Because for an association with a tight stadium (4,200 places) and a small wallet (budget of 2.6 million euros), a promotion is a huge task to the Eredivisie. That is mainly in the requirements of the KNVB: a natural grass field with field heating, at least eighteen players under contract, better lighting and provided facilities.
And then you are not even talking about the scale, Cees Driebergen explains, chairman of FC Volendam. After securing promotion, his club is already busy creating a new turf. “There is just a big difference between organizing a competition for 2,000 or for 5,000 visitors.”
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But chairman Leon Annokkée does not want to know anything about the question of whether promotion is wise. Yes, this small organization can be strong. No, he has no sleepless nights. “We are a football club and we are not going to squeak.”
If Telstar promotes – with the emphasis on if – that artificial grass must first be removed. The conversations with the KNVB about a new turf have been running for half a year. “We are the only ones who are still eligible for such an exception.”
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