All posts by Will Burns

NEWS, TRANSFERS

Tottenham linked to young Ajax defender

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Prior to the World Cup and before every other player in The Netherlands squad was being linked with moves away, Ajax Director of Football, Marc Overmars issued a warning to Premier League clubs that Joel Veltman would not be leaving the Amsterdam ArenA. Despite the hands-off warning, the 22-year-old and links to the Premier League just won’t go away writes Robbie Dunne.

The Dutch centre-back is seen as a long term solution to Spurs’ issues at the back and amid growing worries over Younes Kaboul’s fitness, it appears they need youth and depth in their ranks. Their other centre-half options are Vlad Chiriches, who had a very good debut season in the Premiership, Michael Dawson, won is almost 31 and has injury woes of his own, and Jan Vertonghen, who is an Ajax Academy player himself and has been linked with moves away, along with not being happy to have been played out of position under Tim Sherwood and Andre Villas Boas.

Veltman played 25 times for Ajax last season and had more impressive stats than every centre-half option in the Spurs’ squad aside from Michael Dawson, who played seven more games.

Veltman moved to Ajax in 2001, having grown up in Velsen, Holland. He made his debut for the first team in 2012 and has been involved in their last two campaigns, last campaign his time on the field saw a dramatic incline, having only featured seven times in in the 2012/13 season. With Ajax having won the Eredivisie yet again, they are set to play Champions League football and with this exposure to the European game, Veltman’s rise is set to continue.

While he possesses the same characteristics that seem innate in so many young Dutch footballers, like being comfortable on the ball, being able to pass out of defense, he is also good in the air and strong in the tackle.

Having spoken with many Dutch experts, they see it increasingly unlikely that a summer move from Ajax will happen, seeing as Veltman is set to anchor Ajax’s first team yet again and needs more time to develop to the demands of the Premier League.

So, all the links to teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs are just wishful thinking? That remains the pressing question. Can Veltman afford to perhaps spend a season in the middle of his development on the bench? Would Arsenal, Spurs or Manchester United be better off allowing him to develop his talents further, arrange a fee perhaps in January and allow Veltman transition into his role as a superstar in the Premier League.

While the development of such a player remains a priority, it would be wise for the clubs looking at the classy centre-back to arrange a fee before the €3.5 million he is valued at turns into a fee that is astronomically higher.

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NEWS, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, TRANSFERS

WHO IS SOUTHAMPTON’S NEW SIGNING DUSAN TADIC?

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Ronald Koeman has made FC Twente winger Dušan Tadić his first signing at Premier League side Southampton. The Dutchman has parted with up to £11million to bring the winger to the St. Marys Stadium. Earlier this month, Southampton saw their player of the season, Adam Lallana leave for Liverpool in a massive £25million move. Tadić will be set to fill the England international’s boots, for almost a third of the price and he may turn out to be the perfect replacement writes Will Burns.

Dusan Tadic 2

WHO IS DUSAN TADIC?

Dušan Tadić started out in his hometown with local side FK AIK Bačka Topola and was quickly picked up by top Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina in 2002 at aged 12. After moving through the youth ranks, he made his full debut at aged 18.

Tadić’s life in the Netherlands began in the summer of 2010 when he joined FC Groningen for just over €1 million. By the time he had turned 21, the left winger had impressed Groningen’s sporting director Hans Nijland scoring 29 goals in 107 outgoings over four seasons, and also making his international debut just 19-years old.

Nijland was the man that signed a little known Uruguayan striker called Luis Suarez a few years earlier and had reportedly seen off Sampdoria, CSKA Moscow and even Marseille for Tadić’s signature.

Tadić rapidly adapted to life in Holland and repaid the transfer fee over the two seasons playing 68 games notching 14 times. A star was born and in the April of 2012, FC Twente, then managed by Englishman Steve McClaren, made a huge €7.7 million bid for the Serb. The move was made official in the summer transfer window in July of that year.

In a dream start for Tadić, he scored twice against his former club Groningen on his first appearance, becoming an instant hit in Enschede. However, it was last season where the winger made his strongest impact. He was named Twente’s player of the season after scoring 16 goals in 33 games adding 14 assists in the process.

After missing the opening day of the 2013/14 season due to injury, his finest performance of the campaign may well have been the week after. It was a match at the rabid venue called ‘De Kuip’, the home of Dutch giants Feyenoord. Twente walked out of Rotterdam that day 4-1 winners against a Ronald Koeman managed side. Mr. Tadić was named man of the match after scoring two penalties and creating the other two. That result and performance may very well establish why Koeman wants to make the Serbian international his first signing at Southampton.

