For me, driving is a necessary evil. It is the easiest way to get from Ermelo to Groningen, for example.
Sleeping in a strange bed of the same. During my active NOS period I had to do that often, very often, but I limited it to what was strictly necessary. Happy as a child that I was home again and could crawl into my own bed.
The northern derby FC Groningen-FC Emmen was on the program on Monday. As half Drenthe (father) and half Groningen (mother) and as an enthusiast, I had the feeling: I have to be there! The home front thought it was a ridiculous idea. “Now you’re a retiree and you still can’t let go!” “No,” was my defense, “it still tickles!” “Well then you go, take the train and stay overnight.”
Not that: just by car and back in the marital bed in the evening. Thus decided. It was a reunion with many acquaintances. First of all, my good friend and former colleague Henk Kok. Furthermore, a former colleague such as Mark van Rijswijk (ESPN). Also from him the question: “Do you miss it?” So yes!
Spoke to Dick Lukkien and Fred Grim in the corridors of Euroborg and then I suddenly saw Johan, the caretaker of FC Groningen. He hugged me and said: “Come with me to Bert, he is in the dressing room.” Normally that is off-limits for a journalist. Another warm and sincere hug.
In the press stand, former player and later trainer Rob McDonald came up to me and politely let me know that he was still bothered by my comments about his weak left leg.
During the break a conversation with former goalkeeper Johan Tukker. We talked about our daughters, his Simone (NOS Journaal) and my Carrie (MAX). I asked him: “Are you doing anything else?” ,,No Unfortunately not.” Johan, a former banker at ABN-AMRO, could still do something for FC Groningen with his many contacts from the business world… Not necessary! Missed opportunity!
The match was bad. Both coaches had left their strikers Kevin van Veen and Piotr Parzyszek on the bench. A 0-0 to quickly forget. But still glad I went. By car and not overnight. Home at 11:15 PM after a wonderful evening. So do it more often!