Hard times for fans of AZ Alkmaar! After the 'almost the best' season of last year, we were very hopeful for another great year, maybe even better than last year. But doubts set in already in summer when we looked at who left (the best players) and who joined the team (pretty anonymous and unpredicatable youngsters). After the first 8 games, only resulting in 8 points, we were still hopeful that the crisis was over and recovery would start. Well, it did, but it only lasted very short and another even deeper crisis started in December... and is still lasting... For a club that dared to say it would aim for the championship, an 11th place is definitely not the place to be

As the proud owner of a season ticket, I keep visiting all the home games, always hoping for a glimpse of better times. They will come some day for sure, but the last weeks have been tough. Not only because of bad results, but also because of the reasons for them: stupid mistakes, lack of self-confidence, very expensive players that just refuse to make goals. Instead they are very good in aiming a bit too high, a bit too far left or a bit too far right, or endlessly passing around without anyone daring to shoot. But true fans support their team also in such bad times, so I will be there again for the next home match! I just hope the players will give us some more value for money then. Losing a game can happen, but at least they have to be motivated to do better!