WHAT DOES TADIC BRING TO THE SAINTS?

A technically gifted left-winger, the two greatest talents at Tadić’s disposal is his exceptional passing and accurate crossing. Throughout his career in the Dutch top flight, his deliveries from corners and free-kicks have resulted in many goals being scored. Combine this with the capability to cut inside and carve up any defence with a killer ball, provides you of the main reasons for his many assists.

He will find space with his great movement and also has the uncanny talent to trick his opponent into the other direction, to gain that extra yard to accelerate past and supply the cross. If he cannot find a way to navigate past a full-back, he will look to swerve the ball past the player and into the box.

Tadić also has the benefit of being a good decision maker and is considerate with his play. If he sees a colleague in a superior position, then the ball will be played into his team-mate, no doubt about it. If he sees trouble ahead, then the ball will be turned around and played behind him so that his team keeps the possession.

Koeman may make the decision to drop Tadić into the middle of the park, behind the striker and the Serbian will feel right at home in the no. 10 role. He will keep the ball on the grass, feeding into his striker’s awaiting feet or patiently holding up play for the wingers to overlap and approach the area.

One thing is for sure is that I can see Dušan Tadić creating chances for the Saints. If Southampton go ahead and sign Graziano Pellè too, then the Italian will certainly thrive off the crosses that will be heading his way.

THE STATS (provided by OPTA’s Martijn Hilhorst)

Let’s see how Tadić compares with the rest of Europe when creating chances?

CC's_in_Europe

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EREDIVISIE, NEWS, TRANSFERS

The Freddy Adu world tour continues at AZ Alkmaar

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So Freddy Adu, has hit another country on his world tour. This trial is at AZ, and there is very few players in USA soccer history who are as decisive as Freddy.

When Freddy was forced upon the scene in the States the sport was very different. We didn’t have as many teams as we do now, there were teams in Miami and Tampa in the MLS, and there wasn’t an academy system. And 14 year olds weren’t being drafted playing in the major leagues. More on that later. For those who are wondering why Freddy has landed in AZ, their technical director is former DC United player Earnie Stewart, who knows Freddy from their days at DC United, and Earnie will take American National Team players, he had Jozy Altidore before he went off to Sunderland.

Freddy was forced upon the American soccer community at 14 because the sport was looking for their next great player. At 14 he was “drafted” by DC United, and put right into the first team, without going overseas to learn the sport in an academy. DC United was managed by Bruce Arena, who had been a successful career in college winning titles. He knew how to develop young talent. It wasn’t long before DC United had given up on Freddy (Bruce left for the US National Team), he was traded with current US National team third goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake, in 2006. During his three year career with DC United 2004-06 he played in two All Star games, and generally being a young under-developed player. He would play only one year with Real Salt Lake before being transfer in 2007 to Benfica, who would then loan him to AS Monaco, then to Belenenses, to Aris, and his final was to Rizespor in Turkey.

With his European dreams smashed, and becoming a journeymen Freddy gave the MLS another chance, coming back as a DP to the Philadelphia Union, (Designated Player, the MLS has a salary cap, they can pay three players above the salary cap, paid by the league). His return to the MLS was also deemed a failure and was transferred by the Union to a Brazilian second division club Bahia. Freddy, saw three coaches in a month get fired after he came in, and shortly after that he was free transferred by the club on November 7, 2013.  By February of the next year Freddy was on trial with Blackpool, who didn’t sign him, and Stabaek of the First Division in Norway who is managed by former USA National Team Manager Bob Bradley. Since the record is that Freddy didn’t stick at any club, he’s at AZ now looking to hold on.

The kid who was nicknamed the “Next Pele” is still only 24, and if someone got a hold of him, righted his mind, could turn him into a decent player. Adu has talent, he’s a good to decent free kick taker, and has some passing ability. Also with some of his trials he’s picked up some defensive skills. The two major problems with Freddy is he’s very small, and very immature. He believes the hype surrounding himself, and carries himself as a well known player who has made it. Even though he hasn’t.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Twente coach states Tadic is joining Southampton

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FC Twente coach Alfred Schreuder has declared that Dušan Tadić’s impending move to Ronald Koeman’s Southampton should be finalised soon.

