News Summary: February - July 2000

Ajax USA did not begin the practice of archiving news stories until February 2000. (Prior to this date, we published stories on our home page and then deleted them.) This page lists all news summaries between February and July 2000. Subsequent reports are available as individual stories.

Record-holder Aron Winter ends "Oranje" career
July 27: Aron Winter will no longer be available for the Dutch national team. The midfielder (33) wants to fully focus on his club Ajax and spend more time with his family.

No Dutch player in history gathered more 'caps' than Winter. For many years, the record was in hands of seventies Ajax defender Ruud Krol (83 games). Winter topped Krol by one game in his very last Holland match against Italy during Euro 2000. This makes Winter a remarkable record holder: he was almost never the first choice of the several national coaches. He played most of his Holland games as a substitute player.

Winter made his debut in 'Oranje' on March 25, 1987, in a European Championship qualifier against Greece (1-1). He scored six goals in his 84 games for Holland. (Source: AT5 text)

Special Report: Ajax ListServ to carry on
22 July: After announcing last week that the first (and in our opinion) best Ajax Listserv was calling it quits, we are delighted to report that the list will carry on, under the new management of long-time list member Thierry De Boer, a native Amsterdammer and loyal Ajax fan (of course!).

"I have met some wonderful people and made some great friends through this list," explained De Boer in a message to the list, "and that is one of the reasons for me to want to keep this list alive. I think the list can also be very important for Ajax fans abroad, for their supply of news and getting help (with) tickets."

Thierry takes over from Michiel Herpers, who founded the list in 1994 and has kept it alive without fail for the past six years before finally calling it quits last week.

"The last couple of years traffic on this list has been low, mainly because there are so many other ways for Ajax fans to meet and discuss but also because I lost interest myself," explains Herpers.

"However, I look back on the list as a nice project, and through it I met some really great people."

Ajax USA thanks Michiel for his long-time service to the Ajax faithful around the world, and Thierry for keeping the list going strong into the new century.

For more info, visit the Ajax Listserv home page.

Ajax defender Verlaat joins Werder Bremen
17 July: Ajax central defender Frank Verlaat is moving to Werder Bremen, the German first division club said on Monday. Werder manager Klaus Allofs said an agreement had been reached with the Amsterdam club over the weekend which will allow the 32-year-old to sign a three-year contract.

"With his experience, he can certainly help our team, which is relatively young," Allofs said. The former Dutch international joined Ajax from VfB Stuttgart last year but struggled to adapt. He was expected at Werder's training camp on Tuesday and could play his first match for them in a friendly against Hamburg SV on Wednesday.

Ajax contracts Pienaar
08 July: South African player Steven Pienaar has signed a contract for five and a half years with Ajax. He is now playing for Ajax Cape Town, the South-African soccer club in which Ajax has a majority interest.

Pienaar, a right-sided midfield player, was chosen last year as his country's most talented player. He is the first player to leave Ajax Cape Town for the 'real' Ajax in Amsterdam.

Since Ajax Cape Town has a lot of players representing South Africa at the Olympic Games at the end of this summer, Pienaar won't leave Cape Town prior to January 2001. (source: Ajax.nl)

Van Gaal is new Holland coach
07 July: Former Ajax and Barcelona head coach Louis van Gaal was named the new Dutch national coach, succeeding Frank Rijkaard who quit after Holland's infamous exit from Euro 2000.

"You see before you a very happy person," Van Gaal told reporters after the Dutch football association announced it was giving him a six-year contract.

"At first I wanted to take a sabbatical year, but I've always thought that if the opportunity came for me to become national coach I would grab it with both hands," he added.

Amsterdam-born Van Gaal, 48, had been the favourite to replace Rijkaard, who resigned in the wake of the Netherlands' defeat by Italy in the semifinal of Euro 2000.

"My ambition is to make this team world champions," he said.

More abrasive than Rijkaard, Van Gaal had been without a job and had made no secret of his desire to become Dutch boss.

During the six years of his contract, the Dutch football association will assess Van Gaal's performance every two years, he told the news conference.

In a low-profile playing career, Van Gaal had spells at Ajax Amsterdam, primarily in the reserves, FC Antwerp in Belgium, Telstar Beverwijk, Sparta Rotterdam and AZ Alkmaar.

In 1988 he joined Ajax as assistant coach, becoming head coach of the Amsterdam club in 1991. He guided Ajax to their first European Cup final win for 22 years in 1995.

Van Gaal left Ajax and joined Barcelona in 1997, spending three fraught years there before resigning this May. He left the club with a good record but struggled throughout to connect with the Catalan fans.

Arie van Eijden new general manager
04 July: Arie van Eijden will be the new general manager of Ajax. This position was vacant since the resignation of former manager Frank Kales June 14. Van Eijden will start his job on 1 October 2000. At the moment Van Eijden is working for the Dutch Soccer Association (KNVB) as a general manager.

Ajax is no stranger to Van Eijden. In his active soccer carreer he used to play 2 matches for Ajax 1. From 1977 until 1986 he was member of the board and after that also general manager. This was until 1994 when he was expelled as an Ajax member because of a black money affair in the mid eighties in which he was involved. It was only in march this year, during the celebration of 100 year Ajax, that he got his rehabilitation.
(sources: NOS TeleTekst, www.ajax.nl)

Ajax contracts Bergdølmo
30 June: Ajax and Rosenborg BK (Norway) agreed on the transfer of Norwegian defender André Bergdølmo to Ajax. He will sign a contract for 4 years. Bergdølmo (28) is an international for his country and played his 27th international match at EURO2000.

Bergdølmo also gained a lot of international experience with Rosenborg BK, since they were very succesful in the Champions League over the last few years. Bergdølmo joined Rosenborg BK in 1997. Before that he played for Lillestrøm SK.

It's the first time in history that Ajax contracts a Norwegian player. It is said that Bergdølmo can play in the defense at any position. On the 17th of July, after a short holiday, Bergdølmo will join Ajax for his first training.
(sources: Trouw, www.ajax.nl)

Ajax announce preparation schedule for 2000-2001 season
15 June: Co Adriaanse and his Ajax-1 selection will meet on July 5, the kick-off date of the preparation campaign for the new season. As usual, Ajax will play against a handful of amateur sides first, after which friendly games against professional European teams are scheduled.

The complete preparation campaign schedule:

10 July: start of training camp in De Lutte, The Netherlands
11 July: Tubantia (amateur) vs Ajax
13 July: Meppel (amateur) vs Ajax
15 July: Colmschate '33 (amateur) vs Ajax
19 July: Volendam (1st Division) vs Ajax
26 July: FC Horst (amateur) vs Ajax

Friendly games:

29 July: Standard Luik (Belgium) vs Ajax
3 August (Amsterdam Tournament): Ajax vs Lazio Roma (Italy)
5 August Amsterdam Tournament: Ajax vs Arsenal (England)
l9 August: FC Groningen (KPN Telecompetition) vs Ajax
12 August: Coventry City (England) vs Ajax

(changes reserved)

General Manager Kales resigns after one year
14 June: Ajax' general manager, Frank Kales, has announced his resignation with immediate effect. 'Kales and the rest of the Ajax board insuperably disagree about the club-philosophy for the future', says a brief statement, issued by Ajax. Both parties underscore that there's been 'a good and reasonable debate'. Both Kales and the board did not want to give further comments on the matter.

Frank Kales (58) has worked for Ajax for only one year. His first season as one of Ajax' key managers was a disaster. Danny Blind, manager of player policy, left during the season. Head-coach Jan Wouters was fired. Six players were told to go. A lot of supporters held Frank Kales responsible for the dismal season, saying he was too much of a business men, with no love for the club and respect for the football tradition. Kales worked for several multinational companies and played professional basketball before signing with Ajax. (Sources: NOS TeleTekst, Ajax.nl)
Full story

Ajacieden at Euro 20000
02 June: Former Ajax defender Frank Rijkaard has revealed the Holland suqad of 22 with which he will go for the European title at Euro 2000. So far, he was working with a group of 25 players. Striker Jerrel 'Jimmy Floyd' Hasselbaink, and defender and former Ajax players André Ooijer and Winston Bogarde were disappointed by coach Rijkaard. They didn't make it into the team.

The 22 players in the Holland selection are:

1. EDWIN VAN DER SAR (goalkeeper, Juventus [Italy], former Ajacied)
2. MICHAEL REIZIGER (right-back, Barcelona [Spain], former Ajacied)
3. JAAP STAM (central defender, Manchester Utd [England])
4. FRANK DE BOER (central defender, Barcelona [Spain], former Ajacied)
5. BOUDEWIJN ZENDEN (left defender/midfielder, Barcelona [Spain])
6. CLARENCE SEEDORF (midfielder, Inter Milan [Italy], former Ajacied)
7. PHILLIP COCU (left midfielder, Barcelona [Spain])
8. EDGAR DAVIDS (midfielder, Juventus [Italy], former Ajacied)
9. PATRICK KLUIVERT (centre-forward, Barcelona [Spain], former Ajacied)
10. DENNIS BERGKAMP (centre-forward, Arsenal [England], former Ajacied)
11. MARC OVERMARS (left-winger, Arsenal [England], former Ajacied)
12. GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST (midfielder, Glasgow Rangers [Scotland])
13. BERT KONTERMAN (central defender, Feyenoord [Holland])
14. PETER VAN VOSSEN (forward, Feyenoord [Holland], former Ajacied)
15. PAUL BOSVELT (right midfielder, Feyenoord [Holland])
16. RONALD DE BOER (right midfielder, Barcelona [Spain], former Ajacied)
17. PIERRE VAN HOOIJDONK (centre-forward, Vitesse [Holland])
18. ED DE GOEIJ (goalkeeper, Chelsea [England])
19. ARTHUR NUMAN (left-back/midfielder, Glasgow Rangers [Scotland])
20. ARON WINTER (right midfielder, Ajax [Holland])
21. ROY MAKAAY (centre-forward, Deportivo La Coruña [Spain])
22. SANDER WESTERVELD (goalkeeper, Liverpool [England])

The Holland national team is coached by former Ajax defenders Frank Rijkaard, Johan Neeskens and Ruud Krol. Ajax players Christian Chivu and Bogdan Lobont will play for Romania, while Jesper Grønkjær is called up by the Denmark team, coached by former Ajax coach Morten Olsen. Dani was not selected for the Portugal team. First round games with Ajax and former Ajax players involved are (kick-off times Central European Time):

June 11: Holland vs Czech Republic (Amsterdam, 8:45pm CET)
June 12: Germany vs Romania (Liege, 6:00pm CET)
June 16: Denmark vs Holland (Rotterdam, 8:45pm CET)
June 17: Romania vs Portugal (Arnhem, 6:00pm CET)
June 20: England vs Romania  (Charleroi, 8:45pm CET)
June 21: Denmark vs Czech Republic (Liege, 8:45pm CET)
June 21: France vs Holland (Amsterdam, 8:45pm CET)

(U.S. East Coast time is six hours earlier; U.S. West Coast time nine hours earlier)

Ajax stays cool in penalty shoot-out against Guan
30 May: Ajax' second game in China, the very last under stand-in coach Hans Westerhof, ended in 1-1. A penalty shoot-out followed, in which Ajax proved itself cooler than opponent Guan from capital Beijing. The man who failed miserably in imitating Johan Cruyff's legendary penalty-in-two-instants against LongXin, fired home this time, bringing Ajax a 4-5 victory. 'Aussie' goalkeeper Joe Didulica stopped a Chinese attempt.

