For current information about Ajax on U.S. Television, visit http://www.ajax-usa.com/ajax/tele.html. Use this discussion page to post comments, questions and additional information on the topic.

-- Anonymous, July 21, 1999

Answers

For anyone interested in the DC area: Summer's Restaurant in Arlington, VA will be showing the Ajax - Feyenoord game live Sunday Feb. 9th at 7am. Their website is www.summers-restaurant.com

s howard

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2003

Ajax v. Feyenoord on t.v. I'm not sure if this means much, but the Lucky Bar here in D.C. has the Ajax/Feyenoord match scheduled to show on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11am. Possibly this means that the match is being broadcast on ESPN Desportes, ESPN Dos (NOT ESPN2, but ESPN DOS), or FSW?

Best, Noel

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2003

Holy Sh*t! Barca game is rained out. Ajax vs Roma is LIVE on espn2 RIGHT NOW!!!

-- Anonymous, December 10, 2002

Ajax v Roma on television.

I believe that either ESPN Desportes will have the Ajax/Roma match on at 7pm EST on Tues., Dec. 10.

The reason I believe so is that the Lucky Bar here in D.C. is scheduled to show the match at that time. The Ajax games I've seen at the Lucky Bar so far have all been on ESPN Desportes, and this includes Eredivisie and CL matches.

The Lucky Bar's t.v. schedule is at http://www.soccer-nation.com/TV% 20Schedule.htm

Best regards, Noel

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2002

I have a question, actually. Does anyone have any fresh news as of whether viewers in the US shall in any way be able to watch Ajax-Roma on December 10, 2002? Thanks.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002

Here is some interesting information I received from one of our members. Is there enough interest to merit Ajax USA organizing a letter/email campaign?

I found this information at the BVN-TV (Dutch satelite- station for 'Dutch' abroad) website. In short they say they get a lot of request from Canada (and maybe the US, but Dish Network carries the station) to get BVN-TV on cable of satelite. The spokesperson says that they would love to get loads of request in english for this station so they can forward them to the Cable and Satelite-providers here in North-America.

His e-mail address is: frank.driessen@rnw.nl. You can also email him with questions or requests for information. Anyway this station show the 'famous' Studio Sport, highlights of the games in the Holland Casino Eredivisie (life was so simple when it was just eredivisie)....

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2002

Over the past several months, there have been comments about the lack of US television coverage this season of the Dutch League and the limited showing of the Champions League. There has also been a great deal of frustration expressed about Fox Sports World and ESPN.

First, I think that Fox Sports World no longer has the rights to the Dutch games in the USA although that cannot be confirmed as Fox does not respond to emails on that question.

ESPN does have the rights to the Dutch games for their international networks and more then likely also have the rights to show the games in the USA but have chosen not to do so. Why? One can only speculate on that question but only has to look how ESPN handles most of their soccer telecasts.

For example, for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, the rights to those games in the USA are owned by the Anschutz Group which is the same organization that owns many of the MLS teams. The Anschutz Group buys airtime on both ESPN and ABC for the World Cup games and this way, ESPN and ABC gets to show the games but have no financial risks.

The same process is used to show MLS games on ESPN and the MLS Championship Game on ABC. The games are shown but again at no financial risks to the networks. Please be aware that both ESPN and ABC are owned by the Disney Company.

If ESPN does have the rights to the Dutch games in the USA, they may chosen not to show them because of financial considerations or they feel that there is no audience for the games on ESPN and ESPN2 Would it do any good to write ESPN? Possible but don't expect a response. Like Fox Sports World, ESPN does not respond to emails.

One can only speculate on why ESPN2 is only showing Tuesday Champions League games this year. I am presuming that it is again for financial reasons.

However, there may be hope for the 2003-2004 season. Starting in September of 2003, ESPN will expand their USA Spanish Network, ESPN Deportes to a full, 24 hour a day network with a major portion of their programming will be soccer. There is speculation in broadcast industry publications that as part of the soccer programming that all of the Champions League telecast in the USA will be shifted from ESPN2 to ESPN Deportes and that as many as 4 games per game day will be shown. Although nothing has been written about Dutch games, one may hope that since ESPN has the rights to these games for their international networks, and may also have the USA rights, is that they may also show the Dutch games on ESPN Deportes.

Of course, your cable or satelite company would have to add ESPN Deportes to their channel lineup. But with the large Spanish population in the USA, it would be a popular network.

Unfortunatly, I don't think we will see any Dutch games this season and our opportunity to see Ajax play in the Champions League will be limited to the Tuesday games that ESPN2 will be showing.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

I'm only 8 hops away (ping 18) from the webcast source on wxs.nl and got no connection whatsoever.. Something didn't go right overthere, that's for sure..

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

Same here. Woke up at 5.30 and for 2 hrs tried to get a connection. 10 minutes before the end of the game: Yes! I got a connection. Guess what: some stupid promo for KPN Webcast which lasted 2 minutes and then stopped. Only positive news is they at least won the game. Hopefully Chivu is not too badly injured.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

Sadly, my experience was the same as Jim's. I was up at 8:15 am est but never was able to view any part of the game. Basically, my experience consisted of connecting to server and closed messages. This after I downloaded a more updated version of Windows Media Player.:-( I ended up following the comments, dictionary in hand, at Ajax.nl and Ajax Netwerk.to.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

I was unable to access the streamed video of today's game, at all. The mini-page with the WMP viewing app appeared, but I could not establish a connection to the server, and I never saw one minute of the game. Did anyone else have a more successful experience?

Really sux to wake up at 5:30am for that. :-/

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

I NEED VIDEO OF AJAX-INTER CL MATCH!!!!!!!! My wife and I attended match at the ArenA but my piece of shit VCR was "deprogrammed" by a power outage at our house on Oak Island, NC. When we returned from Amsterdam and there was no recording we were VERY disappointed. If anyone can help please respond. I am very willing to cover any expense involved, INCLUDING TIME!! In fact, REWARD OFFERRED!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2002

Shitty ESPN2 will show Barca-Newcastle United on 12/10/02!

I like Barca, but Ajax-Roma is a better match. Newcastle is shitty!

They it works now for Espn coverage we only have 2 chances of seeing Ajax play as they show only Tuesday macthes, and the teams play on Tuesday followed by a Wednesday format so this sucks!

I wish ESPN would show games on both days as they used to do. Tape delay even I don't care, I just want more football!

FSW by the way is showing complete shit La Liga games. NO Deportivo- Barca two weeks ago, and no Classico Barca-Real Madrid. Why bother showing anything if you cannot get rights to show the "real" games!

This is unacceptable to me with PPV, Directv, etc.

What can I do?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002

I was in Wash DC this past weekend but decided against going to Lucky Bar, for the reason that they posted the Barca-Real match to be the televised game. Had I known they would telecast the Ajax match, well....grrr......just my luck :-/

Whatever satellite hookup this Lucky Bar has, I'm gonna find out how much $$ is involved....

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2002

Ajax matches shown in D.C. Tomorrow, Wed., Nov. 27, the Lucky Bar will be showing the Ajax v. Valencia match at 4:45pm. This last weekend, I was able to see the Ajax v. Heerenveen match on ESPN Desportes at the Lucky Bar even though they didn't have it posted on their schedule. I went there to watch the Madrid/Barcelona match, and the Ajax/Heerenveen match was on right after.

I believe that for we American viewers, there are two pieces of this puzzle. One is the ESPN Desportes is showing Eredivisie matches, and many of these seem to be Ajax matches (though not all of them--this weekend the Lucky Bar is showing the PSV match). So, if you have access to that channel, then you're half way there. But the second part of the puzzle is that ESPN Desportes does not seem to make its schedule easily available, at least not on-line at any rate. The folks at the Lucky Bar tell me that they simply look in their satellite television guides.

Hope this helps.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2002

A report on Ajax Netwerk mentions several TV networks around the globe that will televise the Valencia vs Ajax game. If you have one of the following TV stations where you live, you have something to watch on Wednesday night...

TVE 1 (Spain), Nelonen (Finland), TV3 (Norway),TV7 (Tunisia), CT2 (Czech Republic), Showtime Sport (Northern African countries).

Then there's a handful of pay-TV networks around the globe that offer the game, such as Premiere Sport, Steam Calcio, Polsat Sporte. Several public TV stations will show the game either live or same-day delayed: 3+ Teledeporte and Sport TV, for example, plus of course TV2 in The Netherlands (public TV). The Ajax Netwerk report does not say from which countries the other stations are, unfortunately.

By the way: TVE is a very big network in Spain. It may be available in U.S. regions with large Spanish communities... It's just a thought... If anyone knows something, please post it here.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2002

The Lucky Bar web site is www.soccer-nation.com. From there, click on TV Schedules and Locations for all the info.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2002

Can someone please give me a website for the Lucky Bar in D.C.?

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2002

Will the CL games be streamed live on ajax.nl too ????

I'd really like to see them play against Roma and Valencia (as french TV always broadcast Arsenal matches).

Thank you very much.

-- Anonymous, November 20, 2002

Is the video of the match available except thatn during the match ???? I'd like to see it the tuesday for an example. Do you think it's possible. And anyone here using an Unix system and who saw the match live ??? Thank you

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002

Heel leuk. It was great to hear the F-side in full voice. The video wasn't DVD quality, but it was LIVE. Definitely better than watching BVN highlights.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

Not a broadcast on Greek TV for this game.So i have to use the net.I can get it working with the worst fucking quality... :-\ I can see some blurry figures moving though and if i am lucky the ball too!!! LOL!!!I still enjoy it though!

GO AJAX!!! :-D

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

Damn, I won't get it to work on 300 kb/s. But 100 works just fine. A great service from ajax.nl!!!

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

This is great; perfectly watchable over high-speed connection. I'll happily pay some bucks to watch this quality of webcast every week. Come on Ajax, you've got a winning service. Go for it! :-)

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

I must say the quality of the webcast is very good.. Watching it @ 300kbit/s without any buffering lag etc..

Score (after 20min) 1-0.. :)

Hup Ajax.. :)

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

Who cares, just watch the game and be happy.. 99,5% of all home users use Windows anyway, big deal..

Hup Ajax.. :)

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2002

When are those numbskulls going to learn that there is are millions upon millions of computer users who have nothing to do with Windows.

I'm sure MS pulled one of those 'we'll give the tools for free if you..." deals like they always do. Why do they always fall for it? Just like with the dope pusher - it's never for free in the long run.

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2002

And what if you don't use Weendows but free software (god bless free software) ???....They should have used RealOne streaming video, which is available for Unix users....

Too bad I'll go hang myself........ :-((

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2002

Good news!! Great news!!

For the first time in history, Ajax.nl will show an Ajax home game (Sunday's Eredivisie tie against NEC) live via the internet. Because it's the first time, Ajax considers this webcast a test run. Therefore, the game will be available for free, for every visitor to Ajax.nl.

How does it work?

There is a news report on Ajax.nl now, in which the webcast is announced. On that very same page, a link to the webcast will appear on Sunday. If you follow this link on Sunday, the link to the game will be there.

You need Windows Media Player to watch.

Enjoy the game on Sunday. Hopefully, this will be the start of a tradition of live Ajax games on Ajax.nl!!

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2002

ya i know its gonna be by both those guys i was just saying even if it was in dutch it will be ok

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2002

Whoo-hoo!

Ajax vs Inter on TSN (Canada)!! Rock & Rolllll!!

Sorry, I just had to say that. It's been so bloody long since Ajax has graced television here.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002

Jim & others,

I also strongly suspect that the Lucky Bar is not the only place in the U.S. showing Eredivisie matches, as the matches I've seen at the Lucky Bar have been on ESPN Deportes (?!). The commercials were in Spanish, but the commentary was by J.P. della Cameron and Tommy Smyth.

Hopefully, this will help solve the puzzle.

Best, Noel

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2002

My STRONG suspicion is that the Lucky Bar is NOT the only bar showing Eredivisie games in the U.S. If they can get them, others can too. Please post a message here if you're aware of other places across the U.S. to see Eredivisie games. We'll verify and then promote them on our web page.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002

No, the commentary on espn2's CL games is done by an Englishman and an Irishman named Tommy Smyth. Not the most brilliant or even decipherable English, but English nevertheless. Not in Dutch.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002

yup jim altought its gonna be in dutch...but everyone can understand the lagauge of football

i'm happy that they finaly will show an AJAX match on TV here i'm gonna have to record it cuz i will be working in that time

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002

Ajax v. Willemm II will be shown in DC The Ajax/Willem II match on Sun., Nov. 3rd, will be shown live at 11:30am at the Lucky Bar in D.C. The Lucky Bar is located at 1221 Connecticut Ave NW (Farragut North or Dupont Circle Metro).

Evidently, one has to purchase a minimum of $10 in food/drink to watch the game. They don't seem to strictly enforce this, though they do on occassion.

Their website is www.soccer-nation.com

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

I f***ing KNEW they'd do that. The first game of the season in any competition on broadcast US television, and I'll be in Amsterdam.

Oh well, can't complain. At least I won't miss the game. :-P

ESPN2: Tue Nov 12, 11:30AM Pac/02:30PM Eas, Ajax vs Inter Milan

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

more good news !!!

http://www.soccertv.com/neth.cfm

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

All I can say is that the last couple of months have been sensational. Why? Because for us Aussies, Foxtel now carries ESPN. And of course, that has the Dutch League. Before this we were stuck with a weekly football highlights show just showing the goals each week from the games involving the big 3 Dutch clubs.

Although their choice to show a P$V 0-0 draw over an Ajax 6-2 win over AZ was a bit disheartening.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2002

Re: Dutch football matches shown in DC.