Dusan Tadic 2

This past afternoon, Twente defeated Dutch amateur side VV Oldenzaal 14-1 in a pre-season friendly and Tadić was nowhere to be seen. When questioned on his whereabouts, Twente coach Alfred Schreuder, speaking to RTVOost.nl stated that “Everyone knows he is close to an agreement, we did not want to take a chance with him.”

The interviewer then suggested that could the Serbian be moving to Southampton and Schreuder replied: “There is a big chance that will happen”.

It is reported that the fee will be around €12million and the player will sign a four or five year commitment.

It was understood that La Liga side Sevilla were also interested in the winger but have pulled out of the move due to financial reasons.

Stay posted to TotalDutchFootball.com as we will have more on this story and explain exactly what Tadić will bring to the Saints next season.

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NETHERLANDS, NEWS, ORANJE, WORLD CUP

Van Gaal explains Krul and Cillessen switch

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For any other manager and it would be classed as a bizarre gamble but not Louis van Gaal.

Last night, with the game producing no goals and entering stoppage time at the end of extra time, Van Gaal replaced first choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul. The decision proved to be a tactical master stroke as Krul went on to save spot-kicks from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana to secure the Netherlands a 4-3 penalty shootout victory and a semi-final clash on Wednesday night against Argentina in Sao Paulo.

Van Gaal stated after the match that Cillessen was not aware of the possible substitution because he did not want to “ruin the preparation” of the Ajax stopper.

“Thankfully it worked out because otherwise I’d have made the wrong tactical change.”

LOUIS VAN GAAL

Cillessen has made no mistakes for the Dutch so far and even made a decisive last gasp save to prevent the Costa Ricans from snatching the victory last night. However out of the four goals that Cillessen has conceded in the tournament, two of which have been penalty kicks. After weighing up this and Newcastle’s Tim Krul impressing at the training camp, the Manchester United manager made the huge decision to exchange them with seconds of  extra-time remaining.

Proud of his actions, the Oranje coach said: “We found that among our three goalkeepers that Krul was the best at saving penalties because he has a longer reach. So we studied the Costa Rican penalties and you can see that Krul guessed the right way every time. I am really pleased that the decision paid off.”

Although, for the first time this tournament, we did see some unrest in the Dutch camp with the substitution decision. Once taken off, many witnessed Cillessen booting water bottles on the touchline and had to be consoled by team-mates. Watching from the sideline, it did not take long for Cillessen to get over his disappointment of being substituted as raced on the pitch and punched the air in celebration once Krul has performed his heroics.

The decision was a huge risk but the more intimidating Krul seemed to upset the Costa Ricans before each penalty was taken. In a true example of gamesmanship, the Newcastle keeper would talk to each player before they lined up their shot, and proceeded to jump up and down on the line to make himself fill out the goalmouth.

It worked a treat as Krul looked super confident during the shootout, saving the second and fifth penalties. Afterwards, Krul stated that is he was delighted with his role.

Krul, talking to De Telegraaf, stated “Tonight I have realised a dream and what I experienced out there is an incredible emotion. The coach had warned me it may happen and I was fully prepared, as I knew that I may have had this opportunity.”

Van Gaal has announced, although he was thrilled with Krul’s shootout performance, Cillessen would keep his place in the starting line-up. “There is no question about who will start next game, it will be Cillessen.”

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NETHERLANDS, ORANJE, WORLD CUP

Van Gaal’s gamble is Krul on Costa Rica

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Netherlands win 4-3 on penalties

Keylor Navas was the star of the show, making a string of saves keeping the Dutch at bay in a groundhog day type match for the Oranje. However, Tim Krul proved to steal the headlines after another ballsy move from Louis van Gaal paid off, and the Dutch will face Argentina next Wednesday in the semi-finals.

With a versatile squad at his disposal, Louis van Gaal again rang the changes as Oranje lined up to play the Costa Ricans tonight. We saw the return of Bruno Martins Indi for the first time since suffering a concussion against Australia in the group stages. Young PSV prodigy Memphis Depay joined the starting line-up as Dirk Kuyt moved into right-wing back with Daley Blind sitting on the left.

Although the Dutch enjoyed the majority of the possession early on, they failed to break down the hard-working Costa Rica. Jorge Luis Pinto noticed this and made a tweak, pushing Joel Campbell out to the right to use his pace in defence and stop the Dutch attacks down that side as team captain Bryan Ruiz, trudges over to the centre.