Guan Beijing won the Chinese title once in its history, but is not playing a dominant role in the league, nowadays. In their game against Ajax, they went down early by a Wamberto goal, scored after thirty minutes. Ajax was in the lead until the 79th minute, when Nan Fang beat Didulica from a difficult angle.

Because Frank Verlaat, Pascal Heije, Jan van Halst, Dani and Richard Witschge scored from the spot, Ajax went back into the dressing room as the winner. As a reward, Hans Westerhof gave his players the night off. The team will fly back to Amsterdam tomorrow morning. Westerhof has one more month of working ahead at youth complex 'De Toekomst', before he can go on a well-deserved holiday and prepare for his new job at Willem II.

For the Ajax players, the 1999-2000 season is over. For almost all of them, that is. Aron Winter (Holland), Jesper Grønkjær (Denmark), Christian Chivu and Bogdan Lobont (Romania) are already preparing for Euro 2000 with their national teams. The tournament, hosted by Holland and Belgium, will start on June 8.

Arrest ends extortion threat against Ajax players
29 May: Ajax has recently been the victim of an extortionist, who demanded ten million Euro's (just over $10 million) from the club. If Ajax refused to pay, the life of several players would be in real danger,a coording to the blackmailing letter the man wrote and sent to the club in March.

Ajax took the threats seriously and dovetailed the Amsterdam detective force into the affair. On Ajax' request, no press statement was issued. According to the Amsterdam police department, the letter was personally delivered at the ArenA by a man who said he was "working for someone".

After an orientating investigation by the police, Ajax arranged a meeting with the sender of the letter in April. Police observation teams kept a close eye on the meeting, during which the man was taken into custody by the police. The blackmailer, 43 year old H.J.C.S. from the suburban town of Amstelveen, is still claiming he was working for someone else. According to a police statement, however, that is very unlikely. "This looks like a one man action to us", says Klaas Wilting, spokesman of the Amsterdam P.D., who stresses that Ajax has not paid the man any money.

Ajax was not available for comments today. The extortionist is still on remand and is due in court in ten days. (Source: De Telegraaf)

Ajax starts China tour with 3-2 defeat
25 May: Ajax has lost its first game of this week's Chinese trip. The Amsterdammers took a 0-2 lead against LongXin from Chongqing, playing in China's highest league division, but suffered a last minute 3-2 defeat.

According to team manager David Endt, Ajax started "surprisingly strong". Wamberto hit the post and Jan van Halst the cross-bar, before Dani gave Ajax the lead with a low left foot shot (12). A bit ironic, because Dani was told earlier this week that he's not welcome in Co Adriaanse's squad. The determined Portugese scored a second from a smart Arveladze assist (40).

The Chinese obviously were impressed by Ajax, but after the break LongXin let go the reluctance. After a Verlaat foul in the penalty box, South-African striker Williams fired home from the spot (47). Ajax was offered a similar scoring chance a few minutes later, but Richard Witschge and Shota Arveladze decided to try and re-create the legendary penalty kick by Johan Cruyff and Jesper Olsen. Cruyff passed towards Olsen, Olsen passed it back to Cruyff who finished easily, while the goalkeepr was stunned by such an extraoridnary execution of a penalty. Witschge and Arveladze did not succeed.

The score could have been 1-3, but was actually 2-2 a few minutes later. Goalkeeper Joe Didulica unluckily dropped the ball. Williams was there to finish (70). The 25,000 spectators, who had welcomed Ajax as football heroes, celebrated the equalizer as if it were a world championship. But they're party was not over yet. Williams had saved the best for last: his long range shot made it 3-2 in injury time.

On Tuesday, Ajax will play its second game of the China trip, in Beijing, against Guan.

Ajax line-up against LongXin: Didulica; Vierklau, Van Halst, Verlaat, Kanu (63. Heije); O'Brien, Dani (70. Hosé), Witschge; Ikedia, Arveladze (63. Culina), Wamberto (46. Bobson).

Amsterdam tournament
This year's edition of the annual Amsterdam Tournament is a special one: all clubs participating have just celebrated their centenaries. The tournament differs from most other tournaments. The winners of the first games do not play in a decisive final, but play two rounds (determined by a draw). They receive one extra point for every goal scored, apart from the regular three points for a victory or one each for a draw. Goals, therefore, can well be decisive in this tournament. This has a couple of advantages.

Firstly, a surprising winner is possible until the very last second of the tournament. Secondly, the importance of scoring as many goals as possible, guarantees attacking and spectacular football.

TICKETS
Day-tickets are 50 to 90 guilders and valid for both two games played on one night. They're for sale at the regular TicketBox pre-sale points. No Club Card required.

AMSTERDAM TOURNAMENT
Amsterdam ArenA - August 3 & 5, 2000

PARTICIPANTS
Ajax (The Netherlands)
Lazio Roma (Italy)
Arsenal (England)
FC Barcelona (Spain)

SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 3:
6:30pm Ajax - Lazio Roma
8:45pm Arsenal - FC Barcelona

Saturday, August 5:
6:30pm FC Barcelona - Lazio Roma
8:45pm Ajax - Arsenal

Adriaanse sends three more players away
24 May: According to NOS TeleTekst, head coach Co Adriaanse has revealed three more players who can try to find a new club. After Jan van Halst, Frank Verlaat and Dani, he has now announced that Tijjani Babangida, Tom Sier and Peter Hoekstra are no longer welcome in the team. Left winger Peter Hoekstra was already hired out to Spanish club Santiago de Compostela.

Babangida (26) has already anticipated on the announcement. According to Dutch magazine Sportweek, the Nigerian right winger is negotiating with Turkish club Fenerbahce from Istanbul. 'Baba' is expected to sign for four or five season this week. He's played for Ajax for four seasons, coming from Roda JC.

Left back Tom Sier (30) started his career at FC Volendam, just outside Amsterdam. Ajax bought him from SC Heerenveen, but he never secured his position in the team. He's been injured for the large part of the last two seasons.

AjaxMania is reporting that Brazilian striker Wamberto can go as well. That news, however, is unconfirmed.

Three players no longer welcome at Ajax
23 May: One day before the Ajax squad departs for China, Co Adriaanse has told three players they are not welcome on July 5, when Ajax starts the preparations for next season. Looking back at the 1999-2000 season, the three names are hardly surprising: Dani, Jan van Halst and Frank Verlaat. Ajax has confirmed the news. Co Adriaanse is not available for comments. The three players can start searching for new employment.

Portugese 'enfant terrible' Dani was already dropped by stand-in coach Hans Westerhof on May 7 due to a lack of discipline, while Ajax' vulnerable and unsuccesfull central defenders Jan van Halst and Frank Verlaat were under constant fire by press and supporters. The two central defenders only played one season for Ajax. Van Halst was bought from FC Twente, Verlaat from German team VfB Stuttgart. They could never live up to the high expectations. They both have contracts until the summer of 2003.

According to unconfirmed announcements in the media, Adriaanse wil drop three more players. Wamberto and goalkeeper Fred Grim are frequently mentioned as the next 'victims'.

Jan van Halst was highly indignant about Adriaanse's announcement. His reaction to Dutch press agency ANP: "I'll just check in for the first training on July 5. Both Ajax and I were in our right mind when we signed my four year contract. I'm not giving that up just like that. I've got the right to train with Ajax-1."

Firing employees with a valid contract is legally much harder in Holland than it is in the US. Employers have to prove that the employee failed in doing his job or did not work hard enough. This usually turns out to be impossible in sports.

A few years ago, a similar case at Feyenoord ended in court. A number of players, among who former Ajacied Rob Witschge (Richard's older brother), did not accept Feyenoord's dismissal. They won the following lawsuit, after which Feyenoord was obliged to provide training facilities. The so called 'Witschge gang' trained apart from the team, receiving full payment, until their contracts expired. (Source: Ajax.nl and de Volkskrant)

Frank Kales: "Everything will be better next year"
20 May: Newspaper de Volkskrant published a long interview with Frank Kales today, about the disastrous season and Ajax' "image problem". The general manager acknowledges the problems, but has a lot of faith for the future.

Kales: "This year's league left me with terrible feeling. I really feel awful about this (...) I am disappointed in the attitude of this team (...) Whether I blame myself or not? Let me put it this way: I've had some sleepless nights because of Wouters' dismissal. Should I have done that earlier, or should I have given him one more chance? I am not proud of what's happened, but I don't think I've made real mistakes."

About Jan Wouters: "Jan's attitude was like: just let me do my job with the players. But that's just not how it goes at this level. Coaches have to communicate. With the players, with the board, even with sponsors. (...) He was constantly busy with the game. But surviving as Ajax' technical manager demands more than that. Maybe he underestimated that."

"I remember the away game against PSV. We were 2-0 down before I even got to my seat. We lost 4-0. Disgraceful. The next day, over coffee, I asked Jan why he'd left everyone on the pitch. The entire team deserved to be replaced. He said he didn't want the young guys to look like fools in such a bad team, while he didn't want to provide the experienced players a chance to escape from this tragedy. Perfect answer. But why didn't he explain so after the game, at the press conference? Now the press wrote he came across as a passive coach."

About Johan Cruyff: "Of course, we asked Cruyff if he felt like playing a part in Ajax' new structure. And two years ago, we asked the same thing. But you just know he's not gonna agree. Working on a key position within this club is a full time job. From early in the morning 'til late in the evening. He doesn't want that." (Source: de Volkskrant)

Brian Laudrup ends career
19 May: Ajax' Danish right winger Brian Laudrup has ended his football career. His decided this after a team of doctors inspected his Achilles' tendon, which has caused him trouble for many months. Their opinion, that the tendon will never fully recover, led to Laudrup's decision. He still had one year remaining on his contract with Ajax. Laudrup: "I would have loved to play one more season for Ajax. But that's of no use when I'm not 100% fit. It's a pity to have to say goodbye like this, but I've had a great career, and I've won numerous prizes." Earlier this week, before the medical exam, Laudrup announced that he wanted to end his professional career after the next season.

