The Transfer Tavern » Eredivisie

Has Martin Jol Lost The Plot Swapping A £25M Goal Machine For A Pair Of Tottenham Flops?

Escapini — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:32:22 +0000

Ajax, the Windy City...

Even the most ardent Martin Jol supporters acknowledge that his judgement was occasionally a bit on the questionable side. This development rubber stamps any question marks there might have been hanging over him.

The scenario ready to unfold has to be the most optimistic deal since Jack exchanged his cow for ‘some beans’.

Ajax striker Luis Suarez is nothing shy of a sensation. The 23-year-old has been in devastating ...

Spurs’ Big Dilemma

Paul Stephen — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:34:51 +0000

Spurs’ boss Harry Redknapp is keen as mustard to augment his current strike-force before having another go at the Premiership and embarking on a first foray into Europe.

With the futures of Robbie Keane, Giovanni Dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko looking quite like they may well lie away from White Hart Lane, Tottenham are in urgent need of reinforcements with pedigree if they are to avoid being overly dependent on Jermaine Defoe ...

What On Earth Does Jol See In Fulham?

Jonathan Ellis — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:48:34 +0000

Martin Jol looks set to quit Amsterdam giants Ajax and take-up residence at the Cottage, but what does ‘the Don’ see in Fulham?

Indeed, it could be viewed as a curious decision. Currently in his homeland, with one of the most prestigious and renowned clubs in world football, why would he want to leave? It’s certainly not a case of ‘job done’.

Jol has only been in charge of the four time European ...

The Big Man’s Back!

Jonathan Ellis — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:14:15 +0000

Ajax manager Martin Jol has emerged as the favourite to take the vacant position at Fulham, but is he a worthy aspirant?

Well, yes.

From the prospective candidates – e.g. pound-signs-for-pupils, Sven – Jol is certainly one of the more appealing names.

Appointed in 2004, he was largely a popular figure at Spurs, providing relative success in taking Tottenham to 5th place, and indeed the periphery of Champions League football, on two occasions; one ...

‘The Ego’ Has Not Landed, It’s Just Pending…

Jonathan Ellis — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:14:14 +0000

It has undoubtedly been an interesting World Cup for Uruguay forward Luis Suarez. Goals, handballs, eye-catching displays, etcetera, etcetera, and now, on the back of all that, he appears to be pushing at the door for a potential Premier League move; with Man United and Tottenham reportedly amongst the interested parties.

Certainly, his ego, and perhaps hubris, was palpable in suggesting he has somewhat outgrown current club Ajax, telling De Volkskrant: “I ...

Double Dutch.

Kyle Jackson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:19:59 +0000

Maarten Stekelenburg

Replacing a goalkeeper like Edwin van der Sar is no easy feat. Yet, Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has risen to the challenge and has respectfully gained Edwin’s former number one Dutch jersey.

But the 27-year-old may not just be satisfied with attaining van der Sar’s international place; reports are suggesting that Stekelenburg may soon be filling the gloves of his compatriot at club level with a move to Manchester United.

Stekelenburg took ...

Babel

Carl Grierson — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:26:05 +0000

Beverly Hills Copulator

Lazy, miserable, inept, frustrating…. all words regularly heard around Anfield in relation to one man, Ryan Babel.

Since his arrival in 2007, Babel has continued to disappoint, unable to build on a promising start to his career. With Arsenal also reportedly big admirers of the Dutchman three years ago, Liverpool had to act quickly, eventually securing his signature for £11.5 million. After coming though the famous Ajax youth system, ...

Sneijder

Carl Grierson — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:18:28 +0000

Currently riding the crest of a wave, life is pretty sweet for Wesley Sneijder right now. Having just completed an historic season with Inter Milan in his first season with the club, Sneijder has enjoyed an impressive start to his World Cup campaign.

Having begun his career at Ajax, the Dutchman is a player who many recognised was destined for bigger and better things than the Eredivisie. Many expected him ...

Arsene Knows £25 Million Is A Small Price To Pay

Paul Stephen — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:31:29 +0000

Surely there is nobody who could replace Sol Campbell?

Arsene Wenger is finally ready to splash some cash after 10 years of being constrained by the £380m construction bill for the Emirates.

The Frenchman is starting to feel the heat after five trophyless seasons in North London and has identified bringing in defensive reinforcements as his highest priority this summer. The Gunners conceded too many goals last season and replacements are needed urgently ...

Barcelona To Out-Do Arsenal. Again.

Kyle Jackson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:25:26 +0000

Ajax starlet Gregory van der Wiel has all-but ruled out a move to the Premiership after declaring that his career would only benefit from a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

The 22-year-old, who looks set to start at right-back for the Dutch team in South Africa this summer, has been courted in recent months by Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City who have been looking to widen their defensive options. Now it ...