We had to wait until 22 minutes of play to see the first real chance, and it was a lovely move from Van Gaal’s men. Kuyt received the ball high up on the right wing and subsequently slotted in Depay on the edge of the area. The PSV winger unselfishly laid the ball into Robin van Persie who blasted towards goal. One of the contender for ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ Keylor Navas, parried the shot away into the path of Wesley Sneijder, who drove a low shot which the Costa Rican stopper again halted from entering the net.

Just before the half-hour mark, the in-form Navas was called into action again. Bryan Ruiz was forced into a mistake by Stefan de Vrij and in turn lost to the ball to Van Persie. The Manchester United striker surged forward and dished out to a sprinting Depay cutting in from the left. Unfortunately for youngster, his early low drive at goal was stopped by the Levante keeper’s feet.

Navas has a release clause in his contract of €8m and has been linked with Monaco, Atletico Madrid among others and once again was denying Holland on 38 minutes. After Junior Diaz have picked up a booking for pulling back Arjen Robben, Sneijder took the resulting free-kick from around 30 yards out. The Galatasaray man hit the shot perfectly but the agile Navas leapt across the goal to palm in it out for a corner, and made sure that the sides went into half-time goal less.

After a cautious beginning to the second-half, the Costa Ricans started to get into the game. Always looking good from set-pieces, Costa Rica had a great chance to take the lead just after the hour mark. Giancarlo González headed over a wonderful whipping deep ball from a Christian Bolaños free-kick. In a similar move ten minutes later, Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar nodded over a Wesley Sneijder cross at the opposite end.

The Costa Ricans were frustrating Van Gaal’s men and trying to counter attack when they could and Holland lacked urgency needed for a World Cup quarter final. The Dutch were finding it harder and harder as the clock ran down to break open the Navas’ defence. Navas was finally beaten on 83 minutes but he was saved by the post. After Gonzalez tugged on Robben’s shirt on the edge of the box, Sneijder’s resultant free-kick smashed off the post.

Around half a minute later, Navas stopped a great Van Persie effort to send the neutrals inside the jam-packed Arena Fonte Nova into raptures, cheering on every save the Levante man made.

With a few minutes to go, in an unusual moment, Van Persie miss kicked an excellent ball from Sneijder to flabbergast the crowd. The ball was put on a plate for the Man United forward just two yards out, it was a poor miss for a man of his quality.

After that shock, the fans were left in more disbelief deep into stoppage time. After a RVP free-kick was comfortably punched away by Navas, the ball fell to Daley Blind on the left wing. He fired a low ball across the front of goal which everyone missed but fell perfectly for Van Persie again at the back post. Van Persie blasted a shot at goal and somehow it was flicked up onto the bar by Yeltsin Tejeda.

Usual play resumed once extra time began as Navas saved a Ron Vlaar power header at goal from a corner. Minutes later, the underdogs had a weak penalty shout as Marco Ureña was protesting that Vlaar had fouled him in the area, however, Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov waved away appeals.

After Sneijder rattled the crossbar, the clock wore down and the inevitable was happening, the dreaded penalty shootout. With this in mind, Van Gaal then pulled a massive call out of the bag as the new Manchester United boss as subbed goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Newcastle United’s Tim Krul in the final moments of extra time.

There was a reason why…

Krul guessed the right way for every penalty and saved Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umaña’s efforts as Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt dispatched their shots to clinch the semi-final slot.

It was a massive move by Van Gaal and our English readers better get used to it. Van Gaal is going to be the new Manchester United manager and he does not care who he upsets to get the success he so dearly wants. Every gamble this World Cup has come off so far, he’s on a roll.

TEAMS

NETHERLANDS: Cillessen (Krul 120), De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi (Huntelaar 106), Kuyt, Blind, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Depay (Lens 76), Van Persie, Robben.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Martins Indi 64, Huntelaar 110.

COSTA RICA: Navas, Acosta, Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Bolanos, Diaz, Gamboa (Myrie 79), Tejeda (Cubero 97), Ruiz, Campbell (Ureña 66).

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Diaz 38, Umana 52, Gonzalez 81.

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ORANJE

Investigating Nigel de Jong’s injury

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Holland midfielder Nigel De Jong was forced to leave the pitch with a groin injury 9 minutes into the match against Mexico. It has been confirmed that he had a groin tear and is out the World Cup for rehabilitation writes Reema Chandarana.