If you live in the DC area, the Lucky Bar will be showing the RKC/Ajax match at 5:30pm on Saturday, Oct. 26. Their address is 1221 Connecticut Ave, NW; closest Metro is either Farragut North or Dupont Circle (O/P St exit).

The Lucky Bar shows a number of games each week (English, Italian, Spanish), and hopefully they will continue to show Dutch matches as well. Web-site is www.soccer-nation.com.

Best, Noel

-- Anonymous, October 25, 2002

Could someone possibly tape the Ac Milan-Bayern Munich Champions League match for me?

Its on TSN Live at 2:30PM this Wed. 10/23/02.

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

This is for Jim or anyone who might know the following, how do you email ESPN for soccer questions? Is there a particular site?

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

To all Ajax fans in Europe and Egypt :

The Dutch league immigrated from ART to Showtime sport , however if you are not a subscriber you can watch the Ajax matches in the Dutch league & in the Champion league on Canal + Blauw & Ned 2 on Astral satellite .. you have to know that the Canal plus Blauw is a HUGE supporter of PSV not Ajax .. on the other hand , the Ned 2 is a supporter of Ajax.. the Canal plus Blauw broadcasts only One out of four Ajax's games in the Dutch league. Viva Ajax viva Mido

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

Rich is right; this would appear to be the right game for espn2 to show. However, they often opt for one English team over any good game.

I don't think they've announced their schedule for mid-November yet. In any event, espn.com does not list their schedule for espn2 except for afternoon and evening timeslots. (Duh.) TV Guide, DirecTV and soccertv.com do not yet list mid-November programming for espn2. We should know in about a week, maybe two.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

I just checked the Champions League schedule for the next couple of weeks, and it would appear to make sense that ESPN2 will hopefully show the Tuesday (Forgot the date) Matchday 6 encounter Ajax-Inter Milan, as this is by far the most important match along with the best game available.

I hope and pray that I am correct. In the meantime does anyone know of any specific individual or email address to send ESPN are hopes and dreams?

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

To all Ajax fans in Europe and Egypt : the Dutch league immigrated from ART to Showtime sport , however if you are not a subscriber you can watch the Ajax matches in the Dutch league & in the Champion league on Canal + Blauw & Ned 2 on Astral satellite .. you have to know that the Canal plus Blauw is a HUGE supporter of PSV not Ajax .. on the other hand , the Ned 2 is a supporter of Ajax.. the Canal plus Blauw broadcasts only One out of four Ajax's games in the Dutch league ,

Viva Ajax viva Mido

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002

Gentlemen: Is anyone in Holland capable of taping Ajax matches then sending them to me here in the States? Certain games like Champions League matches, Eredivise classics against Feyenoord and Psv?

Please let me know.

Rich

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Karim: yes, Ned2 (which is short for 'Nederland 2', by the way) will show Rosenborg BK vs Ajax live. PSV vs Borussia Dortmund will be televised on Canal+.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002

Menno,

Your assistance need please. Dutch channel "Ned2" are saying on their site that a CL game will be broadcasted live. Unfortunately it doesn't state which one. Canal Plus are showing the PSV-Dortmund game.... does this mean Ned2 will broadcast the Ajax game?

This is for all Ajax fans in Asia, particularly in Malaysia. I will be travelling to Kuala Lumpur for 2 weeks starting tomorrow. I will certainly miss the "Classic" on sunday unless you guys can tell me how to view it from over there.

Thanks.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002

Are there any websites where you can listen to commentary of Ajax games?

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

Which radio channel has the Ajax matches live? (apart from RADIO 1 that is, because they starts first at 20:00. A half-hour too late...

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

The continual frustration for an American-based Ajax fan is that there is no consistent solution.

An 'historical' record:

- We used to have Eredivisie games on espn2. I fought for years to get my cable company to add espn2, to no avail. :-(

- Then I discovered Dish Network, where I *could* get espn2. So I switched from cable to Dish satellite. And then espn2 promptly dropped Eredivisie coverage. :-(

- Then Fox Sports World was born, *and* they had Eredivisie games! But Dish didn't offer it. Neither did cable. However, the brand- new "digital cable" service from ATT *did* offer it. So, take down the Dish antenna, and install the clunky/crappy/overpriced digital cable system. Of course, just as soon as I'd finished the painful conversion from Dish to digital cable, Dish AND DirecTV both announced they were adding FSW. Argh! Ah, I didn't care. I now had FSW and Eredivisie coverage. :-)

- My joy was complete. I migrated from digi-crap cable to DirecTV with TIVO. I had FSW, Ajax and the World Cup all on my super system. :-)

- FSW drops Eredivisie coverage. They suck! >:-(

- Don't give up hope. Ajax is in the CL, and espn2 shows CL games! :-)

- Give up some hope. espn2 announces they'll only show CL games on Tuesdays, and not Wednesdays. THEY suck. >:-(

- Wait, there's a ray of hope! BVN-TV is available on the Dish Network for $9.95 a month. BVN shows sports highlights, including (I think) extensive highlights of Ajax and other league games.

I will not surrender my sweet DirecTV/Tivo system just for this one extra benefit. Dish Network is great, don't get me wrong, and if I was starting from scratch, I'd get Dish Network, add Tivo, and subscribe to BVN. But then I guess Dish would drop BVN and DirecTV would announce an exclusive deal to show all Ajax games for the season. Just as soon as I'd completed the switch from DirecTV to Dish, of course. :-/

In the end, the only reliable thing to do is to get on an airplane and fly to Amsterdam. :-)

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2002

I thought everyone would like to know this bit of information I picked up from soccertv.com. ESPN2 will ONLY show Champions League matches on Tuesday's and not Wednedsay as they have done in the past.

Obviously this sucks as the chances of seeing Ajax are slim. I am hoping one of the games against Inter Milan could be shown.

To say that this is unacceptable is an understatement.

Please I urge everyone who cares to send emails to ESPN to get them on the stick. I mean put a game on a 4 in the morning if they will.

Soccer must be shown!

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

Ahmed,

In the US you could subscribe to BVN (www.bvn.nl) which shows a Dutch sportsprogram called "Studio Sport". Obviously they show Dutch Eredivisie higlights including Ajax matches. I think I heard it's not yet available for Canada, however for the US it is on the Dish Network. B.t.w. anybody has any experiences with the Dish Network? I now have AT&T's bronze package and can receive a lot of sports channels. I'm considering to switch to the Dish Network, however would likt to keep the good stuff.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

Is there any channel on Dish Network that enables me to watch Ajax matches ? I live in Canada and i have am subscribed to a cable company called Dish Network and i want to know what channels on Dish Network show Ajax Matches ! Live and Recorded !

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2002

I can always watch everything with my Windows MediaPlayer. (and of course the latest codecs from www.divx.com/divx)

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2002

Yup. Same here. I have slow connections and equipment at home, but the stuff we have at work should be good enough. But they never work for me... :-/

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2002

Is anyone else having any problems viewing the videos on SuperShota? Ive got a pretty new version of Quicktime, but it never works. any suggestions?

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002

Can someone please explain what is meant by TV Broadcasting Rights issues? I mean ESPN is ESPN all over the place isn't it? So why can't let's say ESPN2 show an occasional Dutch League match?

Thanks for any help to my ?.

Rich

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

Regarding the ESPN coverage of Eredivisie games....this is from the web site.

RECEIVE ESPN INTERNATIONAL IN THE UNITED STATES. ESPN International Networks are not available for distribution in the United States due to TV Broadcasting rights issues.

I assume this means what we are all looking for...

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

Depending on what they say (if they answer me), we might want to gear up for The Mother of All Email Campaigns to convince ESPN to add Eredivisie games to their 'domestic' broadcast schedule...

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

True, true... But I don't think ESPN Latin America is available to U.S. (or Canadian) viewers... I'm trying to find out one way or t'other. Here's the email I sent to ESPN Operations today:

Greetings,

I am the president of a fan club for a Dutch soccer team called AFC Ajax Amsterdam, which plays in the top division of Dutch soccer, the Eredivisie. We have approx 1900 members world-wide, including approx 1200 in North America, of which approx 950 are in the USA. Additionally, our website gets between 10,000 and 15,000 hits per day.

In the early/mid-90's, Eredivisie games were shown on espn2. More recently, Eredivisie games were shown on Fox Sports World. However, this season, Eredivisie games do not seem to be available anywhere for U.S. viewers.

Recently, someone pointed out to me that ESPN Latin America's programming for 09/01 includes AJAX vs Groningen at 8:45 AM eastern time, 5:45 pacific time. I had heard that ESPN had picked up broadcast rights for Eredivisie this season, and your Latin America listings bear that out.

So my questions to you: Is there any way for viewers in the United States to see ESPN broadcasts of Dutch Eredivisie games this season? Is there any chance that Eredivisie games will be offered on espn2, or via pay-per-view (e.g. ESPN Extra), for instance? Is there any way for someone living in California to get ESPN Latin America programming? (I've heard rumors that some pubs in the U.S. can get ESPN Int'l. That seems unlikely, but I thought I'd ask.)

I can enlighten several thousand Dutch soccer fans with any information you can provide to me.

Thanks in advance!

If they bother to answer me, no matter what that answer says, they'll already be 1000 times more competent that Fox Sports World...

- jim

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Hey everyone, for all people concerned on why Fox dropped the Dutch League games, i think i know the reason, now they're aired on ESPN..!! at least on the latinamerican one, last night i saw Ajax- Vitesse encore which by the way was aired LIVE on sunday, furthermore, this coming sunday they will air LIVE Fc Groningen- Ajax..!!! so, if anyone of you have ESPN Latam you will have the luck to see our team playing live, check the schedules on this page http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/deportes/deportesSch eduleWeek?sport=SO or http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/deportesindexla

Hope everyone is doing great and happy of the results, as they say, "football games are won by the one who actually SCORES the goals", so here's the team that is scoring, and that Chivu's free kick was a real blast for everyone, we now can say that Gelredome is another Ajax-conquered land, woohooo!!

-eee

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

I have no clue but I hope someone can find out soon. I'm convinced that those who operate FSW are retarded.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Attention, everyone!

Just read this tiny little article in de Volkskrant this morning. In itself, it was hardly interesting. It was about the remarkable fact that Vitesse has not found a shirt sponsor for this season yet. Now, they have reached an agreement with a company named SITA, for two games. SITA will be Vitesse's shirt sponsor for their upcoming two games, including tomorrow's home game against Ajax.

Not very shocking, but stay tuned: the report said that one of the reason's for SITA to sponsor Vitesse during the Ajax game is the huge exposure. "The Vitesse vs Ajax game will be shown op pay-TV in The Netherlands as well as the United States."

I have no idea which network will show the game in America. No idea at all. Does someone have an idea?

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2002

For those of us deprived of our weekly Ajax game by the football- illiterates of Fox sports (I remember them showing a second half and then a first half of an Ajax-game last season without acknowledging their mistake to the viewers), there's the opportunity to download the goals of the latest matches from the Dutch ajax.nl website. You go to the header "wedstrijden", scroll down and then click on video. For example, you can already see the goals of their game against Utrecht played last weekend.

Hope this helps.

Friso

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

I saw that ESPN International/Latin America is showing the Dutch league games. I have cable and can not get it. I searched Dish Network and Direct TV and was not able to see it on their listings. I have heard it can be accessed thru satellite that gets Mexican stations. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do that?

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

For anyone in the Washington DC area: Summer's Restaurant says on it's website (www.summers-restaurant.com) that it will be showing the Ajax - Utrect game at 8:30 am on Sunday, which I presume is live. Summer's does not have much atmosphere - it's sort of a Denny's with a bar - but they show lot's of soccer. It is in Arlington, 1/2 a block from the "Courthouse" stop on the orange Metro line.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2002

Just a quick reminder to all UK based fans that last Sunday's game is being shown on snowy Channel 5 in the very early hours of Friday morning (or the very late hours of Thursday night whichever you prefer)

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002

Dear Ajax fans,

does anyone in this forum have the official Ajax video of the season 95-96? If so or if someone can tell me how to get it, I'd be pleased to receive an answer by email! Thanks in advance,

Benjamin

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002

To get answers at Fox Sports World email Dermott McQuarrie at DMcQuarrie@foxsportsinternational.com

I suggest slamming ESPN reagrding their football schedule. There is no valid reason that Dutch games or Spanish ones are not shown at all. Anytime or day will do. Vcr's could do the work at non-peak hours.

Please email ESPN everyone. Do it every day so they know football must be shown.

Rich

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2002

Gosh, i hate that s***, i am only going to get more homesick now. and who says frikkin ESPN will pick the ajax out of all the available games to air. i bet they won't. it would just be our luck

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

So the Amsterdam Tournament was not available by any means to U.S. viewers. And the Eredivisie will not be shown; FSW is apparently too inept to reply to any enquiries, but it's obvious by now that they have NO plans for Dutch football coverage. That means U.S. Ajax fans will have to hope for a game or two of Champions League action on ESPN, or get themselves over to Amsterdam to see the games live.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

hi there

i am getting a friend in germany to send me copies of the "eurogoals" program broadcast in europe. this show is special because it shows highlights of dutch/spanish/belgian leagues. i am buying a multi format vcr and converter so i can translate them. i am hoping also that someone who reads these boards can also get copies of full matches as well. i want to offer copies of this program at the very least to people so they can pass them around and see whats happening in the erdedivisie each week. i think if we can work out a trading circle, that would be a great idea (because if this became popular i wouldnt be able to help everyone interested). also it may be a nice way to pass around other tapes (like those that come from the dutch soccer office in holland) anyhow, if anyone is interested, mail me privately at support@skimo.com and we can get something together

thanks - pj

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2002

If this is true about FSW not showing Dutch Football and that ESPN now has rights (Again) I say let's bombard the ESPN website with emails to show matches. I don't care what day or time just show it.