Brian Laudrup, 31, was a true football nomad. Born in the Austrian capital of Vienna, Laudrup started his career in his real fatherland, with Danish top team Bröndby IF. After four seasons he left Copenhagen for minor German team Bayer Uerdingen. Laudrup played impressively in the Bundesliga and was bought by Bayern Munich. The year 1992 was the start of Laudrup's Italian adventure. Over there, he played for Fiorentina and AC Milan. After Italy, Laudrup chose to continue his career on the British isle. he had four succesful years with Glasgow Rangers, but could not feel at home in London, where he played for Chelsea. He didn't finish the '98-'99 season in London and went back home, to play for FC Copenhagen. One year earlier than planned, his career has now terminated in Amsterdam, where his older brother Michael said goodbye to the game as well. Brian Laudrup scored 14 goals in his only Ajax season.

Adriaanse invites hired out youngsters back
17 May: Co Adriaanse has met the wish of most Ajax members and supporters. By inviting Cedric van der Gun and Andy van der Meyde back to Amsterdam, he displays his faith in what made Ajax big: the own youth system.

Van der Meyde, "glued to the sideline" like legendary Ajax right wingers such as Tscheu La Ling and John van 't Schip, was hired out to FC Twente this season. Centre forward Van der Gun was hired out to FC Den Bosch during the winter break. He couldn't keep his new team from going down to the First Division.

Over the past couple of years, youth players were increasingly dissatisfied. Both Van der Meyde and Van der Gun agreed on trying it elsewhere, because Ajax preferred to play with acquired foreign players. Van der Meyde's right wing spot was over-occupied by Wamberto, Babangida and Laudrup, while Van der Gun felt he didn't stand achance against Shota Arveladze and Nikos Machlas. Co Adriaanse was quoted saying he "definitely wants them back with the team". (Source: NOS TeleTekst)

Laudrup to quit after next season; Tobiasen optimistic
16 May: In an interview with Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende, Brian Laudrup was quoted saying that he will end his career after the next season. Reason for his decision is said to be his chronic heel injury. "Due to that injury, I cannot give all I've got", Laudrup says. Full story

Another Danish Ajax star, Ole Tobiasen, on the other hand, is optimistic about his recovery. The unlucky defender severely tore his hamstrings. When he returned into the team, exactly the same thing happened again. Tobiasen has not lost faith: he says to be very happy with the support he gets from Ajax, and wants to be back with the team at the start of the new season. (Source: Ajax Mania)

Ajax end losing season with one more loss
15 May: Ajax has suffered its ninth defeat of the season, in the 34th and last game before the summer break, away to FC Utrecht. It was remarkably bad season, with a 5th position on the table as the final result. Good enough for UEFA Cup qualification, but the last weekend of the KNP Telecompetition was one to theorize about.

A victory in Utrecht would have brought Ajax the Champions League, because both Feyenoord (1-1 against FC Twente) and Vitesse (2-2 against Fortuna) lost two points. That option hardly was realistic, though, because Ajax' competitors could have won their games, while Ajax did not have a chance against Utrecht. The Amsterdam team has built up a doubtful reputation of going 1-0 down early in the game. This time it happened after only 8 minutes, when striker Touzani scored with a low, diagonal shot. Before half time Ajax already received the knock-out punch: Mitchell van der Gaag headed home, making it 2-0 (35).

Ajax, once more, was completely hopeless, seeing Richard Knopper and Aron Winter miss two good chances. But there was no determination, no self-esteem. Unlucky substitute Brutil Hosé fumbled an Utrecht corner behind his own goalkeeper Fred Grim (67), after which Richard Knopper secured his topscorer title by scoring his 15th of the season (69).

In the end, Ajax was extremely lucky that FC Twente did not score a second, to win in Rotterdam. The Enschede players and fans were not happy with the KNVB's decision not to post-pone the entire program to next week, due to the Enschede disaster. What if the Enschede team had been fully concentrated? What if there had not been any disaster? Would they have beaten Feyenoord? In that case, Ajax would have had nothing to celebrate. Now they had, even if it was a poor merit. Ajax did not grab this UEFA Cup ticket believing in their own strength. They failed, but were lucky the others failed as well.

An extremely heavy task is now waiting for Co Adriaanse: he'll have to get rid of a handful of players, buy the right new ones instead and - most important - give Ajax it's self-esteem and identity back. The supporters can now start trying to forget this season. It was unforgettable, in a bitter way.

Silence honors victims of Enschede fireworks disaster
14 May: Prior to kick-off in all nine games in the last weekend of this season's Eredivisie, players and spectators observed one minute of silence, showing their respect to the victims of yesterday's disaster in Enschede. FC Twente, the local team, wore black mourning-bands in Rotterdam against Feyenoord.

A blaze inside a fireworks warehouse on Saturday triggered multiple explosions that killed at least 20 people, wounded more than 500 and destroyed or damaged 1400 homes in the center of this eastern town in the Netherlands. Over 800 people survived, but are now homeless and temporarily staying in sports centres. The Dutch government has officially declared the event a national disaster. Full story plus amateur video on BBC

Danny Blind returns to Ajax
May 12: Former manager of player policy, Danny Blind (39), will return to Ajax next season. He will become the coach of the A1-team, the highest youth team of the club. Earlier on, Ajax announced that the current A1-coach, John van 't Schip, will assist head coach Co Adriaanse next season.

Blind resigned on February 7, after numerous bad results of the first team. The common opinion in the Dutch football press was that Blind had failed in buying the right players for his club.

However, Blind's return does not come as a surprise. Right after Blind's resignation, general manger Frank Kales stressed that "the door is always open for him". Head coach Jan Wouters was fired some six weeks after Blind left. Blind's return, within two months after Wouters' dismissal, underscores rumours that Blind disagreed on Wouters' tactical philosophy. Blind, who played 492 games for Ajax, denies that: "That didn't even cross my mind. Ajax just asked me to return. It didn't take me long to decide."

"It was a tough decision to resign", Blind continues, "you don't just leave such a great club. It was a matter of responsibility. I had a specific vision on how the first team should play. But I never intended to change things. That was Wouters' job. Anyway: it feels great to be back. Ajax is my club." (Source: Ajax.nl)

Ajax take majority stake in Belgium's Beerschot
10 May: Ajax Amsterdam have taken a majority stake in Belgian first division side Germinal Beerschot of Antwerp, a Beerschot spokesman said on Wednesday. Ajax, who already owned 30 percent of Beerschot, have now increased that stake to 51 percent in a deal wich will allow the Dutch club to have the pick of the Antwerp side's young talent, but will also help Beerschot attract commercial backing. The spokesman said Ajax would have four seats on the club's seven-member board, and that Beerschot would now start work on setting up a new structure.

"Ajax are interested in our youth academy and they have the possibility to take young players," the spokesman said. "For the players it's good because salaries are lower in Belgium than in Holland. And it's also good for us. Ajax is a big partner, which will help us in getting commercial deals. This is the only way to ensure we have the long-term strength to stay near the top of the Belgian league."

With one game remaining, Beerschot are eighth in the Belgian first division.

Adriaanse resigns one game before season's end
8 May: Earlier than expected, Co Adriaanse can start putting a good Ajax team together. Ajax' new technical manager resigned today as Willem's head coach. By doing this, Adriaanse is making a statement towards his players.

Willem II's season is over: the Tilburg club cannot qualify for any European tournament anymore, but is safe as far as relegation is concerned. This apparently did not have a good effect on the attitude of his players. They lost 1-4 at home yesterday, in an apathetic performance against relegation candidate Cambuur Leeuwarden. After the game, a furious Adriaanse apologized to Cambuur's competitor FC Den Bosch, and called the performance of his squad "a disgrace to the history of Dutch football". (Source: Voetbal International)

Late winner in embarrassing performance against MVV
7 May: Theoretically, Ajax can still qualify for the Champions League, after a poor, almost embarrassing 1-0 victory over MVV Maastricht on Sunday. But because direct competitors Feyenoord (0-2 against NEC) and Vitesse (0-1 at AZ) both won the heaviest of their remaining games, Ajax chances are nothing more than mathematical.

What to say about one more dull home game in the ArenA? One more of those games in which Ajax was struggling and hardly able to create danger before the MVV goal? Wasiu Taiwo could even have given the relegation-candidate from the south a first minute lead: Fred Grim was lucky that his shot curled just past the far post. Ajax could not show the 37,500 supporters more than two shots (Grønkjær and Knopper). The best chance in the game was missed in the second half by Wamberto, who had replaced the weak Shota Arveladze. The Brazilian could have walked straight to Theo Snelders' goal, but failed.

Let's stick to the single highlight of the game: the winning goal, scored by the man who won the supporters' title for Talent Of The Year: Christian Chivu. He finished off the rebound of a badly defended corner (87), scoring his first goal for Ajax.

Thank you Bobby!
Sunday, May 7, was in fact not about Ajax - MVV at all. It was all about one man: Bobby Haarms (66), the 'heart and soul' of his club, the Super Ajacied, who worked was the assistant of 17 head-coaches in 32 years' time. Bobby steps back, in order to spend more time with his beloved wife Tilly. Supporters raised over 25 thousand guilders to buy him some well-deserved presents. Ajax, of course, added a significant amount. An emotional Bobby Haarms was presented a car, a bicycle and a 10 thousand guilder travel cheque. The F-Side yelled his name in gratitude, throughout the entire game, and of course, chairman Michael van Praag made him a Member Of Honour. "Why would an assistant deserve all this?" Bobby said in his speech, directly after the game. We don't even want to answer that.

Thank you, Bobby. We're not saying "farewell". Not coming back would be impossible for this man, born and raised in 'Betondorp', opposite the old Ajax stadium De Meer. Therefore: we'll see you around, Bobby.

Dani dropped by coach Hans Westerhof
7 May: Head coach Hans Westerhof has put Portugese midfielder Dani back to the second team. He is fed up with his performances and especially with his attitude. On Westerhof's instigation, negotiations to extend Dani's contract are discontinued. After this 'ban' Dani is likely to leave Ajax this summer. Dani joined Ajax in 1996 and has never forced a breakthrough into the first team.

Westerhof: "He just refuses to behave like a pro. For example: After he returned from an injury, we gave him specific training instructions. He just didn't do it. He refuses to do what we tell him to." Last year, Dani was 'hot news', because he was often spotted in Amsterdam's nightlife and was said to be on drugs. Westerhof: "I don't care what he's doing off the pitch. I don't even want to know. It would be a different story if I would be Ajax' coach for next season. But now? I'm just not interested."

Ajax signs Czech midfielder Tomas Galasek for 5 years
4 May: Ajax has officially presented its second new player for next season, on Thursday afternoon in the ArenA. Goalie Bogdan Lobont was the first; Willem II's Czech midfielder Tomás Gálasek, 27, has now signed a contract with Ajax for five years, becoming the first ever Czech to play for Ajax. His favorite positions are right and central midfield, but he calls himself a "multi purpose player".

Galásek started playing professional football for Banik Ostrava in the Czech Republic. After five years, he moved to Willem II. He had four succesful seasons in Tilburg and became coach Co Adriaanse's favorite player in the squad. Galásek has played 11 games for the Czech national team, with which he will play Holland on Euro 2000.

