 2002

Roda JC have won theng match of the Amstel Cup first round with an easy 4-0 win against amateurs SV Meerssen. It was also the first match of Group 12 which includes Eerste Divisie MVV and amateurs EVV. Two goals by Berglund, one by Cristiano plus a 4th by Anastasiou dealt firmly with the amateurs. Roda will be hoping to repeat some of their past Cup glories this season - they've previously won the Cup 5 times: 0 - 1 against PSV in 1976, 2 - 3 against PSV in 1988, 0 - 3 against Feyenoord in 1992,  4 - 2 against Heerenveen in 1997 and 2 - 0 against NEC in 2000.

Filipovic too expensive for Roda

06 Aug 2002

Roda are going to continue their search for a new left-back now that Yugoslavian Predrag Filipovic is proving to be too expensive an alternative. Filipovic's salary at his Belgian employer SK Lommel is on the high side for the Kerkrade side and he also has a contract which will have to be bought off before he can move to Holland. Technical director Nol Hendriks is a fan of the player and has made Lommel an offer to hire Filipovic but expects it to be rejected. Roda need a replacement for Vincent Lachambre who's injured and will miss the start of the season. Another possibility being considered is to field Ger Senden or Huphrey Ridge in that position because their experience will allow them to cope as a temporary solution.

Vrede signs for Iraklis Saloniki

06 Aug 2002

Roda defender Regilio Vrede has signed a contract for one year with Greek side Iraklis Saloniki with an option for two more. The 29 year-old Amsterdammer has finally ended the transfer-soap of the last few weeks which had linked him with AEK Athene, Shakhtar Donetsk, Metalurg Donetsk and his former club RKC Waalwijk.

Vrede to sign for Iraklis today

04 Aug 2002

Regillio Vrede's search for a new club should be over when he signs for Greek side Iraklis Saloniki today. The 29 year-old defender turned down a possible move to the Ukraine or his former club RKC and still wants to see an English copy of the 3 year deal he's supposed to sign before giving the final go-ahead to the transfer. He's not expecting any problems after Roda and Iraklis agreed terms and he, in turn, agreed his personal terms with the Greek side. Colleague Yannis Aanastasiou assured him that Iraklis is one of the top clubs in Greece and he can expect to be playing UEFA Cup football this coming season with them.

Tchoutang signs for Metalurg Donetsk!

01 Aug 2002

Roda's side-tracked Bernard Tchoutang has signed a 3-year contract with Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk. The Cameroon striker had apparently made an indelible impression on the owners of Shakhtar Donetsk, who also run Metalurg, when they played Roda in the UEFA Cup some time back (see below). After a series of confusing reports linking him successively with Shakhtar, Metalurg and Metalurg Mariupol, Tchoutang seems to have finally taken the plunge with the current no.1 of the Ukrainian league and could make his debut for them this coming Saturday against Dnjepr Dnjepropetrovsk. The 25 year-old had been with the Kerkrade club since the 1997/1998 season. 16/09/99 Roda JC – Shaktor Donetsk 2-0. Attendance 6500. Referee: Ferry (Norther Ireland) 1-0 Doomernik (18th), 2-0 Zafarin (26th) Yellow: Van der Luer, Rudge, Lawal Roda JC: Kalac, Rudge, Valgaeren, Luijpers, Van Haaren, Zafarin, Doomernik, Van der Luer, Lawal, Van Houdt (88th - Jacobs), Peeters (72nd - Tchoutang). 30/09/99 Shaktor Donetsk – Roda JC 1-3; attendance 20000. Referee: Tokat (Turkey) 0-1 Tchoutang (28th), 1-1 Benyo (33rd), 1-2 Van der Luer (81st), 1-3 van Dessel (88th) Yellow: Luijpers, Zafarin Red: Doomernik (2x yellow) Roda JC: Kalac, Rudge, Luijpers, Valgaeren, van Haaren, Zafarin (75th - ‘t Hart), van der Luer, Doomernik, Lawal (86th - Van Dessel), Peeters (88th -  Jacobs), Tchoutang.

Vrede drives Roda crazy!