Please people let's do something about this situation.

Rich

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002

so is anything going to be broadcasted? at all?

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2002

I'm posting a message from our friend Down Under, Tom Harrop. I thought it was an extremely interesting addition to this discussion:

I thought I'd let you know in case the news hadn't already reached you. ESPN has the rights to the Eredivisie for the upcoming season on their Pac Rim network, and I would assume that since Fox SW no longer has the rights that ESPN may broadcast in the States as well.

This is especially good news to Australian fans. I actually campaigned both Fox and ESPN (my cable provider runs both channels) in Australia to show the Eredivisie, and at the end of last season after about ten emails, both networks were claiming that the other had the rights. So I decided that the direct approach was called for and contacted the KNVB, who put me in touch with the consultancy firm who handles television rights for the Eredivisie.

They confirmed that in fact neither ESPN or Fox had the rights in Australia. So I sent a really long and expressive email to my cable provider asking them to put pressure on ESPN since they had been more responsive than Fox. I also sent yet another email directly to the ESPN "international network" address, as they call it. About a week later someone called (not sure whether from ESPN or the cable company) and left a message saying that they would bring it up in the programming meeting and see what the response was. Today I saw an ad on ESPN saying the the Eredivisie would be returning this season. I don't know whether my hassling them for three years had anything to do with it, and I don't really care: I'm just happy that I'm gonna be able to see Ajax again!

You're probably wondering why I'm bothering to tell you this: I guess the long and the short of it is that you should check whether ESPN will broadcast in the US; and if they say no, put some pressure on them because if they have the rights for the Pac Rim chances are they can get them for the US.

Anyway I hope this helps, and good luck.

Thanks Tom! That's good news for everyone Down Under, especially fans of Joey D!

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2002

"This year, the tournament will be shown in Japan, China and the United States for the first time."

I don't think this is the first time that the Amsterdam Tournament is broadcasted China. I watched it last year.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Thanks Menno!

I found it on a Swedish channel! I haven't got it but one of my friends does, so I will for sure be at his place on Friday and Sunday!!!

Cheers!

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

I've heard/seen NOTHING about this. If somebody in Holland could contact SBS6 directly, ask them which U.S. broadcast/network partners they've contracted. I will then confirm that from this side of the 'pond' and promote the hell out of it on Ajax USA. It's probably Pay-Per-View, but by whom? Nothing mentioned on DirecTV web site, or on soccertv.com...

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Hey everyone!

A press release from SBS6, the TV network that will televise all four Amsterdam Tournament games in Holland, says the following: "The Amsterdam Tournament was shown live in more than 100 countries. There were approximately 350 million (!!) viewers worldwide. This year, the tournament will be shown in Japan, China and the United States for the first time."

That sounds good! I don't know any details. If someone knows more: please keep us posted in this thread!

As for Jakob: live in more than 100 countries... Sounds like it should be available to watch the games on some Swedish network, or else live on some satellite sports network in a local pub or sports bar.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Please somebody help me!

I'd really like to see the next games against Man Utd and Barcelona. Could anybody inform me about where the game is broadcasted...on which channel? If I cant see it I'd at least like to listen to it?? Does anyone know where I can do that then???

Thanks!!!

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

I'm pretty sure the whole 90 minutes aren't available in a shop, you'd have to be lucky enough to find someone who recorded it themselves.

However, if you buy the 95/96 season video, a relatively long selection of highlights from that game is on that. I'm not sure how readily available that video is, but I think you should still be able to get it through Ajax.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

Dear Ajax fans,

I have been trying to get a hold of a video of the 1995/96 Champions League game Real Madrid vs. Ajax Amsterdam (0:2) from November 22, 1995. It is said to be one of the best matches ever to be played by a soccer team, so I am really curious to watch it.

Does anyone of you have a video tape of this particular game by chance? Or does anyone know where I can get it? I'd be honestly thankful if someone could help me out and drop me a message!

Thanks in advance!

Benjamin

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2002

The Lehigh Celtic Supporters Club, in Emmaus, PA is taping the Celtic- Ajax match on 24 July (which will air at 2:30p.m. or so, local time) and rebroadcasting it at 5:30 p.m. at Churchill's Main Street Pub, Second and Main streets, Emmaus. Charge is the normal $10. Great food and drink available as well.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002

***** AJAX vs. Celtic ***** In South Florida there will be a broadcast of the game at: Harp & Piper (a Celtic fan venue) 537 South Dixie Highway East, Pompano Beach, FL, telephone 954-941-1714 at 2:45pm Florida time. Since the game is a friendly, it was not yet determined if there would be a fee. If there is it would probably be $10.

BZ

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002

AJAX vs. Celtic! In South Florida there will be a broadcast of the game at: Harp & Piper (a Celtic fan venue) 537 South Dixie Highway East, Pompano Beach, FL, telephone 954-941-1714 at 2:45pm Florida time. Since the game is a friendly, it was not yet determined if there would be a fee. If there is it would probably be $10.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002

Oh well... I though I'd discovered something really special, but guess what: the game will be live on RTL5 in Holland, so every cloggie can watch it at home... :-) That's nice. Forget about the Bulldog thing in the post below...

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2002

This is great news for all Dutch Ajax fans, as well as non-Dutch Ajax fans living in Amsterdam or visiting the city this upcoming Wednesday, 24 July. And of course, for all Celtic fans in Amsterdam.

I had already started to accept that the Celtic vs Ajax game was not going to be televised in The Netherlands. No Dutch TV channel will show it, nor will the BBC or any of the commercial stations in Amsterdam's standard cable package.

Luckily, some commercial British network will broadcast the game, and the Bulldog All Sports Café in Amsterdam will have it on big screens! Kick off is at 8:45 PM Dutch time (7:45 in Glasgow).

Note that the Bulldog All Sports Café is not the same place as the big 'The Bulldog' coffeeshop in Leidseplein itself. The Bulldog All Sports Café is located in a small street just off the square, on the exact opposite side of the square as the main Bulldog coffeeshop (the side that's pretty much one big outdoor terrace). You'll see the Leidseplein Theatre on the corner. The street next to it is the one you need. Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49. It's in between Machurian (Chinese restaurant) and Café Eylders.

See you there!

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2002

Welcome to Europe, Rudy! I suppose we will shake hands soon now, won't we? Where exactly are you in the land of our slightly backward, but very friendly neighbors...? ;-)

Anyways: the TV thing should be no problem. We have Belgium's public channels in our standard cable package. Belgians get the Dutch public channels in their standard cable package. Just check with your local cable company.

However, you also need SBS6, a Dutch commercial network. They have the rights for the Amstel Cup and Oranje home games (and First Division). Eredivisie as well as Oranje away games are on public TV, which you could even receive via antenna, if your in Flanders. They also have both European competitions (Champs League and UEFA Cup), but that's on Belgian TV as well.

Sometimes, on Champions League nights, Dutch and Belgian TV often choose for different games, so you can zap back and forth and miss all the goals! :-)

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2002

OK chaps, wasn't sure where to post this but here we go....

I've now moved from the frozen tundra that is Canada (+35 degrees celcius last time I checked, but what the hell, why spoil the myth), to rainy Belgium (three days of glorious sunshine, but again...). So I'm getting settled; house, car, shool for the kids e.t.c. e.t.c. now the important question.....HOW DO I OPTIMISE MY AJAX VIEWING ON LOCAL MEDIA??? Cable? Satelite?

If there is anyone who can help me it would be appreciated.

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2002

It has been confirmed that Setanta Sport will televise the Celtic - Ajax friendly Wed. July 24th KO 2:45 Eastern time.

Setanta Sport provides closed circuit coverage of Scottish Football (amongst other games) to Celtic Supporters Clubs throughout North America. To find the CSC nearest to you check out http://www.nafcsc.com

Good luck to Ajax ths year. Bhoys who attended the CL qualifier in Amsterdam last August still rave about the excellent time they had and the friendly craic that went on before, during and after the match.

Pat Rochester NY CSC http://www.geocities.com/rochnycsc

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2002

This is my comments I have sent when I have seen the Special Report on the home page here.

We must let them know that this is unacceptable.

My comment:>>>>

Dear Sir or Madam:

It has come to my attention that Fox Sports World will no longer be carrying any coverage of the Dutch Eredivisie for this upcoming season. If this is truly a fact, I must voice my concerns that, as the years progress, I have witnessed a decline in coverage of the European leagues such as Seria A and so forth. I was very pleased, however, when the Dutch League was added which permitted my to witness weekly the high caliber football of Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord on a live basis. However, should the Dutch league coverage be terminated, it would be a shame because, honestly, your channel is the only beacon of light in a US market devoid of any concerns and interests to European Football. Nevertheless, as stated earlier, should this coverage be again limited, I will be forced to assess the feasibility of continuing my subscription to your channel. In most likelihood, I will terminate service.

On the other hand, I hope that along with many others who feel the same, our concerns will be taken in earnest and hopefully this devaluation of coverage be prevented.

Sincerely,

John Barutia

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2002

Damn...

So, after having watched more full Ajax games on TV than the Dutch for almost two seasons, it seems like the dream is over... No more Dutch/Ajax games on Fox Sports World. If this is true and if it turns out that it's really, really over, all I can say is this...

I hope that, despite your return to the dark ages, you will continue to support Ajax and Ajax USA. We will keep you poated of everything. Check back to the site for our match reports. Watching the game is of course a million times better, but well, at least it's something.

But that's for later. For now, we are not giving up and we are not letting this happen. Let's all send e-mail to comments@foxsportsworld.com, no matter whether you're North-American or not.

COME ON! TIME FOR ACTION, EVERYBODY!

As the Beastie Boys once said:

"YOU GOTTA FIGHT! FOR YOUR RIGHT TO SEE AAAAAAJAX!" ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2002

There is a possibility that the July 24 Celtic -Ajax friendly will be televised via Setanta and the 75 North American Celtic Supporters CLubs . Check www.nafcsc.com for details.

Pat Rochester NY Celtic Supporters Club http://www.geocities.com/rochnycsc

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002

Bad news for the 2002-03 season, I fear. FSW won't be broadcasting Dutch top division matches this year. This from the authoritative oliver Tse, who runs www.soccertv.com.

Any suggestions?

Tim

-- Anonymous, July 02, 2002

Menno - seems a good idea to me. Will be arriving at 8am and flying back out on the 15:15. Will be going out to the ArenA first thing and then have a little bit of shopping to do at De Bierkoning, Magna Plaza and the Flower Market. Could pop it into the office on the way back into town. Would like it back though as I want to pass it onto Ray.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2002

Bill, if it's okay with you: you can bring your tape to Amsterdam on the 11th, and I can send it to Jim. You see, I was going to send Jim a parcel anyway, so I can put the tape in it as well. Jim knows this little company that can do the conversion.

Lemme know if that's okay with you.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2002

Jim Wrote: "What we need is a VIDEOCASSETE of the English-language version. UK (PAL) video's can be easily converted to US (NTSC) format. Bill, do you have (the ability to create) a videocassette copy?"

The quick answer to this is no and the long answer come to think of it is no as well. If anybody in the UK or Amsterdam (I am there on the 11 June) has the technology then I could pass my tape on.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2002

Ermmmm......Someone in a pub once told me that all DVD players can be used to view any of the "regional" DVD versions. Inside the machine there's some kind of "feature" that limits what you can see. Some "entrepeneurial" techies can "fix" this so that any DVD can be viewed.

That's what he told me anyway...I wouldn't know personally.......

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

Jim wrote: "DVD's are region-encoded. So a DVD offered for the UK market won't work on US DVD players."

Damn. I kind of expected that :-(

Jim: "What we need is a VIDEOCASSETE of the English-language version."

Of course, VHS video tapes of the film are available from BOL.com as well, but... Dutch only. The English version is a special feature on the DVD version.

Jim: "And I fixed Menno's second link, which was originally broken when he posted. Naughty Menno. :-)"

Ah... And I'm the naughtyone here? At least I'm not f##king with people'sposts, you know... ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

READ THIS BEFORE YOU ORDER:

DVD's are region-encoded. So a DVD offered for the UK market won't work on US DVD players. And I have not been able to find a DVD conversion service. (If anyone does, please let me know.)

What we need is a VIDEOCASSETE of the English-language version. UK (PAL) video's can be easily converted to US (NTSC) format. Bill, do you have (the ability to create) a videocassette copy?

And I fixed Menno's second link, which was originally broken when he posted. Naughty Menno. :-)

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

Bill wrote: "Menno - having difficulty making the second link - keeps bombing me out."

I tried, but they all work. Try again. If you order, I hope the payment system's working again. This morning the server was busy...

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

It certainly sounds that we are talking about the same documentary here. Most certainly worth the price. Menno - having difficulty making the second link - keeps bombing me out.

