Time is running out for FC Volendam. The PhD student will play the first match in the Eredivisie against FC Groningen in two weeks and so far there is about the same team as last year. “As a trainer you have little patience,” says Wim Jonk about the search for new players.
Volendam trainer Wim Jonk finds the selection ‘very tight’
Volendam has to turn every euro when it looks for reinforcements. This means that the scouting has to deal creatively with the limited financial resources. “We have to look very closely at the priorities. I understand that we are in this position,” says Jonk, who would like to have another strong holder in every line.
“We have to look very closely at the priorities”
Volendam can build considerably on the team that forced promotion last season. Of the basic customers, only players with an expiring contract left. Furthermore, it is still quiet in the fishing village, where Filip Stankovic and Gaetano Oristanio will play for another year on a rental basis. Looking at new players, there is little progress at the Dijk.
youngsters
Jonk sees a problem emerging behind the first eleven. “That’s just too tight,” says the coach. As a result, in the preparation he regularly has to fall back on youngsters who come to the selection for the first time. Against AEK Athens, Billy van Duijl played in the center back and last week Givairo Read was posted as a right back out of nowhere. “Those are also beautiful moments.”
One of the few players in the selection with Eredivisie experience is Daryl van Mieghem. He has already played at the highest level with Heracles Almelo, Excelsior and De Graafschap. Looking at the selection of FC Volendam, Van Mieghem shares Jonk’s opinion. “Everyone can see that the group is still thin,” says the 32-year-old winger.
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Daryl van Mieghem knows what is required in the Eredivisie – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Players like Carel Eiting, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. Kik Pierie and Timo Letschert are about to switch to The New Orange linked. However, all these players seem to weigh their options before making a final decision.
Diego Gustavo
So far, test player Diego Gustavo is the first potential purchase. The Brazilian has been part of the group since the training camp in Vaals. “Of course he is also a young player,” says Jonk. “His stay will be extended for another week and then we have to come to a decision.”
Wim Jonk is positive about test player Diego Gustavo – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Next week, an exhibition game with ADO Den Haag was initially scheduled for FC Volendam. However, the club prefers a trip to Greece. There, the team of trainer Wim Jonk will practice against Panathinaikos.
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