29 July 2002

Roda JC are steadily being driven crazy by the 'choosiness' of Regillio Vrede after the Kerkrade club agreed terms for the third time in a week with a club who want to sign the defender. After having 'sold' him first to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and then to another club in the same country, Metalurg Donetsk, which the player then turned down as inappropriate destinations, it seems that Roda have now agreed terms with Greek club Iraklis. Whether or not Vrede will actually agree to move to this latest possible 'employer' join this latest remains to be seen, said technical director Nol Hendriks.

Roda hire Donovan Maury

29 July 2002

Roda have signed Donovan Maury on a loan deal from Italian side Perugia after he successfully completed his trial with the 'Kerkrade Crew'. The Belgian defender is on a contract for 6 months and the Limburgers have an option to buy him at the end of that period if he continues to satisfy. For Maury the move means the end of a disappointing spell in Italy after Perugia spotted the 21 year-old in action while at Standard Luik and signed him up in 2001 for no less than 6 years! A series of injuries kept him out of action for long periods and he hardly saw any action at all, spending most of his time when he was fit on the bench.

Roda test Yugoslavian defender

26 July 2002

Roda JC are currently testing Yugoslavian defender Pedrag Filipovic and hope that the 27 year-old left-back will become a welcome addition to their backline. The Limburgers have a vacancy for that position due to Vincent Lachambre's absence through injury. Filipovic has a contract with his current club Lommel till the summer of 2005. The Kerkrade club's technical director Nol Hendriks is prepared to fork out the cash for a permanent transfer if the Yugoslavian international, who has  previously played for , amongst others, Obilic and Eendracht Aalst impresses sufficiently.

Vrede and Tchoutang don't go to Donetsk!!

26 July 2002

Regillio Vrede has (almost certainly) decided not to sign for Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk after earlier reports suggested that both he and teammate Bernard Tchoutang had finally put pen to paper with the club. "The move didn't feel right", the defender told provincial newpaper the 'Limburgs Dagblad', and it looks far more likely that he'll return to his former club RKC Waalwijk who've already made him an offer, although an undisclosed Greek side has also expressed interest.

Tchoutang and Vrede off to Ukraine

24 July 2002

First they were headed to Shakhtar Donetsk, then it was Metalurg Donetsk but their final destination has turned out to be Metalurg Mariupil. Roda JC duo Regillio Vrede and Bernard Tchoutang are off to the Ukraine after signing a deal for 3 years with the no.8 club in the Ukrainain league. A few weeks ago Vrede and Tchoutang had thought they were supposedly being offered a contract with top club Shakhtar Donetsk but it quickly became clear that it was Mariupil who wanted them. Tchoutang decided he wasn't interested while Vrede was also considering a move back to his former club RKC Waalwijk who'd made him an offer but both are now headed eastwards for pastures new.

Bernard Tchoutang turns down Ukraine move

23 July 2002

Bernard Tchoutang has turned down an offer to play for Ukrainian side Metalurg. The Roda player had been under the impression that he was being offered a trial with Shakthar Donetsk, who were also interested in defender Regillio Vrede. When he discovered that the offer came from Metalurg the Camneroon player quickly decided to not to accept. Regilio Vrede is still considering playing for Shakhtar but, in the meantime, has also received an offer to return to his former club RKC Waalwijk. Vrede has told provincial newspaper the 'Limburgs Dagblad' that Roda are not exactly helping in his search for a new club and are asking too much money for him.

Vloet wants Donovan Maury

19 July 2002

Roda coach Wiljan Vloet is impressed by what he's seen of Belgian defender Donovan Maury who's been on trial with the 'Kerkrade Crew' this last week and is seen as Regillio Vrede's successor. The 21 year-old is under contract to Italian side but will be undergoing a medical with Roda after Vloet gave him his seal of approval, being particularly impressed with the former Standard Luik players' heading-ability and tactical insight.

Roda trial for Donovan Maury

13 July 2002

Donovan Maury has been offered a trial with Roda JC and will be wearing their colours in a friendly against amateurs SVA. The 21 year-old central defender is being lined up as a possible replacement for Regillio Vrede who is on the point of signing for Shakhtar Donesk. Maury, who started his professional career with Belgian club Standard Luik, was under contract to Italian side Perugia last season but hardly saw any action there.