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

Jim wrote: "Yes, and what's MOST significant and exciting about this announcement from Bill is that it implies that the BBC has provided an English sub- titled version of this great film (in which 90% of dialogue is in Dutch). Is that the case, Bill?" Lemme answer that... I'm pretty sure I already posted this somewhere, but the DVD version has an English version of the film. For some reason the Ajax.nl Online Fanshop does not offer it, but you can order your copy here on BOL>com. The ordering procedure is in Dutch, but I'll try to guide you through it. By the way: I am not sure whether there's a difference in format between Europe and America. Anyways. If this DVD is the only item you want, click the orange bar on the right of the page, saying Bestel snel (= "order directly"). If you want to purchase the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 Ajax DVDs containing all goals of that particular season, and/or the beautiful In The Catacombs photo book by Yvonne Witte, click on the yellow bar saying In winkelwagentje (= "Add to shopping cart"). Each time you've added an item to your shopping cart, you see your shopping cart contents page. From there, you can either do further shopping (Winkel verder) or order (Bestel snel) by clicking the grey bars at the bottom of the shopping cart page. When you've finally clicked Bestel snel ("order"), you have to register. There's two grey bars on the page. You click the top one (= "I am a new customer"). This brings you to an irrelevant page (Welkom bji Bestel Snel = "welcome to Direct Ordering"...), with only one grey bar you can click. Go for that. The page you see now says at the top: Uw factuuradres. Enter your personal data here. The fields with a blue dot are required. Those fields are (in chronological order, forget about the ones with no blue thingy): 1. Titel = Mr/Mrs (Dhr. = Mr/Mevr. =Mrs

2. Voornaam = first name

3. Achternaam = last name

4. Straat en huisnummer = street and number

5. Postcode = ZIP code

6. Woonplaats = city

7. Land = country (Dutch name for 'United States' = Verenigde Staten)

Then, at the bottom of the form is a little box, which is already ticked. If invoice and items whould be sent to the same address, keep it that way. If you want to receive the invoice on some other address than the parcel containing the items oredered, then "un-tick" it. Further down... 1. Uw e-mailadres = your email address

2. Kies een wachtwoord = choose a password

3. Bevestig uw wachtwoord = confirm your password

4. This sucks: the 'secret question' field, but it's in Dutch only... I suggest you go for the second question listed: Waar ben ik geboren? (= "Where was I born?"), cos it's the most simple one.

5. Vul hier het antwoord van de vraag in = answer to your secret question

6. Bevestig het antwoord op uw vraag confirm the answer to your question (*sigh*...)

Make sure the box at the bottom is not ticked. If you tick it, you'll receive a BOL.com newsletter which will look to you like someone sat down on a typewriter. Finally, click the grey bar (Ga verder = continue"). Next page: at the top it tells how long it will take until your order will be shipped. Whatever. Below it, is the question whether you want your stuff wrapped as gift (at 45 eurocents extra; surprise yourself!). Ja = yes. Nee = no. Then click the longest of the two grey bars, in the right corner. Next page: the PAYMENT. You can choose for several methods, but the only option for you guys is highlighted in yellow: credit card payment. Choose your type of credit card. Below, you enter your card number (no spaces or dots) and the expiry date (month/year). Scroll down and click the longest grey button again, in the right corner. Now, if you're unlucky, you'll see a long sentence starting with Vanwege de enorme drukte.... This means: "The server is busy. Please come back and try again later". That's what happens right now, so I can't tell you how to finalize your order. Anyway - all you have to do now is confirm and your stuff will be on its way. If you need help to get through the final step, just drop me a line...

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2002

Yes, and what's MOST significant and exciting about this announcement from Bill is that it implies that the BBC has provided an English sub- titled version of this great film (in which 90% of dialogue is in Dutch). Is that the case, Bill?

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Bill, I'm almost sure (based on your descriptions) that it was the Ajax documentary, Ajax - Daar Hoorden Zij Engelen Zingen ("Ajax - They Heard The Angels Sing"), which I have on video and which we've watched with the Ajax USA group during our Ajax in March 2002 trip. Amazing documentary.

Now you've seen it, you should read our news report of 16 November 2000, right HERE. Also, read this follow-up report of 04 December 2000, about all the trouble that followed when the documentary hit the cinemas...

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Great programme on UK Television (Channel BBC4) last night on a year in a life of a certain team in Holland. Came across it just after 24 finished - started 23:35 hours and was one and a half hours in duration. Covered the awful 1999/00 season in a lot of depth and went into a detail on the youth sides and our men in Africa and followed the trial of Quansah from his homeland through to being accepted in Amsterdam. The most popular saying of our men in suits seemed to be "bloody hell" especially in Mallorca. Very interesting when they showed the post match interview with Wouters after the game with Willem II. Co's face really did seem to say "I know something you dont". BTW R W came across as a real s**t - why the hell do we want this guy back. All in all a great programme - I have it on video - if anybody can copy it or wants to borrow then please let me know.

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Even the re-run of FC Utrecht vs Ajax (3-1) will be fun to watch now... Watching Stijn "Mad Dog" Vreven's attempts to amputate several limbs of Ajax players, you will just smile and think: you just wait buster, we'll get you on 12 May, and you don't want to know how... :-)

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002

Four road-games from this past season to be shown every day, Mon-Thur at 11am pacific on FSW. Check out: http://www.ajax-usa.com/ajax/tele.html

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

So far, no announcement yet on any broadcast of the Amstel Cup final in the US; certainly not live. Hopefully FSW will show it, even if days later. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2002

Hey folks, just wondering: will the Amstel Cup final be televized in the U.S.? Over here in Holland, public television network NOS has the rights for the Eredivisie, but commercial network SBS6 has the rights for the Amstel Cup. So they're two different packages of broadcasting rights. I hope Fox Sports World does not only have contacts with NOS and its Eredivisie package... for in that case, you can forget it...

BTW: Ajax will play Sunday's Cup final in the next season's, brand- new away jersey. It's a very simple, light-blue shirt, reminiscent of the away jerseys from the 1980s. Check out Ajax.nl for photos.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2002

Wow... that's really something! I don't think that I could say that I would be willing to take the plane to Holland to see Ajax play almost every homegame!

(by the way, in my last post i meant 'you are NOT the only one'.)

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Not totally correct there Joel, I for one have seen this season a total of 16 games at the ArenA and one for Young Ajax at De Toekomost when the game for Dead Tuna was postponed in the Autumn. Believe Ray has also has seen roughly the same number of games this year. With the price of easyjet flights being so low and the timing of the flights, we can be back indoors by 20:00pm from a 14:30pm kick-off. Having said that it does mean an early start to catch the 07:20 out to Amsterdam.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

The downside of that of course your seats will be empty for most of the season. Sadly, you are the only ones who buy a season ticket and only go to a few matches every year. (These are people who live in Holland, about 5,000 of them!) But still it's great that fans from outside Holland do everything to go to the matches, and to that end any means are allowed!

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2002

Unfortunately or fortunately David, myself, Lesley and Ray have only found one way around this one and that is by becoming season ticket holders and visiting as many times as the old cash-flow allows.

The prices are very low when compared to English football and the cost of the Sky annual rental. My season ticket for the coming season will cost 211 Euros. The cost of getting there can vary, but have managed it for as little as Ł40 return via easyjet. What a small price to pay for one of the great clubs in the world.

I can definitely recommend this course of action as the footballs great (well most times )and the company via Menno, Bastiaan, Mark and the rest of the gang is top notch.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2002

It is tough to be an Ajax fan when you don't get the live games where you live. I live in England and have tried everything to see them live. Sky Sports say that they don't have the rights to show the games but they DO show live games from Spain, Germany, and other countries. Eurosport do live scoring from other countries but not from NL. I end up pacing up and down until I can see the final score on a website or on tv text. Apparently,the Sky dish and topbox is the wronge sort to pick up FSW and I'm told that you have to be in the NL with a band account to be able to see the games on Canal+. It just seems strange to me that we live in a world of global tv yet I can't see an Ajax game live that is being played in the NL. Has anyone got any ideas as to how I might overcome this problem? Maybe there's someone from the UK that is reading this and has found the answer.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2002

*LOL*

That's me alright... Mark is on my right (left for the viewers). In fact, Ajax USA member Dave McCroskey is on Mark's right, and 'Baggy' Bastiaan is on Dave's right :-)

We're actually getting famous! We are also on a picture of the current Ajax Life cover (= paper for members of the official Ajax fanclub. Unfortunately, the article is about hooliganism...

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2002

Okay, it was very hilarious to see Mark and Menno standing and singing, Menno with his scarf over his head, after the second Ajax goal today. How clear and obvious was it? Kathleen, my wife, who hasn't seen Menno in a year, said, "Hey, that's Menno!" I took a picture of the TV screen (Menno's the one holding the scarf up), but it looks pretty blurry. But believe me, on the actual TV image, it was clear as day. You can see Menno smiling, bobbing his head like he does when he gets all happy and stuff. F*cking hilarious. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2002

I forgot to mention that while I was watching the Psv-Feyenoord game this weekend I heard the great Christian Miles make these remarks:

Save by Fred Grim. I say what?

It should be interesting to see the partnership of Hofland and Pauuwe. I say what?

"A two goal lead is the the worse lead to have in football". Remember Bayern Munich-Man United in the 1999 Champions League Final? I say what?

I mean when is FSW going to do something about this already. Week after week he makes a mockery of the matches. Enough with the pardon me's, and the my apologies. Does anyone at FSW care, or review his work, or lack there of for that matter?

He knows nothing about the game, the rules, good play from bad, and just talks about God Knows what.

Its simply embarassing and unacceptable. I just cannot take it. I urge all viewers to comment to comments@foxsportsworld.com about this.

By the way the title is looking very real for Ajax!

Thanks,

Rich

Rich

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2002

Can't speak for the brothers down south, but FSW Canada is showing Ajax v. Utrecht live at 8:30 a.m., and repeating in the afternoon.

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

According to the ever-reliable ;-) FSW online schedule, we get Ajax v Utrecht at "8:30 pm ET" although their PDF schedule for the week lists the game as "DUTCH SOCCER (k.o. 05:30am PT) L" which means they *currently* plan to show this game live and just screwed up when they updated the web page.

Great news: this looks like the toughest and most important remaining fixture. If Ajax can take three points on Sunday, then it looks downhill from there. Away to NEC might be tough, but definitely achievable if the title is within sight.

See for yourself: http://www.foxsportsworld.com/world/. Oh, and I recommend you set your VCRs to record BOTH the 5:30am and 11am games, just in case. Or better yet, get TIVO!

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

You obviously haven't been to British Columbia, old boy!

Absolutely BBBEEEAAAUUUTTTIIFFUULLLLLL!!!! (Mind you, I live in flat boring Ontario)

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

So strange to hear that one of the colonies being referred to as Gods country. We will just have to send another gunboat up the St Lawrence to quell the rebellious natives.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

Well, it looks like Canada is "God's country" after all. Contractual agreements or not (or perhaps because of your email Jim), we got the Ajax v Sparta game in the morning, and the P$V v Fword game in the afternoon.

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

Well, I missed the Ajax/Sparta game -- thanks to FSW's F-up. While the PSV/F-word game WAS good, I wanted to see the Ajax game. Too, would it have killed Christian Miles to mention the SCORE of that match? He gave the scores for all the other ones, but only spoke of Ajax's victory :(

It would be nice if FSW would rerun the Ajax game, but I won't be holding my breath..

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002

What is going on here? The ol' switch-a-roo me thinks. Lads and lasses, check yer tv sets RIGHT NOW!!! The PSV- F-word game is NOT on. Our lads at Sparta is the game being shown. What the F@*! is going on. Well, at least they didn't show the second half first. I Hope a few lucky souls are tuned in.

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002

It would have been nice if FSW would have shown this recent Dutch Cup win over PSV. Hopefully they will show the Dutch Cup Final but I doubt it as its probably a contractual issue.

I still hope Christian Miles gets the boot. It just gets uglier with him on the air. When will the Producers at FSW get a clue already?

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2002

Oh well looks like us Canucks here in the frozen tundra will have to make do with P$V v. Fword.

Still, beggars can't be chosers, and we can't really complain about the coverage this year overall. Besides which this game will affect our championship chances more than us hammering Sparta.

Fingers crossed for a tie!!!!!

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2002

Sunday's crucial game at Sparta will be on FSW in the US, a few hours' tape delayed. Don't miss it. So you might assume, then, that it'll also be on FSWC, the Canadian equivalent of FSW. WRONG. In fact, FSWC is planning to show (see schedul e) the F-Word three times on Sunday, while missing the critical Sparta-Ajax match. Don't they realize what can happen to the hearts and minds of Canada's young people if they're exposed to the F-word three times on a single Sunday? Oh, the humanity...

Well, I wrote to FSWC, and UNLIKE their U.S. counterparts, they responded to my email. Here's what they had to say; very interesting!

"Due to contract restrictions we are only able to broadcast one original Dutch match per week, and therefore we chose the LIVE match over the delayed match. The repeat of this match is normally at 17:00 for the people in the PST time zone who miss the early morning broadcast. The repeat of the UEFA Cup is for our viewers who had missed the Semi-Final earlier in the week.

"Thank you for taking the time to contact Fox Sports World Canada with your concerns."

- Fox Sports World Canada

Oh well, that's tough for our Canadian brethren. But at least you can't attribute FSWC's F-Word-centric programming to bad taste.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Does anyone know how I can watch the PSV game on wednesday? The 2 channels that show Eredivisie games here in Egypt, ART Sport (Arab Radio & Television) and Canal Plus - Blue Channel of Holland are both showing different games (local league and madrid vs munich in cl). Please advise as I do not wish to miss this game. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2002

Sky Sports News showed all seven goals from today's match. The match highlights were on approximately 35 or 40 minutes into the hour long program. Sky Sports News is airing now ,as I write, and will be on again at 1am est and 7am est tomorrow.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2002

Sigh. FSW and Christian Miles did it again. At the commencement of the second half, just after kick-off, Miles mad a stunning announcement: EACH team had made THREE substitutions at half-time. (Mbamba for Hofs, Van Beukering for Amoah, Claessens for Martel for Vitesse and Galásek for Vierklau, Machlas for Pienaar and Stefano Seedorf for Van der Meyde for Ajax.) What is this, an intra-squad friendly? What were the coaches thinking?