At AposTherapy, we treat groin injuries as they commonly affect the gait pattern. A groin tear is a rupture of the inner muscles of the thigh called the adductor group. This group is made up of six muscles of the inner leg. They are responsible for pulling the legs together and other movements of the hip. These groin muscles are commonly pulled due to overstretching caused by rapid lateral movement of the thigh, especially affecting athletes during sprinting. In rare cases, this injury can result in a full rupture, requiring surgery to reattach the torn muscle.

“An MRI examination at hospital confirmed that Nigel de Jong is struggling with a tear in his groin muscle,” the KNVB said in a statement. From this statement, it appears that De Jong has a grade 3 groin strain (link to Gemma’s hamstring blog). As he limped off the pitch it was evidently painful to walk. With this type of injury, swelling is expected with increased pain on high impact activities such as running.

In the first 3 days post injury, PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation) would be advised. The Netherlands physiotherapy team in Brazil would have introduced a rehabilitation programme to get De Jong back playing as soon as possible. It is suspected that De Jong will be out of play between 2 and 4 weeks. During this time, his rehabilitation will be graduated towards sports specific drills and plyometric exercises until he is fit to return to play.

De Jong tweeted: “Devastated with the news about my injury. Sadly enough this is part of the sport as well. Will work hard on my recovery now and keep hope.” He is out of the World Cup, however, we wish him good luck towards his recovery for next season.

COMMENTS & INSIGHT – GROIN INJURY. From Dr Ralph Rogers

Groin tears to the adductors can be very tricky. These injuries are not straightforward and I have seen these injuries last for months. It really depends on where the tear has taken place as well. Is it at the tendo-osseous junction – where the tendon meets the bone? Is it in the belly of the muscle? These are the questions that will determine the prognosis. In addition, treating these injuries is not as simple as PRICE Principle. There are innovative new treatments available for tears to the muscle, such as Platelet Rich Plasma. This treatment could also be of benefit in increasing healing time and decreasing the amount of scar tissue when healing. In my experience with injuries like this, if this player is lucky it will be more like four to six weeks before he is match fit. In any event, we wish him well with his rehabilitation and I look forward to seeing him play in future tournaments.

Dr. Ralph Rogers  MD PhD MBA

FACN FECSS FACSM FFSEM

Consultant in Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine

Website – www.ralphrogers.com

Twitter – @DrRalphRogers

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW: Former Dunfermline & FC Twente striker Jack de Gier

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Last week, Scottish football writer Paul Dykes caught up with former Cambuur, Go Ahead Eagles, Dunfermline, FC Twente and NEC Nijmegen striker Jack de Gier to talk about his past football career on the pitch, on the touchline and how the Oranje will fare for the remainder of the World Cup.

It is now twenty-six years since the Netherlands blazed a trail around Europe as a new generation of Dutch masters emerged to win their country its first major football title.  Ruud Gullit’s ‘bullet’ header and Marco van Basten’s ferocious volley are burnt into the memory of every one of the 72,308 supporters who were in the Olympiastadion in Munich on that glorious day in June 1988.

One such fan was nineteen-year-old Den Bosch hopeful, Jack de Gier, who looked on from the terracing as Rinus Michels’ men overcame the Soviet Union 2-0 to win Euro ’88 and the former  striker recalls that iconic victory vividly: “The first competition I remember was the 1974 World Cup finals and Johan Cruijff was my hero from that time.  I was in Germany for the 1988 final, it was just before I started my career at Den Bosch.  Van Basten and Gullit were the masters; I will never forget the goals they scored.  We were celebrating for days!  The Dutch were in a flow that year, as PSV won the European Cup against Benfica.  I was brought up near Eindhoven so  PSV were my favorite team.”

As well as being a keen football fan in the late eighties, de Gier started to shine on the field and he soon inherited the number nine Den Bosch jersey from the departed Hans Gillhaus.  After three prolific years, Jack was on the move himself and the next homegrown goalscorer to fill his boots was none other than Ruud van Nistelrooy.

De Gier was transferred to SC Cambuur and it was whilst he was in Leeuwarden that he first worked with a Scottish coach who would leave an indelible impression on the Dutch marksman, as Jack explained, “I felt really good the moment Jimmy Calderwood became my manager.  He was involved throughout my whole career.  His enthusiasm and bluffing was what I liked.  His tactics were very offensive, which suited me.  He got the best out of me.”

