Milton Pus’ sporting moment: in the wake of FC Volendam

Lately my thoughts often go back to the days before the controversial evening in De Jozef in Volendam. The board had promised to provide information and explanation during that evening about how the club was doing and what the future plans were.

Beforehand I had a hard time about it and I had the idea that it would mainly remain superficial. Nothing was further from the truth. Actually, the idea was that colleague Stephan Brandhorst would go to the information evening alone, but I volunteered to help. Because I live in Purmerend, Volendam is fortunately close by.

Jan Smit, chairman at the time, started the evening with an emotional monologue: “This village is poisoned by jealousy, stupidity, incitement and spite. They spread lies and stab a dagger in the back while laughing.” The tone was set. Remarkably, it remained quiet afterwards and there were presentations from, among others, Ruben Jongkind (then head of training) and Jasper van Leeuwen (then technical director).

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The bomb exploded after an hour and a half. Jaap Veerman, chairman of the Supervisory Board, joined the discussion and disagreed with the picture painted by the board that evening. In particular, the budget deficit of 1.2 million euros that was too rosy in Veerman’s eyes was a sore leg, after which Smit promised to ‘personally guarantee that the club will be kept afloat.’ The public bickering continued for a while: the possible dismissal of Team Jonk and the blocking of the appointment of Keje Molenaar were discussed.

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My head was still spinning afterwards. During that evening in De Jozef, the first cracks in the power struggle within Volendam were clearly visible. I approached Jaap Veerman for an interview, but he declined. Stephan and I then went to the local McDonald’s together for free WiFi and some drinks to list the six most spicy moments of the evening. We were asked to leave several times by the staff and cleaners, but fortunately everything was completed and sent on just in time.

After the information evening on Thursday, Volendam had to play Feyenoord late on Sunday evening in De Kuip, which was well on its way to the national title in the Premier League. I can normally be found in the radio studio on Sundays as a sidekick, but luckily I was allowed to go to the stadium this time. My expectations were anything but high beforehand.

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Volendam was making good progress after the winter break, but they wouldn’t do stunts in De Kuip, would they? However, Daryl van Mieghem surprisingly gave the Eel farmers the lead. Things still went wrong in the second half and it became 2-1 for the Rotterdam team.

Afterwards I hurried towards the room for the interviews. Joep Schreuder from the NOS was also ready for his interviews in the small booth. I had to wait quietly for my turn, since NOS and ESPN, as rights holders, are allowed to interview first.

Afterwards I spoke with Wim Jonk and Van Mieghem about the match and the turbulent week that had passed. It was finally late at night that I came home again and wondered how this soap would develop further.

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In the following months, Volendam maintained itself in the Premier League, Carel Eiting left for FC Twente after two arbitration cases and Matthias Kohler was appointed as trainer. Jonk took a step back and became technical manager.

We now know that the entire Team Jonk has left, including the board with Jan Smit as (former) chairman. Jaap Veerman is the new (temporary) chairman of the board and the duo Regillio Simons and Michael Dingsdag have been appointed as the new head coaches.

So we can say that a new wind is blowing in Volendam. For me as a journalist and follower it will be interesting when another storm arises. One thing is certain; never boring in this fishing village. If the next crisis comes to light at a North Holland club, I would like to go ‘outside’ again to follow it up close.

Milton Puss