Moments later, Miles started an all-too familier back-pedaling after we see all but one of the "subbed" players, including all three "subbed" Ajax players, still in the game. WTF?

It took me two seconds to figure it out: this game was being broadcast one-hour delayed, so in an attempt to buy a clue, Miles had gotten the game notes off a news service or Internet site, and mistakenly announced the substitutions that WOULD be taking place LATER in the second half AS IF they'd occcurred at half-time.

Once I figured that out, I knew those subs WOULD eventually happen, and I also knew that the only way Machlas would be brought on to replace a very on-form Pienaar was if Ajax were losing and were desperate to poach a goal. Of course, they were winning 0-1 at the time. But now I was virtually certain that Ajax would surrender at least the equalizer, and probably the go-ahead goal, in the second half.

So, Ajax were winning, but I knew they would eventually lose it. So I couldn't even enjoy the lead while they held it. Thanks, pal. This isn't as spectacular a cock-up as the first-half-as-second-half game from earlier this seaon, but it's less forgiveable. Really, really lame.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Looks like FSW and FSWC will have the Vitesse - Ajax game on a slight delay, 6:30/9:30am on Sunday, 31 March.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002

SoccerTV.com currently has a re-broadcast of Ajax@PSV listed for Tuesday, 26 March, 11pm est /8pm pst, on FSW U-S. Imagine my surprise when I turned on my now reinstated FSW and was condemned to watching F-word throttle Sparta during the dinner hour time slot. For me, this proved a better diet and appetite control aid than Stacker 2 fat burner.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

According to canadatvsoccer.tripod.com Ajax v. PSV is on at 8:00 p.m. (ET), here in Canada. I'm not sure how good an indicator this is for you guys in the US as the schedules to change a bit from time to time.

Link:

http://canadatvsoccer.tripod.com/Fixtures.htm

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

Jim,

I'm not convinced yet. Yes in the schedule it says k.o 4am PST, however the broadcast starts at 5.30am PST. Also it states P (premiere) instead of L (live)

best regards,

Dré

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

The Fox Sports welcome page is completely screwed up. It lists the following under "highlights": SUNDAY 3/17: Dutch Soccer - PSV v Ajax 8:30 am ET (LIVE)

However, if you go to the PDF schedule , which has been more accurate than the welcome page, it says: SUNDAY 3/24: PSV v Ajax k.o. 4AM PT

So, my prediction (but not my promise, since I don't control these things) is that the game will be shown live 4am/7am EST.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

PSV-Ajax live????? It seems PSV-Ajax will be live on Fox this weekend, but I still have some doubts. If you go to their website it says the broadcast starts at 5.30am PST. I think the match starts at 1.00pm CET, which means 4.00am PST. Also in their schedule they list this match as P, meaning premiere (so not L live). Does anybody know more??

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

check out: http://www.soccertv.com/pubs.cfm

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2002

4 Dutch radio, covering soccer matches, go to www.nos.nl. At streaming (right of the screen) click Radio 1, there is live coverage of important games, and just once in a while with regular games.

But can anyone help me with something else. Im a big Ajax fan, but I currently live in Boston. We have digital cable (AT&T) with all extra packages etc. but no FSW. Does anyone know where I can go to see some matches?

Thanx!

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2002

Can anyone tell me if Ajax matches are on any radio station??? I would love to listen to the game. Eventhough I don't understand Dutch I would even listen to dutchspeaking stations too.

Thanx for any answers!!!

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2002

Sorry but I cannot help myself, but since I have been a little out of the loop the past couple of weeks with the birth of my son, I noticed that FSW is showing Live Dutch matches.

I have to ask how bad has Miles been with this new format?

I have sent dozens of email to FSW programming about my problems with Miles, and never got any answers until around the holiday's when an Executive Producer Dermott McQuarrie wanted to know my problems with Miles. I gave many well thought out issues that I have, and he said he would speak to him personally, but would not remove him.

Actually I gave many suggestions such as replacing him with either Allen Hopkins or Max Bretos, but this was shot down too.

I know I may get carried away with this issue, but we soccer fans deserve more respect and at the very least have someone who could tell good play from bad.

I told the producer I love the channel, but its impossible for a hardcore fan to accept an unprofessional individual like Christian Miles.

Oh well I had to get this off my chest.

Cheers,

Rich

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

By the way: no FSW broadcast of NAC vs Ajax announced yet??

They really shouldn't miss that one. It's the #5 against the league leaders. Most definitely the most interesting game of the weekend. You never know, though... last weekend they chose for AZ vs Ajax which was (honestly) not the most interesting game of the weekend - beforehand and in retrospective... :-/

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2002

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!You are a Dutchie?All this time i thought u were an American!LOL!Ok then say whatever u want about your country.By the way,you are not uncivilized no matter what u say...You are just pissed off ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

I agree, Geo...

You can't say such things about other people's countries. The only country you are allowed to "slaughter" that way, is your own country. Which is what I did... I'm a Dutchie... :-)

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Yeah i agree Menno.Pretty fucked up situation.I myself tried to see if i can watch the game online,but i can't.And imagine that i live in Europe!But anyway...If Dutch are afraid of credit cards,we can't do anything about it.Each nation has a different way of thinking,and acting...U can say that they act strange,and different than you.But u shouldn't call them prehistoric and uncivilized.Especially a nation that is among the many nations that made USA what it is today.So the least u can do is respect them.You can call them whatever u want,but not uncivilized.That's just my personal opinion...

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Ben wrote: "Also, and especially for Dutch supporters, I believe there will be a live internet broadcast, in Dutch, of the game."

That's right, but unfortunately it's hardly interesting for people living outside Holland. For the Dutchies: the webcast is offered by AZ and Voetbal International, in cooperation with KPN Telecom. It's available on the official AZ website and costs 3.45 euro, which amount will be added to your KPN phone bill.

And that's exactly where the problem lies for everyone living outside Holland: they don't have a KPN Telecom phone bill.

What a ridiculous system... (one again). People invent something like a 'world wide web' and they still manage to make such a webast an exclusive event, exclusively for the tiny little village called Holland... Truly amazing. Why the f@#k can't people pay by credit card?

Even on line shops such as Wehkamp (the company hosting the Ajax Online Fanshop) don't accept credit card payment. Apparently, the Dutch are afraid of credit cards and still hardly accept them... Prehistoric. Absolutely incredible.

Anyway - maybe we'll ever civilize.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Yup, you heard correctly (which does not mean that what you heard was *correct*, given whom we're talking about here). And indeed, the FSW online schedule now lists the AZ-Ajax game. [PDF Schedule] For the record, that's 16 of 21 league games so far this season shown on TV in the States. FSW rules!!!

Also, the Sat match is NEC-PSV.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

While watching the last part of todays match in a Philadelphia pub, I distinctly heard Christian(I'm never wrong,I just ain't right)Miles say that AZ v. Ajax will be next Sundays televised match. Same bat- time(5pm eastern/2pm left coast time), same bat-channel.Also, and especially for Dutch supporters, I believe there will be a live internet broadcast, in Dutch, of the game . I saw word of it on the Ajax Netwerk website. The comments on the broadcast were in Dutch so one our Dutch members may want to check the details .

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

Hi! I live in Finland and therefore I can't watch too many Ajax games. Does anyone know if I can watch the Ajax games on TV? In that case, on which channel?? (Canal+, Viasat or any other?)

-- Anonymous, February 09, 2002

Just found out that my cable company dropped FSW effective immediately. Hope noone else is in the same boat. I would therefore be indebted to any supporter who can send me VHS tapes of the matches.I will be happy to pay a fee up front for any cost+ postage that may be incurred; to cover same.Any takers,VHS only,please let me know. Thanks!! Ben Bell

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2002

Don't worry, Rich... Oliver hasn't listed FSW's U.S. broadcasts because he doesn't know yet, not because they won't happen. The Dutch Eredivisie doesn't resume until Jan 26; FSW does have two games scheduled for the first weekend, teams TBD. See http://ww w.foxsportsworld.com/world/pdf/fsw_week4.pdf. It wouldn't hurt to send email to comments@foxsportsworld.com, requesting that FSW chooses Den Bosch-Ajax as their 27 Jan Eredivisie game.

For some reason, FSW is not showing repeats of first-half matches during the Winter break, while FSWC is showing some repeats. See http:// www.foxsportsworld.com/world/pdf/fswc_week21.pdf.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2002

Note for everyone: Please check soccertv.com. According to its listing of Dutch Football it currently shows that FSW Canada will be showing upcoming matches, and nothing on FSW.

What's up with that? We all know Miles sucks, but why no matches?

Another interesting tidbit is that FSW Canada shows the quality Sunday English Premier League games while FSW here in the states does not.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2002

The FSW 'half time score' ('half season score', actually): 25 official games (including Champions League, UEFA Cup and Amstel Cup) out of which 17 were available on U.S. TV one way or the other (the Celtic games were on Setanta).

Fox Sports World televised 15 out of 18 Ajax league games so far.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to them, too!!

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

Well, we've had FSW for a while up here in Canada for a couple of months now, and obviously it's great seeing so many Ajax games.

Having said that Mr Miles is beginning "to grate" me a little.

In a recent game the camera fixed on Rinus Michels in the crowd....anyone commentating on Dutch football should know he is....instead....silence!

Secondly at the PSV game there was a banner saying (in Dutch I grant you) "Co you are the weakest link....Goodbye!", the commentator (or someone else at FSW should have been able to translate this and comment on it...particularly given the events that have transpired since.

Mr Miles...YOU are the weakest link...Goodbye!

Cheers,

Rudy

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2001

Rich, I have to agree with you in re: Christian Miles. While initially I had no problem with him, in recent weeks he seems to have adapted more than a few annoying tactics:

1) Johnny Heitinga's name is constantly evolving. What was once pronounced as "Hi-TIIIING-a" was changed last week to "Hi-tecch-a" to "HEI-tinga" this week. One version, please.

2) How can he try to affect a weird pronunciation of the word "Amsterdam" (these days "Ahm-ste-dahm") and other words when, more often than not, he sounds like a guy from the Midwest? C'mon, he still says "git" instead of "get".

All I ask is that I get a game called cleanly and without affectation, with news and gossip interspersed at appropriate times. If all the names of the players are Americanized, that's okay. Either that or the PROPER Dutch pronunciation, please. I wish he'd pick one and stick to it..

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2001

Christian Miles on top of things again this weekend. I watched both Dutch matches this weekend, and as always he has done a very poor job mis-identfying players, and missing key points of the match while he babbles about nothing. When will FSW do something about this? Its all so wrong and totally unacceptable!

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2001

Joel, I'll try to tape the the BIG game - Ajx v. P$V match - for you. Give me your mailing address.

Cherrios, Ray

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2001

I guess I need my (annual, daily, monthly, quarterly) dose of Ajax games on TV. Last time I've seen them play on TV was April 2001. Hmmm... that's 7 months without watching an Ajax game on TV. Darn! If only there was FSW in the Philippines. I like reading the match reports here but there is no substitute in seeing the game. So, here goes... Does anybody out there (USA would be better because I think we have the same format NTSC something) have a kind heart who is willing to record(VHS) the Ajax games on TV? And would be so kind enough to send it to me, please. :) I'll pay for the shipping, but I don't know how I can repay you for the tape and your kindness. I'm not sure but I think FedEx has something like Bill to Receiver. So that's it. Thank you. :) Just 1 (any) game would be enough for me. That'll last me for another 4 months. :)

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2001

Yeah, the Feyenerd vs Vitesse game is an important one for Ajax. I'd prefer to see Feyenoord lose. We are 'virtually' one point ahead of them, although the current gap is four points (but they have a game in hand). The gap with Vitesse is now three, but 'virtually' six (looking at points lost). So, I hope Vitesse will win over there.

A draw would be a fine result, too, which would allow Ajax to increase the gap to Feyenoord to three points and the gap to Vitesse to eight. In a way, a draw is the best result, cos Ajax' competition would then lose four points in total (two each), instead of one team losing three points. Nevertheless, a Vitesse win would be the greatest thing.

I also hope for many, many, many yellow and red cards for both sides. Maybe even some injuries... Yeah, I'm evil :-)

If you're top of the table alone, a game between the numbers 2 and 3 on the table is always enjoyable to watch. They both want to keep up with you, but they have to kill each other to do so, while you're watching them fighting from above :-) Even if the Feyenerds win, they'd still be a point behind us, and we would basically lose Vitesse as a real competitor. It's always good, no matter what happens... Watch that game!

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

I am neither a supporter of or apologist for Vitesse or the F-word but Fox Sports World is showing the Vitesse-F-word match on Saturday 17 November. The time, as with the REAL MATCH of the weekend, Ajax v NAC on the 18th, is 5pm eastern, 2pm pacific time. The Saturday match will impact the standings as both clubs are nipping at Our lads' heels.Also, since we play Vitesse at home in December, it will allow our supporters to see the Arnhem side.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2001

Ajax vs PSV is on FSW this Sunday 11/25/01 at 2pm/5pm. Yeah baby. Now, Ajax just needs to take care of business and win the game...

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Can anyone please give me a valid email address for Fox Sports World? I have emailed often and never get any response. The customer service is a joke as is the continued inclusion of Christian Miles. Enough is enough already! How is it possible that a network that shows primarily soccer has an announcer who knows nothing? This is quite unacceptable. Why not put Allen Hopkins in the booth for Dutch games as he truly has some type of understanding with the game. Use Toby Charles for the the Bundesliga as he is one of the best. As I have said before there is plenty of research material available on the web so that real facts can be presented. Miles should look and listen to the extremely professional calls during English Premiership matches to get an idea of what is going on. He talks about God knows what and misses clear facts about the game. He just sucks! I call for everyone in the US to contact FSW with their complaints about this matter.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

Check out this translation (thanks, Menno) of a news item from AT5 TeleText:

AJAX STARTS WITH SECOND HALF ON FOX

American network Fox has goofed up as Ajax vs Willem was televized in the United States. Fox showed the second half of the tape-delayed game first, followed by the first, Ajax.Netwerk.to reports.