"The name Ajax gives me a good feeling", Galásek says, "I especially look forward to play home games for 30 to 50 thousand people in the ArenA. That's beautiful. I've had great years at Willem II. Especially playing in the Champions League was a fantastic experience. But for my career, moving to Ajax was the right thing to do."

Ironically, Hans Westerhof is Willem II's coach for next season. He saw his current club "steal" one of the stars of his new club. Westerhof: "Of course this a great loss for Willem II. But I understand his choice. He's right to choose for Ajax." (Source: Ajax.nl)

Ajax A-Juniors defend title in June
3 May: Ajax A-juniors will defend their title on June 2,3 and 4 at the 21st International A-junior Soccer Tournament in the Netherlands. This year's competition will include the following teams: Ajax, Vitesse, De Graafschap, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Japan (U18), Anderlecht, Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte, Guadalajara, and Helsingborgs IF. For more information, visit http://greenspun.com/ct/ajxus/index.html?send_to=http://www.crosswinds.net/~terborgtoernooi. (Information provided by Jeroen Peters)

European Championships on TV in the USA:
1 May: According to SoccerTV.com, Setanta Sport holds the exclusive US TV rights to Euro 2000. All 31 matches will be available via closed-circuit TV, DISH Network, DirecTV, TVN C-band satellite, and InDemand cable pay-per-view. The residential pay-per-view rate will be $19.95 per match or $149 for the entire tournament. There will NOT be any live coverage of Euro 2000 on any non-pay-per-view US TV channel. (Thanks, Simon!)

John O'Brien scores in opening minute as USA qualifies for Olympics
28 April: The U.S. Under-23 men's team struck early and often, receiving two goals from 18-year-old Landon Donovan, as it qualified for its sixth consecutive Olympics. Ajax and US midfielder John O'Brien scored just 44 seconds after the opening kickoff. READ

Vitesse destroys Ajax' Champions League aspirations with 3-0 victory
30 April: The task was plain and simple: Ajax needed to win in Arnhem against Vitesse. But after ninety minutes of hopeless football, the Champions League dream was over. Actually, it was already scattered in the 39th minute, when Ajax went 3-0 down. Dutch reporters call the threesome in the heart of the Ajax defense "the weak triangle." Jan van Halst, Frank Verlaat and goalkeeper Fred Grim seemed to do their best to prove them right: especially Verlaat and Grim failed miserably on three occasions, allowing Pierre van Hooijdonk (8, 39) and former Ajacied John van den Brom (27) to score Vitesse's goals.

Including UEFA Cup, Amstel Cup and friendly games, Ajax has played 45 matches against professional teams this season. In only two of them, Fred Grim and the defenders in front of him kept Ajax' goal clean. In the KPN Telecompetition, Ajax has played 32 games. 17 of them were won; 15 were not. In almost 75% of the home games in the ArenA, the opponents scored first. Statistics like these are shocking and - in some cases - unique in Ajax history.

In Arnhem, Jesper Grønkjær was the only Ajax player that did not have to feel embarrassed about his performace. The Dane created the best of Ajax' very few chances on his own, penetrating Vitesse's defense from the left side. He decided to try and score himself, ignoring Shota Arveladze who was in position for an easy finish. But since the Georgian was completely invisible during the entire game and seems to have lost his goalscorer's instinct, Grønkjær could hardly be blamed for not providing an assist.

After today's dramatic results, Vitesse and Feyenoord both leapfrog Ajax on the table, taking over the third and fourth spots respectively. Third place would assure Vitesse a place in for next year's Champions League. The fourth and fifth positions are worth UEFA Cup places. Feyenoord beat AZ 5-3 at home this evening. Ajax are now in fifth.

This 3-0 result forces the benumbed Ajax team and its supporters to admit what we already feared from the start of this season: this team is not good enough for the Dutch top, not even to mention the European top. Theoretically, Ajax can still jump back to third in the last two games, but the remaining opponents of Vitesse and Feyenoord don't seem strong enough to keep Ajax' dreams alive. The games against MVV and FC Utrecht need to be won to hold on to the very last thing left to claim: qualification for the UEFA Cup. After that, the fans can start to try and forget about this terrible season, which was one of Ajax' poorest since professional football was introduced in Holland in 1954.

Ajax introduces 2000-2001 coaching staff
27 April: Ajax presented the full technical staff for the 2000-2001 season to media on Thursday. There hardly were any real surprises. Kees Zwamborn, this season's coach of First Division team NAC from Breda, will be Hans Westerhof's successor as manager of the youth system. Arnold Mühren, Ajax midfielder during the 1970's and 1980's, will be the trainer of one of the main youth teams. Which one exactly, is yet to be decided, but it'll probably be the A1 team. The coach of that team John van 't Schip was now officially introduced as Co Adriaanse's coach-assistant - and so was Peter Boeve.

After Ajax' 'heart and soul', Bobby Haarms, has stepped down, his famous recovery training sessions will be taken over by former Ajax and FC Utrecht player Leo van Veen. This season, Van Veen was the first ever coach of Ajax Cape Town, the South-Africa team that was founded by Ajax this year. Jan Olde Riekerink, currently coach-assistant, will coach Ajax-2 next year. The current Ajax-2 coach, Tonnie Bruins-Slot, is assigned as coördinator of Ajax' foreign 'satellite clubs' in Belgium, Ghana, South-Africa and Mexico.

Ajax' 2000/2001 staff in full:

Technical Manager/Ajax-1 Coach: Co Adriaanse
Ajax-1 Coach-Assistants: John van 't Schip, Peter Boeve
Recovery Trainer: Leo van Veen
Ajax-2 Coach: Jan Olde Riekerink
Manager Youth System: Kees Zwamborn
Coördinator Satellite Clubs: Tonnie Bruins-Slot
Head Scouting: Ton Pronk

Ajax to China after season's end
27 April: Ajax will finish the 1999/2000 season off with a nine day training camp and two friendly games in China. Last season, the club made a similar trip to Vietnam.

The squad will set off for capital Beijing on Monday, May 22. The first game will be played three days later, against a selection of the district Chongqing LongXin. After that, the team will return to Beijing, to host a soccer clinic for the local youth. A second friendly game will be played on May 30, against Guan. The day after, Ajax will fly back to Amsterdam.

Of course, the team will have to do without the 'internationals'. The Dutch Olympic team is already in training for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, while the first teams of Holland is preparing for Euro2000. Several foreign players are called up for their national teams as well.

When playing abroad, Ajax wants to show the players some culture as well. This time the team will visit the Great Wall of China. After a short holiday, the Ajax team will get back together with coach Co Adriaanse in early July.

Former players to assist Adriaanse
26 April: Ajax has contracted eighties defender Peter Boeve to become Co Adriaanse's assistant-coach for next season. Boeve already has several years' experience in professional coaching, having been in charge of RKC for a few seasons.

Ajax will be trained and coached by a threesome next year. Adriaanse's second assistant will be eighties right winger John van 't Schip. This season, he coached the A1-team, the 'highest' youth team of the club, for 16, 17 and 18 year olds.

Johan Cruyff lashes out at Ajax again
26 April: By contracting Boeve and Van 't Schip, the board seems to have done exactly what Johan Cruyff advised Ajax to do: assign experienced former players on technical and tactical key positions. But in this week's edition of Voetbal International (VI), Johan Cruyff, 53, strikes again, calling both Louis van Gaal and Co Adriaanse 'disloyal to their colleagues', 'hypocritical' and 'uncivilized'.

This is the second time Cruyff has used his weekly column to lash out at Ajax in an angry manner. On April 1, Cruyff announced he will no longer be available as external advisor. In his weekly column, he criticized Ajax heavily, especially for contracting Co Adriaanse and ignoring his advice to choose Wim Jansen. A few days after Cruyff's critical remarks appeared in VI, chairman Michael van Praag stressed that he and Cruyff were still on speaking terms, and that the two had a 'good phone conversation' about the conflict. This second attack, therefore, comes as somewhat of a surprise.

"Ajax has become a bleak, clinical enterprise", Cruyff writes. "You can hardly call it a 'club' anymore. ... The assignment of Co Adriaanse is an example of that. It really is incredible that Ajax contacted him when Jan Wouters was still in place (as coach)."

About Louis van Gaal and Co Adriaanse he writes the following: "I grew up in the world of top football. In that world, we are loyal to each other. So of course Louis van Gaal was welcome as an apprentice in Barcelona, when I was in charge there. ... But when Frank Rijkaard wanted an apprenticeship at Willem II, Co Adriaanse dismissed him as if he were a little kid. Frank Rijkaard was following the official KNVB trainer's course at the time, and was a legend as a player."

Both Adriaanse and Rijkaard had the ambition to become head-coach of the Dutch national team. The KNVB chose Rijkaard, though he was not officially qualified as a coach yet. Adriaanse then called Rijkaard a 'moonlighter' in several interviews. According to Cruyff, this proves once more that Adriaanse is 'uncivilized' and 'disloyal'. (Source: de Volkskrant)

Where is Ajax?
25 April: Even after draws against Den Bosch (1-1) and Feyenoord (1-1), Ajax is still third and involved in a breath-taking race for Champions League qualification. An Ajax victory in this Sunday's thriller in Arnhem, against direct competitor Vitesse, might well be decisive. The Arnhem team is just two points behind - and so is FC Twente. Feyenoord is even a point closer. Every misstep can be fatal.

A good preparation during the week is very important in this crucial stage of the competition, but unfortunately there are hardly any players left for coach Hans Westerhof to prepare...

John O'Brien has already left Amsterdam for some qualifiers with the US Team. Tijjani Babangida went home as well, after being selected for Nigeria. Tim de Cler, Richard Knopper and John Nieuwenburg were called up for Holland's Olympic team, while Aron Winter is among the selectees for the first Holland team's friendly against Scotland. Chris Chivu and new goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont will play Cyprus with Romania on Wednesday. On the same night, Denmark will meet Scandinavian rivals Sweden. Of course, Denmark manager and former Ajax coach Morten Olsen invited Jesper Grønkjær for that game. Frank Verlaat will play Bosnia-Hercegovina with the World Selection and 'rookies' Serge van der Ban, Mitchell Piqué, Pascal Heije and Rafaël van der Vaart were called up by Holland's under-21 and under-18 teams.

On Thursday, Hans Westerhof will get most of his boys back. All he can do now, is hoping they don't get injured.

Ajax grabs point despite Feyenoord fury
23 April: Ajax grabbed a much-needed point in its critical game with rival Feyenoord today. That, combined with FC Twente and Vitesse losses placed Ajax in the clear in third place by one point. Meanwhile, SC Heerenveen's 5-1 victory over Roda JC has apparently secured their second position.

Feyenoord - Ajax itself was itself a wild affair. In the first ten minutes the Rotterdam team played like a tornado. They could have scored two, three, maybe four times. Especially Argentinian striker Julio Cruz came close. De Kuip stadium was electrically loaded, but turned completely quiet when Ajax' very first counter-attack gave them the lead. Jesper Grønkjær's shot was blocked, but in the rebound Brian Laudrup scored with a dry shot (11).

