Now we have fish, steel and football, it sounds in IJmuiden after the win of Telstar

It is just before eight o’clock when Corné Warmerdam (57) carries a white lion through the doorway of the Zeeweg bar in the center of IJmuiden. “It stood in front of the entrance of the Telstar stadium,” he says laughing. “I borrowed it for a moment.”

With less than ten minutes on the clock, he knows for sure, says Warmerdam. The 3-1 lead on Willem II will no longer give Telstar out of your hands. His club will certainly be promoted to the Eredivisie at the expense of the team from Tilburg, and plays at the highest level for the first time since 1978. “A huge stunt,” he says.

The other visitors in the Zeewegbar are also convinced that Sunday evening of the victory. “Hey, hey, fish heads,” it sounds in the small pub, where telstars supporters have been clumping together before and after competitions. “Fish head” is a nickname for IJmuidenaren, but this evening it feels like a geuzen name.

IJmuidenaren always feel somewhat undervalued, explains Morrie Vlieland (52), while the minutes tap. “And that while we have a beautiful beach here.” Maybe that explains the emotion that you feel on the street in the last few days, she says. “IJmuidenaren want to belong. By playing along in the Eredivisie, they are bothered.”

IJmuidenaren want to belong. By playing in the Eredivisie, they are held by

‘Telstar Champion’

When a little later the last whistle sounds, supporters fall crying in their arms. “I’ve been a telstar fan since I was 12,” explains Eric de Boer (58). “I was there a few times when after competition was played. And again and again that disappointment, isn’t it. But now there is another wind blowing. IJmuiden is loose!”

Fireworks are already being set off, while one car after the other drives over. “Now we have fish, steel and football!” Calls a tipsy man with his finger in the air.

Spontaneously, supporters move in the direction of Plein 1945, the largest square in IJmuiden. “Telstar champion,” they shout. And “fish heads, fish heads.” Residents watch amused from their balconies.

‘A team full of fighters’

For the Hema, a little further, a large crowd has gathered. Men, women, children. One rocket after the other goes up the air. Cars park criss -cross.

Also at Café De Wildeman in Santpoort, just like IJmuiden part of the municipality of Velsen, the mood is exhausted. “We sing Hoempapa with the lion,” it echoes on a large screen during the follow -up discussion. Cor Varkevisser (43), between 2010 and 2016 keeper of Telstar, is “so proud,” he says. “The whole of Velsen is upside down.”

Why it now, after 47 years, finally comes again? “Because we have a great trainer,” he says. According to Varkevisser, the Anthony Correia, who took office last year, has “been busy creating a team full of fighters with a huge fighting spirit from the start.”

Everyone agrees this evening in Velsen: no matter how long the adventure in the Eredivisie may last, they will enjoy every moment.

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