The slip-up had some funny situations as a result. The second half started with a 0-0 score, after Ajax had finished the first half with a 3-0 lead. Van der Vaart played again in the 'second' half, after he'd been substituted in the 'first'.

An Ajax fan from California notified Fox after he'd found out about the mistake. Strangely enough, the commentator did not notice that something was wrong during his report."

Am I the "Ajax fan in California" I wonder? I did email FSW, but how would anyone else know about that? Strange...

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

So it wasn't just me eeh Ben Bell. Almost thought the Dutch K.N.V.B. changed the substitution rule.....Hate to be the one responsible for numbering the video tapes at FSW....

-filwn

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

The AJAX-Willem II game was so amazing! A true first! For the first time in football history, the second half was played before the first half. No, I am not drunk or stoned. Just ugly.But seriously folks, FSW is now showing today's match in the wrong order...second half first, first half second( I guess). At this moment, we are still in the first half. Oops, I mean the second half. As if Christian Miles wasn't tough enough to deal with. I peaked at the scoreline earlier today...couldn't help myself... and am sure FSW is screwed up.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Christian Miles was once again a disgrace. Tim De Cler now plays for Sparta? Then the real De Cler is subistuted for Maxwell. I was expecting his normal "pardon me", but no De Cler for Sparta became Nilsen. (He was right about that) When will FSW get a clue and get a soccer person doing the Dutch matches. Ajax America? Can he read and can he get the facts straight? All of the match information is wrong as well that he gives. All he needs to do is go to to the following site www.kpn.telecompetitie.nl/. This has all the updated game information, including players ratings. This will give him a clue as to who is really playing well as the Dutch games are almost always on same day delay. This site is excellent and gives the proper starting teams, stats, etc. Miles you suck!

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2001

FC Groningen vs Ajax is announced for next Sunday. Way to go, FSW! That's a six out of six score (a double hattrick) for Ajax fans!

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2001

Hi. I'm happy, 'cause Ajax has won with 3-0 from Sparta Rotterdam. The goals are scored trough: van der Vaart (11th minute), and Mido (17th and 25th minute). Ajax could score more goals only the targetman wasn't sharp enough.... The list is now: 1. AJAX played 5, 13 points 2. Feyenoord Rotterdam, played 5, 12 points 3. Vitesse Arnhem, played 6, 12 points

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2001

RE: Canadian FSW Soccer coverage.

Hmmm.... the plot thickens ... on Friday (at 2:00 pm they didn't show their advertised game Roda v. Den Bosch, but last week's Ajax v. AZ game instead. On Saturday they showed their advertised P$V v. Herenveen (HEHEHEHE).

I guess they're still figuring this stuff out since the channel is still new (to Canada). Anyway, for now I'm recording any and all time slots that are advertised are Eredivisie games just incase it's an Ajax one.

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2001

For any "Cannuck" (that's Canadian ;-)) Ajax fans...

On the Ajax USA homepage it stated:

Ajax-Sparta added to Fox Sports World schedule 18 September: Fox Sports World has added this Sunday's Ajax-Sparta clash to their television schedule (23 September @ 2pm Pacific/5pm Eastern), which means they are a perfect five-for-five in Eredivisie broadcasts this season.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN CANADA.

Our (Ajax's) next game is Sunday 30th (v. FC Gronigen).

Go to this site for all soccer on Canadian tv:

http://canadatvsoccer.tripod.com/Fixtures.htm

I'm not excatly sure why there's a difference (I sent an email to FSW to find out and will forward any response), it may be due to Canadian content rules or something, although that would be weird as nothing else on the channel is Canadian.

Anyway, thought you'd want to know.

Cheers,

HUP AJAX HUP

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Some comments about yesterday's match. Once again Christian Miles showed his lack of knowledge by not recognizing the Ajax/Holland legend Marco Van Basten who was in the crowd. With Miles he just talks way too much, and misses such obvious facts. He gets easily confused and his terminology is very poor. By the way, I think he mentioned a reference to our club, but once again he made a mistake calling the club Ajax Americans. Regarding the game itself, Ajax did play most of the game in a defensive mode, but Twente really lacked the quality to break us down. Vierklau and Bergdomlo have really helped stabilize the backline. I wish for more skillful play and better passing. Also Fred Grim made some nice saves yesterday. Still Westerveld would be a major upgrade. Man, has be done wrong by wrong Houllier and Liverpool. Our friend from Feyenoord Dudek had a rough debut picking the ball out of his net 3 times.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

hi.... I would like to ask if in Holland or anywhere else in Australia sell any video of Ajax matches?? How much would it be plus postage and handling?

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2001

Here are a few Miles-isms from yesterdays Classic: 1.Hatem Trabelsi's last name at one point became Tbilisi. I knew we had problems at right back last season. I didn't realize that a whole city in the former Soviet state of Georgia was enlisted to solve the problem.

2.Rafael van der Vaart was misidentified as Maxwell while making his amazing run which led to the 0:2 goal.Definitely a shock for the parents of both lads.

Finally, while I am no big Christian Miles fan, I must give the devil his due.When he uttered the line " Feyenoord ...please forgive my use of the F-Word... are a little bit more offensive right now", I laughed until my sides were aching. As any AJAX Supporter will know,the F-word is ALWAYS OFFENSIVE!!!!

HUP AJAX HUP.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001

Hey guys, don't worry: we have shitty commentators back here in Holland aswell. Although they pronounce *Grim* correctly, some of them are annoying anyway... ;-)

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001

Ben,

I'll happily live with bad commentary if we can start getting the games!!!

;-)

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001

Now Canadians will be subjected to Christian Miles. Best have lots of batteries for your remotes. The better to turn the volume down.Mr.Miles is definitely not one of America's better imports to our northern neighbours.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2001

For anybody in Canada:

FOX SPORTS WORLD IS COMING TO CANADA!!!

There will be access through cable or satelite. We're finaly going to be getting Dutch League games.

FANTASTIC!

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2001

Good to see Dutch soccer on FSW. Bad to see (or hear for that matter) Christian Miles doing the commentary. What more can be said about his constant mistakes? My question is a simple one, during this first telecast of the new season what was worse: A. The play of Ajax B. Christian Miles C. Both were equally disgraceful

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001

For anyone living in the San Diego area wanting to watch the forthcoming Ajax v Celtic game then they will be welcome at The Blarney Stone Pub located on Balboa Ave (in the Vons parking lot). Steve

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

"Brother Across The Ocean Celtic Supporters Club" in San Francisco will be showing this Wednesday's game live (11:30AM Pacific/02:30PM Eastern) at the Abbey Tavern at 5th and Geary. (Tel: 415-221-7767) Entry fee is $20 cash.

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

Anyone in Manhattan who is interested in seeing the European qualifier match between Ajax and Celtic on Wednesday is welcome to join us at the New York Celtic Supporters Club. The match will be shown live at 2:30pm at "The Parlour" located at Broadway and 86th Street.

Paul Hendry New York Celtic Supporters Club

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

It has been confirmed that the 70 North American Celtic Clubs WILL be broadcasting the August 8 Ajax - celtic match LIVE. I can speak for our club in Rochester and welcome all Ajax fans. Our cover is $10 and we have a great 51" big screen TV. http://www.geocities.com/rochnycsc

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

Jim, Setanta will likely cover this game but i doubt it will be freely available (as Euro 200 was). The best chance you may have to see ths game is at one of the many Celtic Supporters Clubs in North America. We have a fantastic set-up where we get almost all Celtic games live (for a price off course). I suggest you look up www.NAFCSC.com for the Celtic club nearest you. Contact them, see if your welcome (am sure you will be) and what the cover is (prob $20). I will be taking my Ajax supporting mates along to my club. Good Luck (hopefully in the UEFA cup though;-). Steve

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Does anyone know if the Ajax-Celtic matches will be televised? I would expect that Setanta Sport )Closed Circuit) will show this, but who knows for sure? Anyone with an answer please let me know.

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

FSW continues to pepper its schedule with re-broadcasts of games from last season. For the second week in a row, three Ajax games will be shown. Groningen v. Ajax (again), Fortuna Sittard v. Ajax and then RKC v. Ajax. Full schedule and details on our Ajax on U.S. Television page.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

I am happy to report that Fox Sports World has listed its upcoming programming for the month of August, which will include Dutch Football. That is great news for Ajax fans, and now all I hope for is a new announcer.

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2001

Several weeks ago, I wrote an email to Fox Sports World thanking them for showing the games from Holland and especially games involving Ajax. In my note, I asked them if they were planning to show Dutch games this upcoming season and for many seasons to come. I received a response from them today which was not lenghty but at least we know we will be able to watch the games from Holland.

The response was, yes, we will.

-- Anonymous, July 06, 2001

Well put Ben! I urge not only Ajax fans, but soccer fans as a whole to send your comments to Fox Sports World. Something really has to be done to satisfy the fans You may not get a response, but its well within our rights to make suggestions as we are paying for this service through our respective cable or satellite providers.

By the way, speaking of David Endt, I believe he is a spokesman for Ajax and has been in that position for a few years.

Finally, for anyone who is interested starting today is the World Cup Under 21 tournament from Argentina. Holland is in the competition, and the team includes some Ajax youth players which will give us a good look at some of the future talent. Selected matches are being shown on Univision and Galavision, some Live and some via taped-delay.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2001

The first season of Nederlandse Eredivisie broadcasts on Fox Sports World is over.The re-introduction of Dutch football to an American television audience was long overdue. The season's broadcasts were cause for celebration; at least until a well-crafted 11 June e-mail from Rich Savare made mention of the DIRTY NAME!! No, not Feyenoord.The other DIRTY NAME- CHRISTIAN MILES!

Fox Sports World must change its broadcaster for the Dutch league matches.I have had enough of watching AJAX matches with no sound.But, it isn't enough to just say "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore". I have a few alternatives to the aforementioned unmentionable . And yes, I realize that anyone of the other five billion folks on Mother Earth would be an improvement. I just figured it might take too long to list them. I whittled the list down to 4 alternatives.

First, I throw out the name of David Endt. David Endt was a colour analyst for ESPN during the 1990's broadcasts of the Eredivisie. He is dutch and speaks english fluently. His analysis was excellent and his pronunciation even better.He really knew his subject. For me,mispronouncing player names and other examples of mangling the language stink of poor preparation or a "its just a job attitude". Just like the misidentification of players (constantly) reflects the same . If David Endt is unavailable,I would locate an english- speaking commentator who already does Eredivisie matches.

Surely, one of the english-speaking commentators could be enlisted to provide commentary of the FSW broadcasts(normally tape- delayed).For example, FSW could approach Canal + or AT 5 . FSW already utilizes the England-based broadcasts of English Premier League matches. It is common to hear Martin Tyler, Ian Darke, or Alan Parry providing commentary. Another example is their broadcasting of Bundesliga matches featuring Toby Charles at the mic.

I very much agree with Rich that Max Bretos and Allen Hopkins are, to echo his sentiments " well prepared and passionate" in their broadcasts. I just am not sure what kind of workload they keep. Still, both would be a major improvement.

I think our only opportunity to change the present state of affairs is to sound off to FSW and to present alternatives.I have done so tonight and will continue to e-mail them. Their website is www.foxsports-world.com ,click on comments on the home page. It's either this, hope AJAX.nl has an english webcast real soon, or buy lots of earplugs.

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2001

I have not an answer but a note: I am a dutchmen and live here in Rathdrum Idaho since 22 of august 2000, I miss my fantastic beautiful perfect AJAX! It's "mijn cluppie"! I just find out today about this site! Great ..................! Thanks for making my life now perfect! Just like AJAX..!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2001

Hey, I know I'm a few months late here but I had to chime in too... Tommy Smyth is an idiot, he is anti-anything not from the British Isles and he is constantly making errors in his analysis. Eddie Mighten is the anti-Smyth, "an absolute genius", you get a true players' perspective with his commentary. He is always loves and respects the intelligent and skillful players and the "exquisite" plays they make.. anyhow, this guy needs to get promoted and Smyth needs to get dumped. Maybe it's racism, I don't know... Thank you for your attention.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

Will the Dutch League be shown next season on FSW? I would suggest some love letters to FSW and I would also voice getting rid of Christian Miles who is an absolute disgrace! I know, I do not have to go into how many mistakes he makes time and time again. There is no reason for it!

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2001

By the way: Jim left the big red 'AJAX USA' banner at my place in Amsterdam, so Bastiaan and I can take it to each game shown on Fox Sports World. I could not bring it to Ajax vs Feyenoord (arrived in Amsterdam from elsewhere that morning; did not have the chance to pick it up before the game), but we will bring it to Ajax vs Vitesse on Thursday night. And to the AZ game if it's being televised.

You will see it somewhere behind the south goal (F-Side), the right side for TV viewers. Lemme know whether you could see it!