After a brief spell at Go Ahead Eagles, Jack rekindled his association with Calderwood at Willem II, where they were reunited with ex-Cambuur colleague, Jaap Stam, before de Gier accepted an ill-fated transfer to Belgium with Lierse: “The team played very defensively and that was not my style so I left the club quickly.  There was contact with Saint-Étienne in France, PSV Eindhoven in Holland and Everton in England and I almost signed for PSV.  I was still in touch with Jimmy Calderwood and one week before the start of the league campaign, his striker did his cruciate.  Jimmy knew that I was unhappy in Belgium so he phoned and asked me to join him again at NEC Nijmegen.”

NEC and de Gier were a match made in heaven and he was quickly christened “Jackie Goal” by the Nijmegen supporters but Jack’s delight was short-lived as his mentor, Jimmy Calderwood, accepted an offer to join Dunfermline Athletic back in his native Scotland in 1999: “I was very disappointed.  I knew that Dunfermline had to get up to the Premier League and Kris Mampaey was a friend of mine so I started to look at their results.  I was desperate to play in England or Scotland because it was the way I liked to play.  Jimmy and I phoned each other just to talk and then he asked me to think about coming to Dunfermline.  He said the team and club would fit me.  I agreed and decided to come over and take a look.  When I came over in April (2001), I wanted to sign straight away.  I liked the town, the stadium and Dalgety Bay, where I looked for an apartment.”

Calderwood had already instilled a distinct Dutch influence in his squad with Michel Doesburg, Rob Matthaei and Marco Ruitenbeek having recently been acquired but the Pars had misfired during the 2000-2001 season and missed out on a top six finish in the Premier League.  When 32-year-old Jack de Gier arrived for a reported £300,000 fee in the close season, he was in no doubt about the task in hand, as he explained, “We wanted to finish in the top six and I had a goal to score a minimum of twenty.  Pre season was not good for me because I had a fever but when the league started I scored two goals directly (against Motherwell in a 5-2 victory).   I just wanted to be a member of the team and not only with the Dutch players.  Davie Nicholls, Nipper, Potts, Craw, Dan Dair, Little Bassie, Gary Mason, Fergie, Petrie… they were all great guys.  I had a really great time.”

After an emphatic opening day victory against Motherwell at East End Park, it looked as though Jimmy Calderwood had made a shrewd signing in Jack de Gier and Jimmy admitted last year that he had it in him to become a Dunfermline goalscoring legend.  The admiration is mutual, as Jack spoke of his four-time manager in glowing terms, “Jimmy made me feel good.  He was my second dad.  He knew best what I was capable of.”

Dunfermline went on to finish sixth in the Premier League that season as Calderwood continued to build a side capable of competing for major domestic honours but Jack de Gier did not hit his target of twenty goals, as he left Scotland after just fourteen appearances for the Pars.  His final act in a Dunfermline jersey was to grab another brace against Saint Johnstone, signing off at East End Park as he had begun just three months previously.  His five goals gave Pars fans a glimpse of what might have been but homesickness ended the all-too-fleeting Dunfermline career of a cult hero: “I had got used to the Scottish game and then unfortunately I had to move.  At that moment I was fit and I still feel bad that I left when I did.  FC Twente phoned me and paid a lot of money to Dunfermline for a striker of my age.  It was also good money for myself but the main reason I left was my son, Robbie.  I missed him so much.  When the move back home was close, I was sitting in the stand at East End Park.  It was cold but I was sitting in my shorts.  I didn’t want to leave the club but Robbie pulled me over.  I still regret that, not for my son but for my career.  I really missed DAFC.  I’ll never forget the proud supporters.”

Although Dunfermline made a profit on the sale of Jack de Gier, it wasn’t long before financial woes began to creep into the very fabric of East End Park, a situation that culminated in the club entering administration last year.  De Gier was saddened by events that almost buried the club he loves as he explained, “I’m still in touch with Nipper (Scott Thomson) and with Dan (Jason) Dair on Facebook and my contacts kept me informed.  The trouble started after I left and it was a problem for many years.  I was sad for everyone who has DAFC in their heart but all the supporters stuck together and didn’t let the club down.”

After his playing days ended, Jack de Gier moved into coaching with SVZ Wierden, FC Blauw-Wit Amsterdam and NEC Nijmegen and completed his Uefa Pro Licence last year.  He hopes that some day, he may even emulate his old comrade Jimmy Calderwood and travel back to Fife: “I still have DAFC in my heart and will never forget the great time I had.  The fans stay behind the club in good and bad times and together they will come back to the level they all deserve.  And if they ever want a Dutch coach who loves the club, they can just call Jackie Goal!”