Ajax' two Danish strikers were in great shape anyway. Feyenoord had much more ball possession, putting Ajax under enormous pressure in the first half, but Laudrup and Grønkjær were causing constant danger. Rightback Ulrich van Gobbel, one of Holland's fastest defenders, could not keep up with Grønkjær. Ajax' right back had a hard time as well: Aaron Mokoena was overran by Ivory Coast striker Bonaventure Kalou. Hans Westerhof had to replace him, because a red card seemed a matter of time.

The half time score of 0-1 was undeserved, although Ajax did create two of the best chances in the first half: Richard Knopper just missed the goal with a mean shot, and Frank Verlaat almost surprised Feyenoord goalie Dudek after a beautiful Aron Winter header-assist.

Two minutes into the second half, Ajax seemed to give it all away. A Paul Bosvelt corner was defended, but headed home in the rebound by Bosvelt himself (47). Ajax panicked. After a handful of scary minutes, Ajax finally got control. Feyenoord was still dominating on midfield, but should be grateful that Shota Arveladze didn't have his lucky day. The Georgian missed while Dudek was the last opponent to beat. Two minutes later, he could not even score in an empty goal, after good Laudrup work. Westerhof replaced him by Wamberto, but - standing on the goal line - the small Brazilian was inches too short to tip in a Chivu cross. Peter van Vossen, on the other side, could have scored a late winner for Feyenoord.

Feyenoord was the better team, but Ajax created most of the real danger. Both teams were satisfied with the result. Ajax is still third, still one point ahead of Feyenoord. The difference with Vitesse and Twente has increased to two points. Nevertheless, the last three games of the season are all finals. The heaviest task is waiting next Sunday, in Arnhem against Vitesse.

PSV clinches Dutch league title with 1-3 defeat of FC Twente
April 20: By beating FC Twente 1-3 on Friday night, PSV has officially won the Dutch championship for 2000. The Eindhoven team was in the lead from day one, scored 94 goals in 31 games (an average of more than three goals per game) and taught Ajax a double lesson in football this year: 1-3 in the ArenA and a dramatic 4-0 in Eindhoven's Philips Stadium. They won the title - and they deserved it.

By beating Twente, PSV did Ajax a favour as well: the Enschede team is one of the three teams that are one point behind Ajax and therefore involved in the tough battle for Champions League qualification. Thank you, PSV...

Feyenoord-Ajax "live web-cast" a failure
April 20: The promoted Feyenoord-Ajax live webcast from http://greenspun.com/ct/ajxus/index.html?send_to=http://www.kpn-telecompetitie.nl/ was a complete failure. A few people in Holland were able to listen to the audio portion, but no one was able to see video.

Ajax apathetic in draw with Den Bosch
April 19: When Hans Westerhof, a quiet and down-to-earth man from the north of The Netherlands, starts raging at the side-line, almost attacking some of his players - then there must be something seriously wrong. In Den Bosch, where Ajax could finally play the local FC, there was. Only Richard Knopper's brilliant volley, that went straight under the cross-bar in the very last seconds of the game (90), prevented Ajax from losing against the league's number 17.

It was shocking to see the Ajax eleven struggle in Den Bosch. Or actually, they didn't even struggle. The team came across as apathetic, lazy, aloof, tired and not capable of creating any danger. How is this possible, now the season is reaching its climax and Ajax has Champions League qualification in its own hand? How is it possible that Ajax, the biggest club from The Netherlands did not create one significant chance in 89 minutes, against the team that was last on tha table until last week? Hans Westerhof didn't understand it, either.

Of course: there were injuries, suspensions and absences. Westerhof had to do without O'Brien, Witschge, Verlaat, Laudrup, Dani and Machlas. He let Aaron Mokoena en 17-year old débutant Raphaël van der Vaart play in the starting line-up and had youngsters Ikedia, Yakubu, Kanu, Bechan and Heije available as subs. A bit poor, but the least you might expect from the team is to give everything they've got. Ajax, especially the experienced players, obviously did not.

They went down after just over one minute. Defender Uneken could freely place his head against the ball and aim for the goal (2). The 1-0 remained intact for the following 89 minutes. Nothing special happened. After Richard Knopper's moment of brilliance in stoppage time, the league's number 17 felt like they had lost. 1995's Champions League had just won one a point. A disgrace.

Ironically, the Den Bosch come-down does not change things on the table: Ajax is third, one point ahead of Vitesse, Feyenoord and FC Twente. Ajax can still leapfrog SC Heerenveen and go second, if the Frisians lose one game (they're meeting Roda JC this weekend...). On Sunday it's Feyenoord - Ajax. The names 'Feyenoord' and 'Ajax', the cities of Amsterdama and Rotterdam already make this game into an electrically loaded one. But this edition of 'The Classic' is the most important in many, many years.

The task is simple: Ajax needs to win. Any other result would be a catastrophe.

Kinkladze sold to English club Derby County
19 April: After having been loaned out to Derby County since November '99, Giorgi Kinkladze (26) is now officially sold to the English Premiership club, which marks the end of the Georgian international's unsuccesful two year career as an Ajacied.

Despite two relegations, Kinkladze was tremendously popular with the fans of Manchester City, before Morten Olsen invited him to Ajax in the summer of 1998. From the start, Kinkladze found it hard to adjust to the Ajax system and did not feel happy at the left-forward spot, where Olsen wanted him to play. Having played no more than twelve official games (no goals) and seven friendly's (three goals) for Ajax in 18 months time, Kinkladze was told that Ajax was not going to offer him any more chances in the first team. A huge disappointment for Kinkladze, who was helped through the hardest period of his career by his fellow Georgian and youth friend Shota Arveladze.

Giorgi Kinkladze played 34 games for the Georgian national team, in which he scored six goals. The transfer fee payed by Derby County was not revealed. (Source: Ajax.nl)

O'Brien to miss three crucial Ajax games to play for USA
17 April: Ajax right-back John O'Brien has been selected to play a number of World Cup qualifiers with the US national team in the upcoming weeks. This means O'Brien will have to miss Ajax' crucial away games against Feyenoord (April 23) and Vitesse (April 30), as well as this Wednesday's game against FC Den Bosch. Head coach Hans Westerhof now has to do without O'Brien and two suspended players on Wednesday. On Sunday, defender Frank Verlaat received his fourth yellow card of this season, while Richard Witschge was sent off with two yellow cards. That will probably be a Mokoena, Verlaat, Van Halst and Chivu defense (with no defensive subs available).

Ajax begin Champions League quest with 4-1 win
April 16: Ajax' three-week sprint for a Champions League ticket has started well with a 4-1 win in the derby of the North-Holland province, against Alkmaar's AZ. The victory was fully deserved but (it's the story of this season) it didn't come easy. Once more, Ajax went 0-1 down before getting the spirit. AZ-striker John Bosman, who scored numerous header goals for Ajax in the mid-eighties, diagonally headed past an unconvincing Fred Grim (45). This happened just before the half-time whistle, but the remaining minute of injury time was enough for Ajax to equalize. AZ-goalie Oscar Moens could not handle a Richard Knopper shot properly and, as we all know, Shota Arveladze is enough of a goalgetter to take advantage of that: 1-1 (45).

The two goals were the unexpected climax of a dull first half, in which AZ could not prove their status of this season's revelation. Ajax obviously was the better team, without creating a lot of real chances: Brian Luadrup was close after a solo, and Richard Knopper missed a nice shooting chance provided by Richard Witschge.

Witschge ended up deciding the game in the second half, but definitely not in the fashion he had wished. Ajax' left midfielder was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. Both cards were presented to him for bringing down an opponent from behind, so referee Van Egmond's decision was fully justified. The F-Side did not think so. Their disgusting offensive yells forced the referee to interrupt the game for five minutes.

The unplanned break offered Hans Westerhof the opportunity to re-instruct his ten players. The Ajax team returned onto the pitch with fresh determination, while the AZ team seemed disorganized by the tumult. A chaotic scrimmage in front of Oscar Moens' goal resulted in a goal for the Ajax ten. John O'Brien's scoring attempt was saved by Moens, so was Jesper Grønkjær's rebound, but in the third instance the AZ goalie was too late to keep Shota Arveladze from pushing the ball across the line (60).

AZ defender Opdam hit the post a few minutes later, after which the Alkmaar resistance vanished. Jesper Grønkjær had kept one of the best Ajax goals of this season up his sleeve. The Dane crowned his good performance with a superb curling shot from the corner of the penalty box. Moens dived beautifully, but was left completely chanceless as the ball plopped into the net (72). Aron Winter added a fourth in injury time, after a good solo by substitute Babangida (90).

The best man on the pitch did not score any goals, did not get any big chances and could even have been sent off only one minute after Richard Witschge. Nevertheless, Christian Chivu's maginificent performance deserves to be mentioned. He definitely was the best man of this match - and he was probably the best Ajax player in this season, too. Impressive.

AZ was only the first of five hurdles on the road that leads to the Champions League. The first hurdle is now taken. FC Den Bosch is next. And then... Ajax is off to Rotterdam for the next edition of the 'Classic of the Lowlands' against Feyenoord.

Home tickets easier to purchase next year
April 15: Excellent news for non season ticket holders and especially for Ajax fans outside Holland: Ajax and the KNVB have decided to make the strict rules for ticket sales more flexible next year. Currently, Ajax home games are divided in four categories: A (high risk), B (average), C1 (below average) and C2 (well below average). The difference between B and C1 did not have any meaning for Ajax fans, but just for away supporters. This difference will no longer be maintained. Next year, there'll only be A (high), B (average) and C (low) categories.

Most importantly, a significant number of games will be transferred from the 'average' to the 'low risk' category. This season, there were three games for which tickets could be purchased without an Ajax Club Card: those against SC Heerenveen, De Graafschap and RKC. Next year, the games against MVV, Fortuna Sittard, Roda JC, AZ, Willem II, Sparta and NEC will all be regarded as 'low risk' games as well. This makes it possible to purchase tickets at the stadium on match day, if the game is not sold out.

The games against FC Twente, Vitesse, Cambuur Leeuwarden and FC Den Bosch remain games of 'average risk'. If still available, the remaining tickets will go on sale on match day, for supporters with a Club Card only. Games against PSV, FC Utrecht and Feyenoord are high risk games. It is impossible for non Club Card holders to purchase tickets for those games, due to the very strict security measures in place for those fixtures. (Source: Ajax.nl)

Ajax struggle, but gain 3 points as rivals stumble
9 April: The usual kick-off time for Dutch Eredivisie games is 14:30. One game is played at 18:00 and broadcast live on pay-TV channel Canal+. This week, the 'late' game was Ajax - Sparta, which meant the Amsterdammers knew about what happened to their direct competitors for Champions League qualification: FC Twente, unbeaten in 15 consecutive games, suffered a stunning home defeat against MVV (1-2), while FC Utrecht scored a last minute winner in Rotterdam, against Feyenoord.

