Go Ahead Eagles from Deventer are the great unknown in VfB’s European campaign this season. We spoke with journalist Roy Heethaar about the club and its current situation.
With the Red Stripe: Hello Roy and thank you for taking your time to answer my questions. Firstly, could you introduce yourself and tell us more about the podcast Vetkampprat which you produced for four season up until this summer.
Roy: I am a freelance journalist who followed Go Ahead Eagles for about ten years for the newspaper De Stentor. After that, I launched my own podcast about the club: Vetkamppraat. It was a varied but critical podcast with guests from inside and outside the club. We ended the series due to a lack of time.
The end of the podcast coincided with the first title for Deventer in almost a century when the club won the KNVB beker, the Dutch cup. What did this title mean for the club and the fans?
An unbelievable highlight. No one ever thought this would be possible. The trophy had an extra emotional layer because the much-loved club owner, Kees van Vierhouten, had passed away the year before. Under his leadership, Go Ahead Eagles had already firmly found their way up. It’s a great shame he didn’t live to see the KNVB Cup triumph.
Since the return to the Eredivisie, the club constantly improved its standing, including the cup win. Is this the best time in the recent history of Go Ahead Eagles?
Yes, absolutely. Promotion under manager Kees van Wonderen—at the very beginning of our podcast—set the club on an upward path. Smart policy from then-director Alex Kroes and CEO Jan Willem van Dop played a big role. The successors to Van Wonderen also did an excellent job: René Hake and Paul Simonis, and now Melvin Boel. Former technical director Paul Bosvelt had a major influence with many successful signings. Players such as Willum Willumsson and Oliver Edvardsen were sold for substantial profits, allowing the club to grow further. Under the wealthy Kees Vierhouten, who took over from Alex Kroes, the club has developed even more in recent years. With the expansion of the stadium, the conditions have been created to remain a stable Eredivisie club.
Last year, you qualified for the Conference League qualifying, ten years ago Deventer played Ferencvaros in the Europa League qualifiers. We waited over ten years to return to Europe last season, what does playing eight games in the Europa League mean for Deventer?
Following on from the previous answer: supporters have endured many tough years. Around twenty years ago, the club was on the brink of financial collapse. This current period of sporting prosperity is something people in the working-class city of Deventer are not used to. Playing eight Europa League matches against big clubs such as VfB Stuttgart and Aston Villa is something no Go Ahead Eagles supporter could have imagined. It has given the club and its fanbase a tremendous boost and created memories that will never be forgotten.
GAE and VfB sit right next to each other in the table with two wins. Stuttgart beat Celta de Vigo and then Eredivise leaders Feyenoord, while Deventer beat Panathinaikos and, surprisingly, Aston Villa at home. How did that win come about?
In dreadful weather conditions—Storm Benjamin was raging across the country—the match couldn’t have started worse for Go Ahead Eagles. Within minutes, it was 0–1. Shortly after, defender Gerrit Nauber had to be stretchered off with a serious injury, and before half-time their best attacker, Jacob Breum, was forced off as well. No one gave them a chance at that point, but these events led to complacency on Aston Villa’s side. Out of nowhere it became 1–1 before the break. After half-time, Villa were unable to switch back into a higher gear. Their attacking play became predictable, while Go Ahead Eagles defended with great discipline and struck clinically through Mats Deijl. In the closing stages, Villa were awarded a penalty—but it simply wasn’t meant to be: the ball went over the bar, and Deventer could celebrate.
Do you see Deventer advancing to the playoffs or even the round of 16?
You can’t rule anything out anymore. Miracles happen in Deventer. It will be difficult, but it’s certainly possible. At the very least, they’ll be in contention until the final matchday.
In the Eredivisie, the club just lost to Almelo who are bottom of the league. What happened there?
Go Ahead Eagles alternate very strong performances with complete off-days. Especially in away games, the team struggles to maintain a consistent level. On top of that, Heracles suddenly picked up momentum after the dismissal of coach Bas Sibum, with Henrie Krüzen taking over.
I saw that Milan Smit is your best scorer in the league. Who else should we look out for?
Dean James — a very strong full-back with good dribbling and crossing ability. But above all: Jacob Breum. He is expected to be fully fit again after the injury he suffered against Aston Villa. He already came on for the last twenty minutes against Heracles. And Go Ahead Eagles have an excellent goalkeeper in Jari de Busser.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the team and what formation does coach Melvin Boel prefer for the team?
Usually a 4–2‑3–1 formation. Go Ahead Eagles are not always consistent, but especially in home matches they are capable of great things. They generally have a solid organization, creative play, a strong defence, and an outstanding goalkeeper.
For Stuttgart fans, it will be the first visit to De Adelaarshorst, albeit we will only be 500 due to the UEFA restrictions on away tickets. What can we expect in the stadium and how important was it to play there and not have to move for international games?
A unique atmosphere, often compared to the match experience in England. Raw. Located in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. A charming stadium with supporters who live every moment passionately. It has been a blessing that the club never moved—doing so would have undermined the entire club identity.
Midweek fixtures aren’t necessarily the best opportunity for a city trip, especially when we are not allowed to enter the town on Thursday. But if Stuttgart fans are in Deventer before and after the game — what should they see and do?
Deventer has a beautiful historic city centre with many picturesque streets. The Bergkwartier is nice, and the Brink is an attractive square filled entirely with restaurants and cafés—no shops. For a pub visit, I recommend De Heks and Davo. And make sure to take a walk along the lovely riverside of the IJssel.
Finally: Your guess for the starting XI and the result?
I expect not many changes compared to the match in Almelo. Starplayer Jacob Breum might start instead of Calvin Twigt. I’m predicting a draw: 1–1.
Picture: © Christof Koepsel/Getty Images