Jack de Gier was born in the midst of the Total Football Dutch revolution and enjoyed watching its main protagonist using it to maximum effect in 1988 to win his country their only major honour to date.  Like many Pars fans, Jack is currently enjoying the action from Brazil in this summer’s World Cup Finals and he hopes a second trophy can be added to the international cabinet: “They have Louis van Gaal and that is all they need.  I was surprised by the 5-1 victory against Spain.  I think we can get to the final.  It will be difficult of course but we are the Dutch!  I hope I am celebrating on the canals in Amsterdam on the 14th of July.”

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Finnbogason leaves for La Liga

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After notching a massive 29 goals in 32 appearances last season for Heerenveen, Icelandic hitman Alfred Finnbogason has clinched a move to the La Liga and Real Sociedad.

The talks between the two clubs have been ongoing throughout the summer, and after an unconfirmed £10m bid from Fulham rejected in the winter, Heerenveen accepted a much lower reported €8m bid from the Basque side. A further €2.5m made be paid out based on future performances from the player.

Finnbogason having passed a medical in San Sebastian this morning, put pen to paper on a four year deal, with an official presentation to be held later this week.

The striker finished top scorer in the Eredivisie last season and has been a revelation in the Dutch top flight over the last two campaigns netting a total of 59 goals.

Finnbogason’s depature leaves a massive hole for the Friezen club and new manager Dwight Lodeweges will have a huge task ahead replacing the Iceland international.

Real Sociedad released the video below to announce the deal.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

What can Newcastle fans expect from Siem de Jong?

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Late last night, news broke that Ajax had sold another club captain. This time round, it was Siem de Jong that was leaving the Eredivisie for the Premier League and joining Newcastle United writes Will Burns.

Photo credit: NUFC.co.uk

De Jong put pen to paper on a six-year deal and he will give the Magpies the creative attacking midfielder they have been longing for since the departure of Yohan Cabaye last January. He is the elder brother of Borussia Monchengladbach striker Luuk de Jong, who spent a frustrating six months on loan at St. James Park during the second half of the last season.

Factfile

– Although, De Jong represents the Dutch national team, he was actually born in Aigle, Switzerland on 28th January 1989.

– After moving to the Netherlands at the age of six, Siem joined local club DZC’68 in city of Doetinchem, before switching to De Graafschap.

– De Jong moved onto the famous Ajax youth set-up in 2005 and competed at every level until he made his first team debut in September 2007, as a substitute against Kozakken Boys in the KNVB Beker.

– After his debut, he went from strength to strength and made 244 appearances in all competitions over seven successful seasons, scoring 78 times.

– Was made club captain by manager Frank de Boer in the summer of 2012, and went on to lead Ajax to the Eredivisie title in 2012/13 and 2013/14.

– He has won four Eredivisie championships in four consecutive years from the 2010/11 campaign as well as lifting one KNVB Beker (2009/10) and one Johan Cruyff Schaal (2013/14).

– De Jong has represented Oranje at every level from under-17 to the senior side, making his full international debut in August 2010 in a friendly against Ukraine.

– As time of writing, Siem has six full caps with two goals. Both were scored in the same match – a 3-0 friendly victory over Indonesia in June 2013.

What will De Jong give to the Geordies…

The 25-year-old is a hard-working, skilful and intelligent footballer that could be a real hit with the Toon Army. Although due to his lack of strength and the pace of the Premier League, maybe not initially, even though I feel he will adapt quickly.

Once Jan Vertonghen packed his bags and left Amsterdam for dizzy heights of the Premier League to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax boss Frank de Boer handed De Jong the captain’s armband and his leadership skills shone through. He is very vocal on the pitch, directing and encouraging his team-mates as they reflect his tremendous work rate.

He is at home in the attacking midfielder role, but can also fit in as a striker with great composure in the box. In either role, De Jong can make defenders’ lives difficult with his positioning and awareness, finding space with ease, making himself available for the next pass. Once receiving the ball, he is comfortable technically and he has great vision with a varied range of accurate passing.

The Dutchman, wherever he is selected, is a real threat in front of goal and on the edge of the area. The power in his shots can trouble goalkeepers from great distance, which should get St. James Park on its feet. He really can be a game decider.

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