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Yup. Fox Sports World will broadcast each of the next three Ajax games. Each game will be shown twice, including a LIVE broadcast of Thursday's Ajax-Vitesse game. See the TV page for details.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2001

More good news. Ajax and Vitesse will be shown Live and the Fc Twente- Ajax match will be on Fox Sports World too according to soccertv.com

Rich

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2001

CONFIRMED! Fox Sports World website lists the Ajax-Feyenoord game in their "Hot off the presses" column. The game still doesn't appear in their PDF schedule, but nevermind. The match will be shown same-day- delayed at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2001

I just happened to see after watching PSV-Heerenveen that Ajax- Feyenoord will be shown next Sunday at 5:00ET for me in NJ and 2:00PT for those of you on the west coast. Great news! Now I hope Miles will not be doing the commentary! By the way, your trip to Holland must have been incredible! Getting to meet the Oranje and see them play as well! What a thrill of a lifetime.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001

FSW has still not decided to broadcast Ajax vs Feyenoord. It would be ridiculous if they decide not to televise this game, even from an objective point of view.

PSV will probably win the championship today (against SC Heerenveen). So that's final then. After that, what's the most interesting thing in a league? Yes: the second position and the right to play Champions League qualifiers. Feyenoord and Ajax are the numbers 2 and 3 on the ranking (well, Ajax is 4th now, but with a game in hand), and it's Holland's "Classic", between the two most popular teams of the country.

There is not reason in the (Fox Sports) World *not* to show Ajax vs Feyenoord. Let's all send email (I've done it already): comments@foxsportsworld.com

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

Fox Sports World has, unfortunately, decided not to broadcast Ajax vs NAC. A pity, cos otherwise you would have seen our 'AJAX USA' banner in the ArenA... :-) At the beginning of each week, FSW decides which weekend games will be shown on the upcoming Sunday and Monday. It is not yet known which Dutch games will be televised next week.

Also, there is no new date for Ajax vs Vitesse yet. We will keep you posted via the Ajax USA homepage.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

When is the next Ajax match going to be televised? What is happening with rescheduling (again) the game with Vitesse?

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

Email Fox you're gonna be at the match! Maybe they will sponsor your matchtickets if you're gonna put Fox on one of your banners! ;)

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

I wonder if the changes in the Eredivisie schedule will impact FSW's broadcast schedule? For instance, will Fox still show psv on sunday? Is that game being played on Sunday? Or might they instead show Ajax- Vitesse, which they have scheduled for broadcast on Tuesday 4/24?

Or will Fox stick with Ajax/Vitesse on Tuesday, even though game has been moved from Sun to Sat?

And what about Ajax/NAC on Friday? Might it be shown the following Tuesday? Fox hasn't published that week's schedule yet.

- jim

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

For anyone with FSW, and online now, a special broadcast is on FSW now.It is Volendam v. Champs 88. It was a match played to benefit the Volendam fire victims. Not only are the likes of Koeman, van Basten, and Kanu on display, but new signee Ruud Kras for Volendam.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

Ajax fans living in the United States continue to enjoy more televised matches than our fellow Ajacieden in Amsterdam, thanks to Fox Sports World. Just added to the schedule: NEC vs Ajax on Sunday Apr 01, and Ajax vs PSV on Sunday April 08. Each game will be shown twice as same-day-delay broadcasts at 2pm and 11pm Pacific Time.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Shit... no Ajax vs Sparta broadcast for you guys. FSW chose for PSV vs FC Utrecht and Feyenoord vs FC Twente. Just like two weeks ago: it sounds fair if you look at it objectively :-(

Six American Ajax USA members will be in Amsterdam for the game. I'll meet them and go to the game with them, which is fun. At least that's something...

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2001

Does anyone have a copy of the latest Real Madrid-Barcelona match? I would greatly appreciate watching this game. Please let me know.

richsavare@yahoo.com

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

Looks like the match v.Groningen will be on FSW on Sunday.Thanks to AJAX-USA for having that up to the minute info . After being force- fed the F-word last weekend, its nice to see good taste again wins the day at FSW.GO AJAX!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

I don't remember how long it's been since an Ajax league game was not televized in the US, but you're out of luck this weekend: you guys will not get to see RBC vs Ajax. Check out the FSW schedule: they chose for PSV vs Roda JC and Vitesse vs Feyenoord. To be honest, I can understand their priorities in this case. At least *both* teams are interesting in those games (running for the title and/or European qualification), whereas RBC... well, you know what I mean.

Bummer. But please realize how lucky you've been. There have been more full Ajax games on TV in the US, lately, than in f***in' Holland... Next week is FC Groningen vs Ajax. That one should be shown again! Let's all send email to FSW and ask them... :-)

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2001

I've been watching this site for a long time now, and you were always complaining about the television companies. But now i see that AJAX is on the air in the US, so that's very cool. This weekend(25-02-2001) they are competing against F.C. Utrecht, that's gonna be a very exciting game! By the way, if they show NAC vs. AZ or something.. Don't they realize that no person would watch that game? Anyway.. Greetings from Holland

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2001

The FSW site appears to be available via 'back door' during reconstruction. They're still posting pdf schedules: http://www2.foxsports.com/foxsportsworld/

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001

A great resource for soccer on American television in general is 'http://www.soccertv.com'.

greg denver,co

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001

You may have seen that the Fox Sports World website is under construction (and it will be for some six months). There is *NO* programming info on their temporary website. Basically, we can't figure out whether Ajax vs FC Utrecht will be shown this weekend. We have no clue which games are scheduled in their Dutch football timeslots.

Does anyone of you know what the FSW schedule looks like? Is Ajax vs FC Utrecht scheduled? Where can you find the FSW broadcast schedule? Is it printed in some sports magazine or whatever? Is it available on some other place on the internet?

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001

Just have one simpel question, are you all americans or r u dutch? I'm dutch and a proud fan of Ajax! But I really would like to know why you r all such big fans of a soccer team, i didn't even realise that anyone would know ajax in the states!

Good luck to you all and to the team!

Thibaud Oost

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

I too would prefer the game in Dutch. Miles is too much to take. How bad can it get? Can he at least get the lineups correct? I mean the feed is from Dutch television so he is should know who is playing and who is not. Go to the internet to get the facts there are no excuses! There were quite a few volleys yesterday too I noticed huh? He also mentioned that Vierklau has been told he can leave. Is this true? About the game though how about Van Der Vaart? What a talent he is. He is true class.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Hi I'm from Holland, and I want 2 say that AJAX has the team of the future, in Holland and Europe. Did U C the game today, against De Graafschap. The would B talent of the year Rafael van Der Vaart. He is 17 and he is often the best player of the match. Not to mention Van der Gun or Van der Meijde. AJAX will B the number 1

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

Considering that we had no Eredivisie coverage before October 2000, I wouldn't care of the commentary was in Dutch ...without subtitles. The best cure I have found for Christian Miles is to turn the sound down and pop in two good cds over the course of 90 minutes.Menno,you are right!Golden Earring still sound damn good. At least I don't hear about 14th place clubs being in good form except for the bad season.This last sentence alludes to his Milesism from the PSV- Groningen match of yesterday.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

I'm from Holland and AJAX is the most beautiful club al over the world. AAAAAAAAJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAXXXXXXXX.the AFC.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

I;m from holland and im glad to see there are fans of AJAX all over the world AAAAAAAJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAXXXXX RULEZ

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

On another note, do you know why Ajax isn't spending the millions on new players?

It's cause they're spending the millions on grass, not the smoking variety! I read that each pitch cost about a quarter of a million and Ajax already used almost 30 pitches! And they're all crap anyway!!! Better try to move to the Olympic Stadium, it's also smaller, you might get a better ambiance... a lot of empty chairs these days...

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Hey, why not write to Chris and say that you're planning to start a fanclub for him and that he's doing a good job, and give him some pointers how to make himself perfect?

Hey, you've done it the hard way, that obviously didn't work, so why not try it the other way? ;)

By the way, did you know that the U18 have beaten Germany and France (the reigning worldchampions!), the French players are even trained in a special centralised academy! Van Der Vaart en Hersi are really brightning up Ajax'future... The youth is producing quality again!

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Jim I agree about Tommy Smyth! He claims to be an expert the way he talks but his analysis is littered with mistakes and stupid commments during most telecasts. What game is he watching? The worse thing about him is his anti-Dutch comments. If you listen to him he gives little credit or praise to the Dutch players. Simply a disgrace! As for Miles and FSW I would truly hope the the viewers comments would be heard as we are paying for a service. I hate to sound ungrateful towards FSW but this guy is a joke plain and simple. I beg for Allen Hopkins, Max Bretos, or Glen Davis. They have an understanding. Perhaps hire Eddie Mighten who does Spanish League matches for ESPN2. He is excellent!

Take Care, Rich

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

The good and bad news is: FSW probably doesn't give a damn what we say about their programming or their broadcasters. Any one of us would instantly choose the continuation of Dutch League coverage with Christian Miles at the microphone over the alternative of no coverage.

But there's no reason we can't also wish for something even better (who is ever satisfied in life?), and maybe offer some pointers for Miles to improve on the off-chance that he reads this page and cares enough to want to get better. He is not the worst, by a long stretch. (Can you say "Tommy Smythe"?)

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Greg, with all do respect please get your head out of the sand! I think that the commentary should be done properly. After all it is his job. What would happen to you if you were not doing your job correctly. By the way, these types of announcers will turn people off if you really have a true understanding of the sport. I have watched games in other languages and have no problem with it as long as it is a quality match, but if the game is broadcasted in English it should be done with passion and with a knowledge of the game. You can bet that the game in another language is being done in that way. It really is not much to ask. Overall FSW is doing a very good job and I have sent numerous emails of thanks to them for bringing U.S. viewers the Beautiful Game. Just do not count on Miles getting any better. His efforts or lack there of do no justice to the game.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Will everyone please stop complaining about the play by play for the matches. Please keep in mind that we are in America where we are lucky to view any matches at all. Hell, I'd watch the matches if they were broadcast in German. Of course I'd turn the volume all the way down. I think that other than the mispronunciation of some of the Dutch names (Grim = grime???) and missing a few calls, he's doing a fine job. Give him some time. I bet by the end of the season, and hopefully the beginning of next season, we'll all have grown accustomed to how the matches are announced.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2001

I am very grateful of Fox Sports World to bring back Dutch Football so that we could all watch our beloved Ajax. However, what can we do as far as getting FSW to get rid of Christian Miles? He is just terrible! I have sent email to FSW Programming in the past, but they should take their customers thoughts much more seriously. After all it is his job, (Miles that is) and if anyone of us did his job poorly what would happen? There is really no need to go into his numerous mistakes that go on and on during his time on the air. What I would do to be in his shoes. Anyway, Max Bretos and Allen Hopkins are both solid and somewhat passionate (I do not know their particular background with football/soccer but they do a good job) Please help get FSW to make a change. Miles is so bad that just the other day while doing "just" the pregame on the return of the German Bundesliga, he got players wrong. I cannot stand this guy. Lets do something to make a change.

Thanks,

Rich

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2001

I would like to ask everybody that can get AT&T digital cable in Los Angeles (Formerly MediaOne) to call AT@T @ 1888-255-5789 and ask to put FSW (English) on Digital Cable (FSW Espagnol is on regular & Digital cable, but does not carry Dutch Football)

I live in zip code 90036 and I cannot get it!

This really sucks!

All your help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Rene Klaassen.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001

I completely agree with the assessment of Christian Miles. He tries really hard, but he ends up saying the same thing over and over again. He's confused players countless times (you'd think he'd start to recognize some of the Ajax players after doing about 6-7 of their matches, but he still gets their names wrong).

I'd like to make an addition to the "Stupid Things Chris Miles Says" list:

1. He completely missed the hand ball resulting in the penalty today against Twente, wondering aloud "why the referee has given a penalty when there was no contact". After seeing the replay about a dozen times, he still didn't pick it up.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2000

At the risk of seeming ungrateful to beloved Fox Sports World, they have to find someone other than Christian Miles to do the play-by- play. I'm gonna create a "stupid things Christian Miles said" page and keep it updated until they replace him.

For starters... 1) "provide" is not a noun. It's not even a gerund. 2) His name is Wam-ber-to, not "Wam-beeerrrrthhtoooo!" 3) ENOUGH with the "this once storied club, so dominant in the early seventies and mid-nineties" comments. It's a new club in a new era; get over it. 4) Feyenoord is pronounced "Fey(rhymes with "pay")-uh-nord", not "Fi- a-nold."

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2000

Hey HEy HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ajax vs Feyenoord this weekend!!!!!! Let's all buy some Grolsh, and trash the streets!!!!!!!!! Make our live-ins think we are crazy!!!!!!!!!!! Be so loud that the neigbours think that we are commiting strange crimes..... :) I will be shouting and dancing with the rest of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AJAX EEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

So, Feyenoord and FC Twente too, huh?

You guys get to see practically everything, these days... More than the average Dutch Ajax fan, that's for sure.

If you're happy about that, please send email to Fox Sports World, to express your gratitude: programming@foxsportsworld.com They should know that Ajax is still by far the most popular Dutch team in the US.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000

No Ajax game on FSW for you guys, this weekend. No complaining; you've been spoiled, lately ;-) They show NEC vs Feyenoord this weekend. Don't forget to watch that one. You'll be smiling no matter what happens. Both teams are still higher on the ranking than Ajax, which means that *every* result is good for Ajax. If Feyenoord wins, Ajax can leapfrog NEC, climbing a bit further. If NEC wins, Feyenoord suffers its second defeat in a row, seriously screwing up their marvellous season's start, which is of course... really funny. If they draw, it'll be a little bit of both. In fact, a draw would probably be the best result, for the simple reason that they would then lose four points in total, instead of three. In case of a draw, Ajax can leapfrog NEC anyway (they're just one point ahead) *and* Ajax gets two points closer to Feyenoord. Let's go for the draw.

Oh yeah: this only makes sense if Ajax wins itself, of course...