By beating the second Rotterdam club, Sparta, in the ArenA, Ajax would leapfrog them both. Regarding the result only, Ajax did an excellent job. Sparta was beaten 3-2 and Ajax is now fourth, with still a game in hand to jump to third. But any of the 35,000 spectators hoping for a determined and enthusuastic Ajax squad, was deceived. Ajax had an extremely hard time against the league's number eleven, and needed a decisive penalty to grab the victory. Both backs, Zijm and Bezzai, were sent of for receiving a second yellow card by that time. The remaining nine Sparta players saw Brian Laudrup fire home from the spot: 3-2 (73).

The team knew this victory was hardly one that deserved to be celebrated. It rather was a relief. The beginning looked promising, when Frank Verlaat gave an excellent long pass to Jesper Grønkjær, who offered Shot Arveladze the tip-in: 1-0 (14). John Nieuwenburg almost made it 2-0 against his previous club, but his shot was tremendously saved by Sparta goalkeeper Kooiman. But once more, the weak defense brought Ajax into trouble. Boukhari was able to deliver a cross while being surrounded by two Ajax defenders. Two more defenders couldn't keep Nielsen from shooting pass Grim (29).

This defensive chaos was probably discussed during the break, but striker Bram Marbus showed that Ajax' defense line is hopeless: he was offered plenty of space to surprise Fred Grim with a low volley from just outside the penalty box: 1-2 (50), and Ajax were behind. Again. Frank Verlaat equalized from close range (58) when the Sparta team was still intact, but Ajax needed two red cards and a penalty to bring the remaining nine on their knees. Even against nine, Ajax was hardly dominant. After the final whistle, Ajax was booed off the pitch by the crowd.

Nikos Machlas injured for at least five months
8 April: On Friday, Nikos Machlas underwent surgery on his left leg in his home town of Athens, Greece. His rehabilitation will take at least five months, which means the striker will miss the rest of this season as well as the preparations for the next.

Machlas made a mis-step in the game against NEC two weeks ago, twisting his left knee. He was substituted, but the injury didn't look bad at first and he was expected to recover within a couple of weeks. Further examination by Ajax' medical staff turned the innocent looking misstep into a tragedy for the Greek striker: apparently, his left ham-string was torn.

Youth striker Cedric van der Gun left Ajax for FC Den Bosch last month and Brutil Hosé is still injured, which makes Shota Arveladze - just recovered from an injury himself - the only remaining center forward in Ajax' selection. He will replace Machlas against Sparta this weekend. (Source: Ajax.nl)

"And this time we mean it!"
...Den Bosch - Ajax re-re-scheduled for April 19
Two days after FC Den Bosch vs. Ajax was post-poned for the second time, to April 12, the game is re-scheduled yet again, at the request of Ajax. On Wednesday, April 12, the players are already booked to attend the Ajax centennial revue in the Amsterdam City Theatre, starring chairman Michael van Praag as a Feyenoord usher.

FC Den Bosch - Ajax will now be played on Wednesday, April 19, at 18:00. Both clubs and the KNVB stress that this date is "final."

Den Bosch - Ajax rescheduled for April 12; F-Side protest still planned
04 April: The two clubs involved and the KNVB have found a new date for the FC Den Bosch - Ajax game that has been a source of anxiety for months. The match will now be played on Wednesday, April 12, at 18:00, which is an unusual kick-off time for mid-week games. The game was originally scheduled for late February but was postponed to April 4th and then postponed again indefinitely, both times by Den Bosch's Mayor Rombouts, fearful of actions by so-called "fanatical" supporters protesting the "combi" ruling.

Following today's announcement, the F-Side has declared that they intend to carry out their "peaceful" protests on the new game day. They stipulate that the protest actions will definitely not be cancelled if the mayor enforces the combi ruling for this game.

Cruyff and Ajax to "separate"
01 April: Johan Cruyff will sever all formal contacts with Ajax, according to sources. The world famous Ajacied has announced to the Ajax board that he is no longer available for advice. Johan Cruyff did not officially work for Ajax, but was an unofficial external adviser for the club. He was offered a contract regularly, but he never wanted his powerful position within the club to become official.

Cruyff will reveal his decision in this week's edition of 'Voetbal International' (VI), the respected football magazine to which he contributes a weekly column. Daily newspaper 'de Volkskrant' found about about it before the issue went to print. In 'Sport Aan Tafel', a weekly football discussion TV-program, VI's chief editor Johan Derksen explained that Cruyff feels insulted by Ajax, because they ignored all his advices on how to build up a new club structure, which should bring Ajax back to the European top. According to Cruyff, Ajax should assign former players on all main positions. He proposed his former team-mate, legendary left-winger Piet Keizer, as board member for technical affairs. And he wanted seventies-star Ruud Krol and current Holland coach Frank Rijkaard to become the training duo for the first team.

The board, however, chose for Co Adriaanse, who never played for Ajax and is involved in a public feud with Johan Cruyff. The controversy started when Adriaanse did what nobody even dared before: he questioned Cruyff's technical and tactical qualities as a trainer, calling him "overrated", and saying: "Cruyff succesful with Barcelona? Everybody would win some cups with Barcelona. Even Bobby Robson did. I'd like to see Johan Cruyff working for some small second league team, with less money available."

Cruyff, in his turn, blames Co Adriaanse for the fact that the number of youth players making it into the first team, decreased drastically since he was Ajax' manager of the youth system. According to Johan Cruyff only former top players have are capable enough to become top coaches. Co Adriaanse and Cruyff's second big rival Louis van Gaal, only played for average Eredivisie teams. Co Adriaanse played for FC Utrecht.

Ajax humbled by Roda again, losing 3-0 in Kerkrade
31 March: Ajax has played three games against Roda this season - and lost all three of them. After a disastrous 1-2 home defeat and a last minute 1-0 Amstel Cup elimination, the Kerkrade team knocked Ajax out again: 3-0.

Ajax rather knocked itself out, actually, by giving away the second and third goal in an unbelievable way: Frank Verlaat, assigned to defend Roda's tall striker Bob Peeters, provided his direct opponent plenty of space to finish a low cross, making it 2-0 (31). In the second half a disorganized Ajax squad saw Jan van Halst playing the ball back to Fred Grim, without noticing that Bernard Tchoutang was waiting patiently to make it 3-0 (65).

The only goal Ajax had a valid excuse for, was the first one: a well-hit Arno Doomernik volley from outside the penalty box grazed the back of an Ajax defender, bringing Fred Grim out of position (29). Peeters scored his goal within two minutes after the first. Ajax stumbled - and did not resurrect anymore. A shame, because Ajax' first half hour was actually surprisingly good. Jesper Grønkjær created himself two chances, while Brian Laudrup and Shota Arveladze (playing instead of the injured Nikos Machlas) could have scored early goals for the Amsterdammers. Going 2-0 down within an eye-wink, Ajax' determination rapidly vanished.

Interim coach Hans Westerhof does the best he can, but - like Jan Wouters - he's powerless against the type off amateuristic, individual mistakes the Ajax defense keeps making. Numbers two to six in the league are now really close to each other: FC Twente, SC Heerenveen and Feyenoord are still within range, but on 6th, AZ is coming really close.

Den Bosch - Ajax cancelled again
30 March: Den Bosch Mayor Rombouts has again forbidden the game between FC Den Bosch and Ajax. Earlier this season, the game was post-poned to April 4th, due to announced F-Side protest-actions in Den Bosch against the 'combi ruling'. After the fanatical Ajax fans' announcement that the protest-actions are still on, a second match-cancellation by the mayor followed.

The 'combi ruling' is the subject of intense discussions between clubs, local governments and supporters. The ruling obliges supporters to buy a combined train or bus trip and a stadium ticket. This forces the fans to travel as a group, which makes it easier for the police to keep an eye on them. The ruling is only used for a limited number of high risk away games. The F-Side does not agree with the mayor's opinion that FC Den Bosch - Ajax is one of those high-risk games. Mayor Rombouts, however, says that extra safety measures are necessary in this specific case because the Den Bosch stadium is under construction.

The clubs and the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) are currently looking for a new date for the rescheduled game, but have not found one yet.

Co Adriaanse to coach next season
27 March: In a press conference in the Amsterdam Arena, Ajax announced today that Co Adriaanse will become the head coach of the club, taking over for interim coach Hans Westerhof on July 1, 2000. Adriaanse, currently head coach of Willem II in Tilburg, signed a contract for three seasons.

A born Amsterdammer, the 52 year old Adriaanse played for FC Utrecht and was the head coach of PEC Zwolle and FC Den Haag earlier in his carreer. From 1992 to 1997, he was the director of the Ajax youth system. During that period he worked with Louis van Gaal, with whom Adriaanse is often compared due to their shared philosophy, tactical vision and player approach. (Source: NOS TeleTekst and Ajax.nl)

Other names recently mentioned in the press in connection with the position included Johan Cruyff, Wim Jansen, Ruud Gullit, Frenk Rijkaard and Gerard van der Lem.

Ajax convincing in first Westerhof game
26 March: For 45 minutes, it seemed like the firing of head coach Jan Wouters had not changed anything. In the first half, guests NEC took the lead twice. Striker Jack de Gier finished the only two chances for the Nijmegen team (33, 39), both created by fast counter attacks. Ajax looked as lame as they've looked too often, this season. Nikos Machlas missed two incredible chances again, and Ajax was lucky that referee Luinge did not see that Brian Laudrup made it 1-1 (35) with his arm. At half time, Ajax was 1-2 down.

Not very promising, but head coach Hans Westerhof did actually change some things. He returned to the 'good old' 4-3-3 system, for example, which obviously inspired Ajax' wingers in the second half. Especially Jesper Grønkjær's performance was excellent, while Chris Chivu and John O'Brien played well in defense. Within seven minutes after the break, Ajax had equalized again: Nikos Machlas was provided an easy finish by Aron Winter (52). This goal brought the determination back into the Amsterdam squad. The result was the best second half and the largest victory in many months.

Jesper Grønkjær (63) furiously fired home from a long range, and Nikos Machlas superbly curled the ball past goalkeeper Bas Roorda (65), giving Ajax a fully deserved 4-2 lead. Four minutes before the final whistle, Richard Knopper added a fifth (86). The five goals weren't the only things to celebrate. Richard Witschge returned in the team after half a year of injuries - and so did Shota Arveladze, who replaced him in the second half. Hans Westerhof, in the mean time, made a clear statement about the way Ajax should build towards new glory, offering youth player Pascal Heye his first minutes in Ajax-1.

Attacking play, in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring local talent; that's what Ajax supporters want to see. Hans Westerhof brought a bit of Ajax back. For the first time in months, the crowd went home smiling. And their smile got even bigger, when they found out that Sparta had taken Feyenoord by surprise in the Rotterdam city derby (1-2), bringing Ajax back in the race for Champions League qualification. For Ajax, the spring of 2000 could not have started more beautiful.

