The failed takeover of NAC by the City Football Group (CFG) is part of a trend. That is the opinion of Ruud van der Knaap, sports marketer at Triple Double. He sees the voice of the football supporters getting bigger and bigger. “Supporters find the identity of the club more important than winning prizes”, with which Van der Knaap refers to the choice of the NAC supporters.
The ‘easiest’ solution for NAC to get money, players and infrastructure to end the sporting malaise was to work with the English City Football Group of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, who also owns is from Manchester City. “A lot of clubs in the Netherlands would have welcomed CFG with open arms,” says Ruud van der Knaap.
But the NAC fans foresaw that their club’s culture would be compromised and therefore did not want the English to take ownership.
Van der Knaap calls the situation at NAC very special. Especially that four people are responsible for a ‘golden share’ and can therefore block a takeover. They have now opted for a local initiative: NAC=Breda.
“When things happen that, according to supporters, do not belong to the club, forces are released.”
Ruud van der Knaap believes that the events at NAC fit into a bigger picture in which supporters make it clear that the football is theirs. “Legally they do not own the club, but if things happen that do not belong to the club, then forces are released.”
Van der Knaap saw it happen in the Superleague. More than a year ago, 12 major European football clubs announced an elite competition. That plan quickly went into the trash after angry reactions from many supporters, especially from England.
The cancellation of a new stadium for Feyenoord also fits in this picture, according to Van der Knaap. Because supporters have been obstructive for so long, it is no longer financially feasible.
“They are very principled and don’t want souls to disappear from their club.”
According to Van der Knaap, managing a football club involves a lot of emotion and clubs should take more account of the supporters. “That’s hard to direct, but it’s important to engage in dialogue.”
He thinks the fact that NAC’s supporters want to maintain their independence really suits the club. “They are very principled and don’t want souls to disappear from their club. It shows the gigantic involvement.”
ALSO READ:
Sale of NAC to City Football Group is canceled after NOAD veto
City Group charm offensive with NAC fans fails: ‘We are not convinced’