Roda's Tchoutang off to Shakhtar Donesk?

10 July 2002

Roda look likely to sell two of their players to Shakhtar Donesk. Defender Regilio Vrede is already close to signing a deal with the Ukrainian club and Bernard Tchoutang is also on the point of signing a deal with the same club. The Cameroon striker has been told there's no room for him at the Kerkrade side. Roda and Shakhtar Donesk have agreed terms for both players and, if the deal goes through, the Limburgers will be aiming to add Yuri Nikiforov to the squad as the Russian is able to leave PSV transfer-free! Meanwhile, the 19 year-old French striker Christian Yulu has been unable to convince Roda-trainer Wiljan Vloet of his talents and will be returning to Rennes.

Van der Luer signs for Alemannia Aachen

09 July 2002

Eric van der Luer (or 'Mr. Roda' as he's affectionately known) is leaving Kerkrade after signing a deal for one year with German Bundesliga 2nd division side Alemannia Aachen. Van der Luer has played for Roda since the 1986-1987 season. Roda have announced that they will take leave of the veteran in an appropriate manner at the beginning of the new season.

Shakthar Donetsk want Vrede

09 July 2002

Roda JC and Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk have agreed terms which should lead to the transfer of Regillio Vrede. According to a report in Dutch provincial newspaper "Limburgs Dagblad" Vrede will be travelling to the Ukraine in the course of this week to check out the situation at the club. Shakhtar have ambitious plans for their Champions League adventure after last season breaking the dominant position of Dynamo Kiev in the domestic league. The addition of Nigerian Julius Aghahowa has given them a striker to be feared and they've also recently added two Brazilian players, defender Damian Rodrigues and forward Brandao who came from, respectively, Nacional Montevideo in Uruguay and Brazilian side São Caetano. Since January they're being coached by Italian trainer Nevio Scala, who previously looked after Parma, Perugia, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas. Vrede remains under contract with Roda till 2003 but had been close to signing for Greek side AEK Athene. The move fell through when the AEK signed Costa Rican player Mauricio Wright.

Brazilian duo score as Roda win friendly

07 July 2002

Roda's new Brazilian duo Sergio and Cristiano, who were prized away from NAC after much effort, made an immediate impact in the Kerkrade Crew's 6-0 win against local amateurs Groene Ster. Sergio scored twice and Cristiano once.

Roda trial for French player

05 July 2002

Roda JC have started their preparations for next season with the appearance of several new players:  Vladan Kujovic (Eendracht Aalst), Alain Van Mieghem (GB Antwerpen), Jordy Reneerkens (PSV) plus Sergio and Cristiano from NAC. Another new face was 19 year-old French striker Christian Yulu who's on trial from French side Rennes. It was also the first training session for the Kerkrade side's new coach Wiljan Vloet. He wants to cut the squad down to 22 players which means 6 will have to go and the players have been forbidden to talk to the press in order to maintain discipline within the ranks after Mark Nygaard, Gabor Torma and Bernard Tchoutang were all told yesterday that there's no future for them in Kerkrade. There are imminent departures for Garba Lawal (most likely to Levski Sofia), Dave Zafarin (De Graafschap), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia), Igor Tomasic (Racing Genk), Paolo Ramora (return to Italy) and 'Mister Roda' himself, Eric van der Luer. 36 year-old midfielder Van der Luer has already turned down an offer to play for VVV, is currently talking to Alemannia Aachen about a possible move and could also be offered a commercial job at Roda. In the meantime, central defender Regillio Vrede is still talking to AEK Athene about his move.  Roda have also denied reports that they are interested in Stoke City's former Newcastle United and Racing Genk midfielder, 23 year-old Icelander Bjarni Gudjonsson.

Roda sign Alain van Mieghem

28 Jun 2002

Roda JC have signed 20 year-old Belgian midfielder Alain van Mieghem who's signed up for two years with an option for two more. Van Mieghem comes from Ajax's Belgian satellite club Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen.