Ajax announces plans to cut loose fringe players
24 March: On the day of Hans Westerhof's first training as Ajax' temporary head coach, and just days after the firing of Jan Wouters, the club has announced drastic measures in order to increase the quality level of the squad for next year. Firstly, loaned out players are not wanted back. This means that Peter Hoekstra, Kofey Mensah, Giorgi Kinkladze, Andy van der Meyde and Cedric van der Gun will not return to Amsterdam. Ajax prefers to sell them to the clubs they've been playing for this year.

Secondly, a number of players from the current Ajax team, who - according to the staff - have failed this season, will have to leave as well. With still two crucial months of league football to go, the names of the players involved are not yet revealed. (Source: de Volkskrant)

Wouters Gone; Westerhof to finish season
March 21: On Tuesday afternoon, general manager Frank Kales announced the firing of head coach Jan Wouters, effective immediately. His dismissal, which was long expected and called for by many Ajax supporters, comes after three games in which Ajax only gained one point and did not score a goal. Earlier this season, Ajax did not win in eleven consecutive games.

Hans Westerhof, former coach of FC Groningen and PSV and currently in charge of Ajax' youth system, will be Wouters' stand-in for the rest of this season. Next season, Westerhof will set off for Willem II. The board will start searching for a successor right away. According to rumours, Co Adriaanse is the main candidate, though Frank Kales denies that. He also acknowledged a conversation with Johan Cruyff, as well. Hennie Henrichs, member of the Ajax board for over eleven years, declared his solidarity with Jan Wouters and announced his resignation.

Wouters, 40, took the job in December 1998 after former Danish star Morten Olsen was fired, also for poor results.

Visit our Wouters discussion board for more information and to post your comments.

- Menno Pot and Jean-Marie Lok contributed to this report

Ajax crumbles during historic centennary week
19 March: Ajax' 100th anniversary party turned into a tragedy, ending with "Wouters piss off" yells by the F-Side, riots around the ArenA and even a confrontation between furious F-Side supporters and the riot police near the Amsterdam Concert Hall, where special guests were attending an Ajax centennial concert. These public displays of anger were brought on by yet another loss in an increasingly grim ArenA stadium. FC Twente handed Ajax a 0-1 defeat and leapfrogged them in the table, jumping to 3rd while Ajax dropped down to 5th.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's decisive goal (29) was one of the very few highlights in a dull match, in which Ajax seemed paralyzed by continuous adversity. The striker, likely to set off for PSV after this season, was able to head past an unconvincing Fred Grim, while being surrounded by three motionless Ajax defenders. Ajax created no more than two scoring chances in the entire game: the first one was missed by John O'Brien, and the second tipped in by Wamberto was from an off-side position, and therefore justly disallowed by referee Jol.

The second half showed a helplessly struggling Ajax team, unable to do anything worth mentioning against ten opponents. Twente's Scotsman Scott Booth was sent off just before the half time break. Instead of pushing up the gear, the powerless Ajax eleven were totally out of synch.

In order to qualify for any of next season's European tournaments, Ajax can not sink further down than the current 5th position, which is the lowest ranking worth a UEFA Cup ticket. However, Ajax wants to play in the lucrative and prestigeous Champions League, for which a 2nd or 3rd position is required. Considering that this season's goal, Ajax is now in really big trouble.

Ajax stumbles against Fortuna Sittard
15 March: No supporter, board member, trainer or journalist can predict or explain what Ajax is up to this season. After eleven consecutive games without a victory, the Amsterdammers seemed back on track. In Sittard, against Fortuna, Ajax endangered its safe-looking second position (necessary to qualify for next season's Champions League), frustrated the fans and disgraced itself by losing 2-0.

Both goals were easily scored in the first half, by Fortuna striker Amoah (23, 42), made possible by a completely disorganized Ajax defense: Amoah got his first one after an incredible Verlaat blunder and picked a second after Tim de Cler made an amateurishly inaccurate and ill-advised pass in defense.

Only in the very first minutes, Ajax was in the game. Brian Laudrup, lazy and aloof during almost the entire game, hit the post with a low shot. In the second half the completely invisible Nikos Machlas got one chance from close range and should have rewarded a penalty. But by then, this didn't seem to matter anymore: the apathetic Ajax side had already surrendered, to Fortuna in this game, and to PSV in the league. The second position seemed safe for Ajax, but Feyenoord and FC Twente are now back in the race. The week of Ajax' centenary could not have started more embarrassing.

O'Brien's assist leads US to draw against Tunisia
March 13: The second minute of injury time brought justice for the USA national team in its World Cup-qualifier against Tunisia, played in Birmingham, Alabama. After a corner for the Americans, Ajax player John O'Brien provided an assist to Ben Olsen, who finished easily to bring the sides level. A few seconds later the referee blew the final whistle, after which an exhausted O'Brien said: "When I passed the ball towards Ben, a big smile appeared on his face. Then I just knew he would score."

During the second half the dominant US team deserved the lead, creating a number of good chances. Maher Kanzari spoiled the party by scoring a late goal for the North-Africans (78), which seemed to secure the victory for the Tunisians. However, John O'Brien was not surprised by the good result of his team: "Our second half was much better than our first. The ball circulated better and there was much more movement in the team. We deserved this draw."

Two months ago, Ajax played against Tunisia and lost 2-1.

Verbist to Amsterdam for test only
March 13: Ajax USA, along with several Dutch newspapers, TeleText services and the TV-show 'Studio Sport,' reported that Belgian goalkeeper Bram Verbist was transferring from Germinal Beerschot Antwerp to Ajax. But according to an Ajax.nl press statement, this is not the case. The 16 year old goalkeeper of the Belgium-under-21 team will just come over to Amsterdam for a week-long try-out session in April, which he will combine with a holiday in the Dutch capital.

Young Verbist joins Ajax
March 11: After contracting Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont last week, Ajax has invited young Belgian goalie Verbist over to Amsterdam. On the age of only eighteen, Verbist is the first goalkeeper of the Germinal Beerschot Antwerp team, which Ajax partly owns and can be considered an Ajax branch. Ajax has been following the Belgian since he was tested in Amsterdam last year. Back then, Ajax was already very satisfied about his play. With Fred Grim, Romanian Lobont, Serge van der Ban, Australian Joe Didulica ánd Verbist, Jan Wouters has now got five goalkeepers to choose from.

Arsenal, Barcelona and AS Roma to play in Amsterdam Tournament
March 8: The line-up for this August's Amsterdam Tournament, part of Ajax' centenary, seems to be complete. The participation of Ajax, AS Rome (Italy), and Arsenal (London, England) was already confirmed earlier. FC Barcelona will be the fourth team participating. The tournament will be held in the Arena on August 3, 4 and 5, 2000.

This makes the Amsterdam Tournament into an unofficial Ajax reunion of sorts, since former Ajax and current Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal has snapped up Patrick Kluivert, Jari Litmanen, Frank and Ronald de Boer and Winston Bogarde, and former Ajax forwards Nwankwo Kanu, Dennis Bergkamp and Mark Overmars now play for London's Arsenal.

Romanian goalkeeper Lobont to Ajax
3 March: Ajax has contracted the talented goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont for six years and four months. The 22-year old Romanian goalie is coming from Rapid Bucharest. So far, Lobont has played 13 games for the Romanian national team. After defender Christian Chivu, Lobont is the second Romanian in Ajax' selection. The transfer fee for Lobont was approximately 7 million guilders (just over US$3 million).

Young Ajax player Cedric van der Gun will be loaned out to FC Den Bosch for the rest of this season. (Source: NOS TeleTekst)

O'Brien among selectees for US-Tunisia
3 March: Ajax midfielder John O'Brien has been selected for the U.S. national team's March 12 exhibition game against Tunisia. O'Brien joins defender David Regis, who plays for Metz in France, as the only non-U.S.-based players selected for the 18-man roster. The game will be the first against Tunisia for the United States, which is playing at Birmingham, Ala., for the first time. The Americans start training Monday at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Ajax registers for this summer's Intertoto Cup
March 2: Ajax has registered for this year's Intertoto Cup, a European league taking place during the summer break. The three best teams from the Intertoto Cup qualify for next season's UEFA Cup tournament, which makes Ajax' interest to participate very surprising: Ajax only needs to finish 5th in the KPN Telecompetition to qualify for the UEFA Cup directly. The teams playing in the Intertoto Cup are usually teams that failed to qualify for European Cup football.

An Ajax spokesman stresses that the club has only registrated "out of precaution". "We don't expect our participation to be necessary. We want to qualify for a European tournament directly."

The other Dutch teams that have subscribed so far are SC Heerenveen, RKC, De Graafschap and NEC. Top teams seldom participate in the Intertoto Cup. However, last season Italian team Juventus failed to qualify for any international tournament. They entered the UEFA Cup by winning the Intertoto Cup and are still running for the final.

The Intertoto Cup kicks off on July 1.

Beenhakker Courted to Lead Ajax Youth System
1 March: According to the main Dutch soccer magazine, 'Voetbal International,' Ajax would like to contract current Feyenoord coach Leo Beenhakker as manager of the youth system. Feyenoord chairman Jorien van den Herik does not deny Ajax' interest, but he says: "This is not going to happen just like that. Beenhakker and Feyenoord love each other too much for that." Leo Beenhakker was Ajax head coach in the early eighties. He left to become the coach of the Dutch national team. After a succesful period with Real Madrid, he returned to Ajax in 1989. Two years later he suddenly left for Real Madrid, halfway the season. Michael van Praag then said he felt "betrayed" by Beenhakker.

In the mean time, Ajax should be grateful to Feyenoord for their impressive 1-2 Champions League victory, away to Lazio Rome on Wednesday night. If Lazio had won their home tie against the Rotterdammers, they would have been unbeaten for 19 consecutive games. After losing against Feyenoord, the Champions League record of 19 consecutive games without a defeat remains in hand of... Ajax.

No 'Royal' Title for Ajax
February 26: Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands, has denied Ajax' request to grant the club the 'Royal' title on March 18, when Ajax celebrates its centenary. The Dutch State Information Service (RVD) has not revealed the reason for the rejection.

The Amsterdam city-council confirms that Ajax has made the request. Formally, city-councils have to forward the requests to the Queen, but the council does not confirm that that has actually happened in this case. The RVD stated on Friday, that the request has never officially reached them. Ajax is disappointed about the Queen's decision. Spokesman Van Leeuwen says: "It would have been a great birthday present".

Dutch Football Association (KNVB) was granted the 'Royal' title in 1929. Since the granting policy became more rigid some years ago, it is sheer impossible for individual members of royal associations to be granted the title as well. Amateur clubs HFC from Haarlem and UD from Deventer are the only two royal football clubs in Holland. They received their titles before the policy became as strict as it is now. Four years ago, 100-year old Willem II's request was denied.