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000

Correction to the above: Feyenoord vs Ajax is on December 10, not December 3. Forgive me.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

I've found out it's pretty easy to predict which Ajax games will be shown on Fox Sports World. See, the regular days and times for football games are Saturday night (7:30pm or 8:15pm, mostly), or Sunday afternoon, 2:30pm. But there's always one game on Friday night and one game on Sunday afternoon with the irregular kick-off time of 5:15pm. Those are shown live on Canal+ in Holland and so far it's been those games that were shown on FSW. Which indicates that this might well be the program for the rest of the season (Ajax games only; in other weekends it'll be some other Dutch game):

Sun 5 Nov: Willem II vs Ajax *** Sun 3 Dec: Feyenoord vs Ajax (YEAH) *** Sun 17 Dec: Ajax vs FC Twente. Note: I'm not sure about Ajax vs RKC, played on Thursday night, 30 November.

- WINTER BREAK -

Fri 16 feb: Fortuna Sittard vs Ajax *** Sun 8 Apr: Ajax vs PSV *** Fri 27 Apr: Ajax vs NAC (of course you will all see this one in person, as you'll all be joining the AJAX USA TRIP TO AMSTERDAM...) *** Sun 13 May: Ajax vs Feyenoord. Note: not sure about the home game against De Graafschap (Thu, 1 Feb) as well as the away game against RKC (Thu, 3 May). The rest of the games is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, 2:30pm and will not be shown. Kick off time for the last two games (FC Twente vs Ajax and Ajax vs AZ) is yet to be confirmed.

Of course, this is not guaranteed. I'm pretty sure it'll come close, but changes are possible after the winter break. Especially if Ajax starts doing well (who knows...?), they might decide to re-schedule some 2:30pm games to 5:15pm for live broadcast.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2000

YES-YES-YES-YES-YES!! This was GOOD!

I might as well have posted this one in the 'Inconsistency' topic. I mean: you can write a novel about these folks, playing so well against Roda, screwing up completely against Lausanne and now this... Tactically they were superb. Very smart, very concentrated and very determined. Good work. We could have won, which would have been even better, but I'm really happy about this.

The upcoming weeks will be important. Apparently: one good game is not enough for Ajax to keep that vibe going. They need at least a couple of good games to stay confident. The next away game is against Willem II (I think that'll be on Fox World Sports). They're lower on the table, but still have a few games in hand. They can leapfrog us. If we beat them (this next weekend), then we: 1) keep them from leapfrogging us; 2) finally get rid of the away game crisis. If we then eliminate Lausanne Sports the next Thursday, I think Ajax will finally have found the rhythym. Then the season can REALLY start.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2000

And see a good game we did.Despite the weather and pitch conditions,the match was quite entertaining to watch.Alot of end to end offensive thrusts made for great viewing.I think the result was fair. The hand of Fred denied PSV several quality chances( as well as almost stopping the tying peno) and AJAX finishing woes continued as they missed several chances to secure all three points instead of just the one. I'll gladly take 1:1 in Philips Stadion considering the poor away form AJAX have shown.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2000

I,am a big ajax fan and i go to the next game in Eindhoven this sunday. And is nice to here that the game to see in America and i hope that you see a nice game.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2000

Don't get me wrong -- I *worship* FSW for putting our beloved Ajax on the American airwaves. But will someone please tell that nut-job doing the play-by-play that "provide" is not a noun!?

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2000

Sometimes I don't get it... why is everybody so worried about too much violence and sex on TV, whereas nobody seems to care that Fox Sports World shows Feyenoord to the public? Disgraceful.

By the way: thanks Greg, for sharing that remarkable article with us. If the players find out they have the ability to completely disrupt the American society, they'll definitely play more games like the Roda one... :-)

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2000

Imagine my surprise! I get home from work tonight, switch on FSW,and what do my tired eyes behold...the F-word v.Heerenveen.So much for my appetite!With all this coverage, we have truly gone from the outhouse to the penthouse(AJAX)and, in the case of F-word, back to the outhouse.Not directly AJAX related but hey, I did manage to use the name of our beloved club twice.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2000

Found this at Reuters:

AMSTERDAM, Oct 20 (Reuters) - For the first time in over two years, Ajax Amsterdam, and Dutch football in general, has had a football match (soccer to most of North America) televised in the United states. "We knew the importance of the match and did not want to disappoint the many Ajax supporters in America" a surprisingly jubilant Ajax manager Co Adriaanse said after the match. A 4-2 victory was well deserved as Ajax completely controlled the pace of the match at the Amsterdam Arena. Fox Sports World has begun to show Dutch football and the over 40.000 fans in the Amsterdam Arena as well as the millions of fans in America were not disappointed. "Dutch football at its finest" was on page one at USAToday in it's early Friday edition. "Italy, Spain, and England have lots to learn as to how the 'beautiful game' is meant to be played. Bravo Fox and bravo Holland!!!" was on page one in the LA Times. "I went to players and explained to them the importance of the match" Adrianase said afterwards; "Hopefully they will not suck for the next one" he continued. In New York, activity in the stock exchange slowed to a crawl at 10:00 EST as introductions were made for the match between Ajax of Amsterdam and Roda JC. "This is a great moment for America as well as Holland" a jubilant Dik Van den Hoven screamed as he skipped his job as a manager at the Hotel Noir in the upper west side to see the match at his local sport bar. "But please do not use my real name because my work visa has expired" he explained afterwards. While the greatness of Ajax has been touted on Internet sights like www.ajax- usa.com and www.ajxaxmania.com, most of the US has been unaware of the allure of this team. "Forget Sunday American football, from now on I will be attending the 'Church of Ajax'" said Bobby Joe Haskins of Phenordsuks, South Carolina. It seems that the allure of Ajax has taken hold of the America. "I have had a lot do with the success of Ajax but give the credit to how the team played today for the victory" explained Presidential hopeful Al Gore. "Ajax ??? sound like one of them there cleaners" a baffled George W. Bush exclaimed. Both candidates have promised to discontinue imports of all electronic products from Eindhoven if elected. Both Israel and Palestine have accelerated talks to sign a resolution before the next match. "I told them if they din't, I'd nuke 'em both" an obviously lagered up President Clinton explained in his weekly radio address. So all is well here in America. An Ajax victory, and next the destruction of P$V a week from Sunday. Be sure to tune in.

updated at Fri Oct 20 14:04:53 2000 PT

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2000

No better time to break the Roda jinx than on their first FSW televised match. Congratulations to AJAX for a highly entertaining..well except for the two goals...match. I had to pinch myself at 2pm to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I also saw several Eredivisie adverts. Damn, I am almost giddy.

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2000

By the time you Americans get out of bed, Bastiaan and I have hooked up to grab a bite and do or usual 'preparations' (= drinking beers) for the game...

ARE YOU GUYS READY??? GOT FOX INSTALLED??? CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST PREPARED??? ... Alright, have a good time!

Ajax is back on US television. CHEERS - and GO AJAX, GO!!

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2000

CONGRATULATIONS, EVERYONE!!!

This is great!

Pay attention when watching Ajax vs Roda JC next Friday: Bastiaan and I will wave to you... (behind the goal at the right hand side, for TV viewers) :-)

-- Anonymous, October 14, 2000

Looks like they're just delaying the inevitable: The FSW website (http://www.foxsports.com/foxsportsworld/) now says:

Dutch League Soccer begins this Sunday on FOX Sports World! Starting Sunday, October 15th at 5pm ET, watch the coveted Rotterdam derby - Sparta Rotterdam v Feyenoord.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2000

Dutch Soccer on Fox Sports World is not off to a flying start. Or any start. Unless Batistuta,etc. have recently transfered, the match on tv at present is Argentina v Uruguay. I know NAC v AZ is not a high profile match but to list Dutch Football and then show a week old qualifier..can you say yikes? I tried FSW but got no answer which sheds light on the programming change..or what this bodes for future telecasts. Hope others have more success.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2000

Jack R. Papegaay sent me this (thanks!):

I checked the Fox Sports World Web Site today and found the following AJAX games scheduled to be televised.

Roda: Friday, October 20th @ 11am/Wed, October 25th @ 2pm PSV: Sunday, October 29th @ 2pm/Sunday, October 29th @ 11pm Willem II: Sunday, November 5th @ 2pm/Sunday, November 5th @ 11pm

I believe the times listed are Pacific time. There are also other Dutch games scheduled in the next month including PSV vs Feyenoord on November 12th.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2000

SoccerTV.com has the most current information available. Don't know how he does it, but he's been spot on for the most part for years. Given that he did not qualify his remarks at all, the site administrator must feel very sure of the information.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2000

I checked the Fox Sports World program guide on SoccerTV.com .I saw the AZ v.NAC match listed for 2pm east coast(US) time on Friday, 13 October. I also saw Sparta v the F-word(the one in Rotterdam) listed for 5pm east coast time on Sunday,15 October.Is it fact or fiction? I guess its wait and see.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Hmmm... how reliable is SoccerTV.com usually? Maybe we should drop them a line to find out where they got their information from.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

FYI: Fox Sports World has not confirmed or denied this report. It should be noted that no Dutch league games currently appear on the FSW on-line schedule for the dates mentioned. Ajax USA has written to FSW for confirmation but has received no reply as yet.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2000

Admittedly, AZ v NAC sounds more like a court case between two manfacturers than a soccer match. But after feeling a little like the man in the desert for so long..I am just glad for the oasis(no, not the rock band!!). Definitely will have a cold nectar of the gods handy.The televising of matches will also definitely allow for more web commentary on De Godenzonen, etc.That is definitely a good thing .

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2000

Just saw on soccertv.com that Fox Sports World will have the AJAX vs Roda match LIVE on Oct 20th at 2pm (eastern). Cheers.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2000

A great resource for football on American television is soccertv.com. Fox Sports World is available for sure on satellite so any "sports" bar should have it. You might also want to check your local cable affiliate.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2000

Fox sports is showing live dutch games???? You know, I haven't seen one since early '97... where can I get a listing? I am a college student, so TV Guide doesn't come to MY house:)...

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2000

AZ vs NAC???? LIVE???? In the United States????

They must be joking... You guys haven't got a clue how hilariously funny that is to a Dutchman. But anyway: great news! Next week's choice will probably make more sense. Vitesse (league leaders) vs AJAX - for example .... ;-)

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000

Just checked soccertv.com (http://www.soccertv.com/neth.cfm) sure enough, Dutch football will be shown in the US. Now the bad news. Check out the first set of matches.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000

Don't kill this messenger if the posting on Big Soccer is false but it is posted that Dutch football will return to Fox Sports World on 13 October.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2000

NOS (public, 'free' TV) has got the rights for the summarized highlights, shown in 'Studio Sport'. Canal+ (pay TV) regularly shows live Ajax games (evening games or 5:15pm games on Sunday). NOS has got the rights for live broadcasts of the UEFA Cup games. Commercial, but free network SBS6 has got the Amstel Cup rights.

There's a little something to cheer you up, Joel: 'Godenzonen' is now back on AT5 (greater Amsterdam TV), every Monday night at 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 Dutch time. You can watch that on http://www.at5.nl/

Ajax.nl has got recent footage as well: the AA Ghent goals are now online... Shit quality, but it's something... :-)

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2000

I recently read that Sky Sports acquired the rights to televise the Amsterdam Tournament. For those in the US that have Fox Sports World, this can be interesting because Sky Sports lets FSW show a number of their matches, which means that we might be able to see the Amsterdam tournament matches on Fox Sports World in August.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

A very special edition of AT5's weekly Ajax program 'Godenzonen' this week. Special, because this week's guest is the ultimate 'Ajacied' and the idol of our Ajax-USA president, Jim McGough. We're talking about trainer's assistant Bobby Haarms (66), who's retiring after this season. Although he'll never really leave Ajax, his lifelong love along with his wife Tilly, it's gonna be an emotional goodbye. In 'Godenzonen' he'll look back at his career and explain the details of his famous 'Bobby training', injured players' last and extremely heavy task before returning to the team.

'Godenzonen' is broadcast at 19:00, 21:00 and 23:00 PM, Dutch time. You'll find the URL for the live webcast above...

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2000

AT5's Ajax television show 'Godenzonen' is back on air, now the winter break's over. Broadcasting day is still Monday. You'll find the broadcasting times, time differences and the URL for the webcasts in my posting above... For those of you reading this message right away: 'Godenzonen' is on TONIGHT, featuring Ferdi Vierklau and footage of Ajax' (lost...) cup tie against Roda JC.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2000

This is slightly off the subject, but you can get live radio commentary (in Dutch) on Dutch league games, European games and Internationals through the net.

My hard disk crashed 2 weeks ago so I've lost the exact addresses on the net. But basically; 1) You need to download "Real Audio" (free) and then 2) go to the Dutch World Service website in Hilversum at match time 3) get the live feed for "Langs de lijn".

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2000

(The following message, originally posted November 29, 1999, has been re-posted by Jim McGough): AT5's weekly Ajax program 'Godenzonen' (= 'Sons of God') is broadcast via AT5.nl as well. 'Godenzonen' is on air every Monday, at 1900, 2100 and 2300 Dutch time. Time difference with California is nine hours, I think (Chicago seven, New York six). The URL for 'Godenzonen' webcasts is http://www.at5.nl/l ive/livestream.ajax.html.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2000

Has anyone seen the recent commercial for Bell Atlantic, with a bunch of random people running around passing cell-phones to each other? What do you know, the end of the commercial features a bunch of kids in Ajax shirts! I wonder if the guy who wrote this put in people with Ajax kits to piss off Philips (Bell's competition and the owner of PSV). Interesting.

Alex

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999