Roda sign PSV's Jordy Reneerkens

26 Jun 2002

Roda JC have signed PSV's Jordy Reneerkens on a contract for 4 years. The 18 year-old forward thinks he'll have more chance of playing in Kerkrade than in Eindhoven where he's been since he was 10 years old, and where there is much more competition. Roda also hope to sign Alain van Mieghem this week after agreeing terms with his current club Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen. The player himself has still to negotiate his own terms for the move to Limburg.

AEK Athene want Roda's Regilio Vrede

24 Jun 2002

Roda's Regilio Vrede is currently being targeted by Greek side AEK Athene who hope to agree terms with the Kerkrade club tomorrow. The tall defender, who's under contract with Roda till 2003, has reacted coolly to the news and awaits the outcome of tomorrow's meeting. His relationship with the club, and technical director Nols Hendriks in particular, deteriorated in the course of last season and he wants to leave the club. Vrede asked for a transfer after Hendriks called him a 'rotten apple' prior to the team's UEFA Cup match against AC Milan!

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.

Brands to succeed Hendriks at Roda

16 Jun 2002

Marcel Brands is being lined up to take over from Nol Hendriks as Roda's technical manager. The Kerkrade side's "sugar daddy" has been looking around for a suitable candidate to succeed him for some time now after deciding to take a less prominent role at the club. Earlier talks with Fred van der Hoorn came to nothing and Hendriks sees Brandts as the current best contender.

Lille want Roda's Bernard Tchoutang

10 Jun 2002

Lille OSC are reportedly interested in signing Roda's Bernard Tchoutang. The Cameroon striker has been given a ticket out of Kerkrade and has attracted the interest of several Russian clubs, including Torpedo Moscow,

RBC want Van der Luer

27 May 2002

RBC Roosendaal are interested in signing Roda veteran Eric van der Luer. The newly promoted club had already expressed a desire to add the 36 year-old midfielder to their squad on condition that they gained promotion. The former MVV and FC Assent player's contract with Roda runs out on July 1st and, although he'd been offered a job with the Kerkrade club's commercial staff, he would prefer to carry on playing for one more year. So far he's also being targeted by VVV but a move to Roosendaal looks more likely.

Roda sign Telstar's Ten Heuvel?

16 May 2002

Roda JC have reached agreement with Stormvogels/Telstar concerning the transfer of Laurens ten Heuvel. The Limburgers hope to hire out the 25 year-old forward, who put away 20 Eerste Divisie goals this season, to VVV during the coming season. It only remains for Ten Heuvel to agree terms with VVV for the deal to be completed. The former Den Bosch, Barnsley, Northampton Town and First Vienna player, who was also being targeted by Willem II and Sheffield United, has signed a deal for 5 seasons.

Saudi star's move to Roda is off!

16 May 2002

The transfer of Saudi Arabian midfield star Nawaf Al Temyat to Roda has fallen through after his club Al Hilal upped the price for his move to Kerkrade. Roda chairman Theo Pickée is quoted in Dutch daily newspaper "De Telegraaf" as saying that the deal is off  but that he doesn't regret having amde an attempt to bring the player to Holland.

Roda pull out of FC Limburg plans

07 May 2002

Roda have pulled out of the planned merger with Fortuna Sittard and MVV which would have created a new club, FC Limburg. MVV, who recently received a €1 million Euro donation, are now financially secure enough to survive for a few more seasons and have once again lost interest in the merger. Roda's chaiman Pickee said, "We have completely lost faith in MVV. We had made a deal to sign a contract last week, but they keep putting off making a definite decision in Maastricht, even though we spent days discussing all aspects of the merger. To make matters worse, stories keep appearing in the press that indicating that MVV are planning to survive on their own. The result of the continuing uncertainty is that we can't work together any more".

Wiljan Vloet new Roda coach

01 May 2002

Wiljan Vloet is to be the new Roda trainer, ending weeks of speculation concerning his new employer after announcing he was leaving Den Bosch. The 39 year-old succeeds Belgian coach George Leekens, who took over from Jan van Dijk last autumn but who resigned a few weeks ago, and he has signed a contract for 3 years with the Kerkrade club.