Van Leeuwen: "HFC and UD were granted their titles during the reign of Queen Juliana. Since Beatrix succeeded her, not one single sports club was granted the 'Royal' title anymore." (Source: de Volkskrant)

FC Den Bosch vs. Ajax Cancelled by Mayor
February 24: The mayor of the town of Den Bosch has cancelled the FC Den Bosch vs Ajax league match scheduled for this Sunday. His decision came after the F-Side and the Independent Fanclub Ajax (OFA) announced their plans to use the game in Den Bosch as an opportunity to continue their protest actions against the so called "combi ruling." That ruling obliges supporters attending away-games to buy a combined stadium ticket and bus/train ticket, which makes independent travelling to away-games impossible.

Last weekend, several fanatical supporters groups protested in Tilburg. Although the demonstration by Ajax fans remained peaceful, the Den Bosch mayor does not want to run the risk of the protest actions escalating into unruly behavior. Dutch Football Association KNVB has now officially postponed FC Den Bosch - Ajax to Tuesday, April 4th. (Source: NOS-TeleTekst)

Ajax convincing in 2-1 win over De Graafschap; Feyenoord slip again
20 February: The result, against KPN Telecompetition's number 13, might give a different impression, but the 2-1 win over De Graafschap was one of the best Ajax performances of this season. Particularly in the first half, the Amsterdam team displayed the attacking patterns, the attitude and the technical skill that - by fits and starts - made the 43,500 spectators think of the 'good old days'.

Ajax' early misstep (Finnish striker Väisänen gave De Graafschap a 4th minute lead) turned out to be nothing more than an insignificant accident. Nikos Machlas equalized only three minutes later (7), firing home from close range, after a Dani corner. The equalizer was the start of a surprisingly good first half, in which Dani, Jesper Grønkjær and Nikos Machlas excelled. The latter seems to have regained his goal-scoring feeling and beautifully offered Dani the chance to place a low shot behind goalie Olyslager (23).

The second half was not as sparkling as the first, but still showed a determined, fanatical Ajax team, creating a handful of good chances. The best one was missed by Brian Laudrup, standing inches from an empty goal. Dani, Machlas, Grønkjær and Winter missed great opportunities as well - all of them coming from beautiful play by Ajax. The only man on the pitch that had the power to spoil Ajax' party was referee Hugo Luyten. And he did so, sending Christian Chivu off for the fourth (!) time this season (86). The young Romanian's tackles are often reckless, but when showing the red card, Luyten seemed inspired by Chivu's reputation more than by his tackle against Tchangai.

This weekend was excellent for Ajax: PSV won its game against Vitesse (3-2), but numbers 3 to 6 in the table all lost two or three points, including Feyenoord; the Rotterdammers lost 2-1 against Co Adriaanse's Willem II.

Ajax stop the bleeding with 3-1 win over Willem II
February 13: Co Adriaanse, whose name was yelled by the F-Side for months, has probably dreamed of a Willem II victory in the ArenA. That would have been his ultimate application for Jan Wouters' job. It didn't work out for the ambitious Willem II coach, who saw his team lose 3-1 to a hard working, but still disorganized, Ajax squad.

The players who showed a poor attitude in the PSV game, were particularly working hard: Dani, Laudrup and Grønkjær. Their play was in no way brilliant, but they looked determined, which made the difference. In a boring first half, Moroccan striker Yassine Abdellaoui had put the Tilburg team in the lead, by converting a penalty (36). A new disaster looked close, but - still in the first half - Nikos Machlas headed the equalizer past goalie De Vlieger (41).

After the break, Ajax created more chances and displayed more self-esteem. Dani (2 times) and Machlas could have given Ajax the lead, but it was Richard Knopper who did it (56), beautifully curling a free kick behind stand in-goalie Van Fessem, who replaced his injured collegue during the break. Dani, playing well in the second half, added a third (67). After having scored, both Knopper and Dani ran straight to the dug-out, celebrating their goals with their criticized trainer. On the other side, Fred Grim brilliantly saved a Delano Hill header, after which Willem II seemed to accept the defeat. American John O'Brien returned to action for Ajax, replacing the injured Ferdi Vierklau after only four minutes.

This victory was extremely important for Ajax and Jan Wouters. The clash of league leaders, Heerenveen vs. PSV, was won by the Eindhoven team 0-3, while Feyenoord drew against Vitesse (3-3). After a series of very difficult games, some relatively easy ones are coming up. Ajax is now second on the table, four points behind their Eindhoven rivals.

Wouters survives, for now
11 February: Head coach Jan Wouters has 'survived' today's press conference in the ArenA. Chairman Michael van Praag emphasized that the board does not solely blame Wouters for the bad results, stating that the situation will be judged "from day to day." (Sounds like the infamous "He has our full support" endorsement.)

General manager Frank Kales' made a statement about Danny Blind's resignation as manager of player policy: "Six weeks ago, Danny revealed that he didn't enjoy his work. We've talked about it a lot, but it couldn't keep him from leaving. I want to make clear that, if Danny might consider coming back, the door is always wide open for him." About Jan Wouters, Kales said: "We've started this season with a team of trainers and managers. We intend to leave that team intact for at least one season."
- Source: NOS Sportjournaal, Dutch television

Brian Laudrup turns down place for Denmark in Euro 2000
10 February: Ajax midfielder Brian Laudrup has told Denmark's coach Bo Johansson that he will not be joining his squad for the Euro 2000 championships. Laudrup retired from national team duty after the 1998 World Cup in France, where Denmark lost to runners-up Brazil in the quarter-finals to Brazil. Laudrup scored 21 goals in 82 appearances for Denmark.

KPN Telecompetitie: Ajax suffers defeat of historic proportions in Eindhoven
10 February: On what will be remembered as a black day in Ajax history, the proud Amsterdam club suffered its biggest and heaviest defeat in over fifteen years, losing 4-0 to league leaders and perrenial rivals PSV in Eindhoven.

PSV's blazing start was an exact reversal of Ajax's fortunes from last Sunday's game against Cambuur, when Ajax jumped out to a quick and unsurmountable lead. This time Ajax was the victim, down 3-0 after only 16 minutes. Mark van Bommel fired past the unconvincing Ajax goalie Fred Grim from over twenty yards (6), after which Ruud van Nistelrooy doubled the score, tipping in a Bouma attempt from close range (13). And then referee Dick Jol punished Ajax by rewarding a Van Nistelrooy stumble with a penalty. The striker regained his form quickly enough, putting away the spot-chance himself (16).

Ajax was lucky that PSV made the same mistake as Ajax did against Cambuur. The Eindhoven team didn't have to do any better than 3-0, while Ajax just couldn't do any better. The pitiful-looking Amsterdam team was unable to create one single chance in 90 minutes' time. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who already scored three times against Ajax in the ArenA earlier this season, made it 4-0 with a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty box (84).

The similarity between Ajax-Cambuur and PSV-Ajax was striking, but Cambuur is a poor team, fighting against relegation. Ajax has spent 40 million dollars on new players, but has now dropped to the fourth position in the table and has won only one game out of the last twelve. Ajax supporters watching the live broadcast on Canal+ saw coach Jan Wouters suppressing his tears. He was asked for an explanation, but had nothing more to say than: "Not now. Please."

Tomorrow, at 11:30, the Ajax board has announced a press conference in the ArenA, supposedly to comments on Danny Blind's resignation. After Ajax' sixth consecutive defeat to PSV in league play, there is a fair chance that Danny Blind will not be tomorrow's only subject.

The "heart and soul" of Ajax to quit
09 February: F-Side supporters are singing "Sack Jan Wouters" at every game, but Ajax' head coach is still in place. However, his collegues are beginning to leave one after the other. Danny Blind resigned only three days ago. And today, Ajax' 65 year old trainer-assistant Bobby Haarms announced that he will step down from his long-held position at his beloved club at the end of this season, making way for a younger coach.

Bobby Haarms has worked for Ajax for 32 years, and has witnessed all of Ajax' international successes. He was the "eternal assistant," always working on the background, with numerous head coaches. The so called "Bobby training" is legendary: a special, extremely heavy Bobby Haarms session, would be the last task for players recovering from an injury, before returning to the squad.

Ajax USA's Jim with his idol, Bobby Haarms.

"I want to make more time for my wife, my children and myself," said Haarms. "I'm almost 66 now. I want to use the years I've got left to enjoy life and have fun." Even though an Ajax spokesman has said that Haarms will probably stay active for Ajax as a scout, saying goodbye to the immensely popular Bobby Haarms will definitely be emotional for the fans. On the occasion, they'll probably remember Michael van Praag's famous words: "Bobby Haarms is not an Ajacied. He is Ajax."

Blind resigns
07 February: Former Ajax captain Danny Blind (38) has resigned as Ajax' manager of player policy. Ajax has not given any comment on Blind's surprising resignation. According to rumours, Blind's relationship with head coach Jan Wouters was far from perfect. There'll be no direct successor for Blind.

His resignation marks the end of Blind's twenty year career with Ajax, which started in 1980, when Blind was tranferred from Sparta to Ajax. In the eighties, Danny Blind won a handful of national titles and KNVB Cups with Ajax. His international career started unluckily: he missed the final of Ajax' Cup Winners' Cup victory in 1987 due to an ankle injury. The year after, Ajax played the same Cup Final, but Blind was sent off after 15 minutes. He was with the Holland national squad that won Euro 1988, but did not play one single minute.

The nineties brought him the success he deserved: as Ajax' team captain, he won three consecutive national titles, the UEFA Cup in 1992 and the Champions' League in 1995. In November '95, he scored the decisive penalty in Ajax' shoot-out against Gremio, winning the World Cup for his team. This summer, the supporters emotionally said goodbye to Danny Blind, as he had announced his decision to end his impressive playing career. Ajax signed him as manager of player policy in order to make use of his knowledge of football.

- Source: AT5 and NOS Tele Text

Ajax Centennial celebration plans announced
January 24: On March 18, exactly a hundred years after the three gentlemen Stempel, Reeser and Dade founded the AFC Ajax in an Amsterdam bar, the club will start celebrating its centennial party. A special party committee has revealed the plans for a "modest, but still spectacular" celebration. Ajax chairman Michael van Praag: "Every Ajacied, either within or outside the club, will be part of it."

The celebrations include yout football tournaments, the production of an official Ajax movie, a 'Game Of Honour' just before Christmas, a specially brewed Ajax champagne, a special edition of the traditional Amsterdam Tournament in August, a concert by the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra in the Amsterdam Concert Hall and a special Ajax musical, due on April 17 and 18 in the Amsterdam City Theatre. Staying true to the tradition of Ajax 10th and 50th anniversary, the musical will feature members, board and even players on stage.

The scheduled league game against FC Twente, on March 19, will be played in the original Ajax jerseys, without numbers and sponsor names. Finally, a beautiful book will be issued on March 18, which can already be ordered by phone, via Ajax Direct: +31 900 200 2200. (Source: Ajax.nl)

This archive of news announcements was begun on 07 February, 2000.