WELCOME A.F.C. AJAX AMSTERDAM
JOHN NEAL writes...
HOW quickly time flies, it seems like no time at all since we were winding up
the 77/78 season, now here we are preparing for the 78/79 Season.
Our pre season training has gone really well and I am delighted with the way
the lads have buckled down to their work.
I took all the Staff, Professionals and Apprentices to Aberystwyth for a weeks
intensive fitness training. We used the Aberystwyth's University's very excellent
accommodation and training facilities and had a most worthwhile and very
strenuous week. Aches and pains were numerous but the spirits were high and
one could not have asked for more from any group of players.
As I write these notes I'm preparing to leave for our Three Friendly matches
in Scotland. I'm taking all my fit p'rofessional staff with me so that 1 shall be
able to use various combinations. I anticipate very competitive matches at
Hearts, back in the Scottish Premier Division, and Aberdeen who had a very
successful time last season.
Games are what you need at this stage to add the finishing touch to your
Training programme so I am delighted to be able to play such games.
I am especially delighted to welcome the famous Dutch team AJAX of Am
sterdam to Ayresome Park. This is a great match for us and to play opposition
of such a high calibre is exactly what we need when one thinks of the tough
programme ahead. In recent years football in Holland has really hit the top-
Beaten finalists in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup, Dutch football has been ad
mired throughout the World and rightly so. They have proved themselves in
no uncertain manner that they are in the top flight of footballing nations.
I think we are indeed fortunate in having their leading Club AJAX at Ayre
some Park tonight. AJAX need no introducing for wherever football is played
they are a household name and possess many fine players, none more famous
than their Captain Rudy Krol who is also Captain of the National Team. A
player whose many qualities will I am sure, appeal to you all.
Even though this game is billed as a Friendly I am sure it will be most com
petitive.
AJAX will not want to lose to Middlesbrough and 1 can assure you I would
be very pleased if our lads can record a resounding victory. So please give this
great Dutch tehm a warm welcome to Ayresome Park and I trust you see a
game of football to remember.
THE C HAIRMAN, DIRE( TORS. MANAGEMF.NI AND PLAYERS ARE DELIGHTED
TO WELL OME I HE FAMOUS DIJK II LOOI liAI I I EAM A FC AJAX OF AMSTER
DAM TO AY RESOME PARK FOR TONIGH IS FRIENDLY MATCH.
WE HOPE YOLJ HAVE AN ENJOYABLE VISIT IO MIDDLESBROUGH AND TRUST
I HIS MAY BE THE FORE-RUNNER OF FUIURI (.AMES BETWEEN THE TWO
CLUBS
Translation of above:
HIERBIJ HETEN DE VOOR/HIER. DIRE KT IE EN SPELERS DE BEROEMDE
HOLLANDSE VOETBALCLUB AJAX UIT AMSTERDAM VAN HARTE WELKOM IN
HET AYRESOME PARK VOOR DE' VRILNDSC HAPPEL IJKE WEDSTRIJD VAN
HEDEN AVOND.
Wil HOPEN DAT HEI BEZOEK AAN MIDDLESBROUGH U ZAL VERHEUGEN
EN VERTROUWEN EROP DAT DEZE WEDSTRIJD DE VOORLOPER MAG ZIJN
VAN EVENT UELE TOEKOMSTIGE WEDS I RLIDFN I LJSSEN BEIDE CLUBS.
