Brussels Saint Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Am in Amsterdam today and obviously the first thing I did, was ask the guys who work for me here what they know about Steve De Ridder. These guys know Dutch football really well (they told me Poortvliet & Wotte would be crap and get us relegated), so I trust their judgement. Seems De Ridder was part of the Ajax academy as a kid, but did not quite make the grade. Once he left however he really developed and showed what he could do and was probably De Graafschap's best player last year. There was lots of talk in Holland that Ajax would re-sign him this summer as they had him penciled in for one of their winger positions. Seems though not to have worked out due to cash (Not sure if its De Graafschaps valuation or wages)? He's strong, fast and direct so according to them will suit the English league. One Ajax season ticket holder said he is probably first team big 3 (Ajax, PSV, Tweente etc.) Dutch league standard. All pretty positive to be honest and good to hear. My feeling is that he probably was not originally part of the new 2-3 player plan, but perhaps the OXC situation forced us to act and bring a quality right winger in.
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Everything I've seen and heard about him has been very positive. Let's hope he delivers on the pitch though. I remember being excited about Skacel signing...
SaintNeil90 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 He was part of the new 2-3 player plan, Adkins said that they had highlighted him as a target for this summer
locksheathsaint101 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Everything I've seen and heard about him has been very positive. Let's hope he delivers on the pitch though. I remember being excited about Skacel signing... Skacel was good but played out of position by burley.
Bucks Saint Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Skacel was good but played out of position by burley. Spot on. Skacel and Rasiak were scoring / playing very well when Burley dropped them / loaned them out
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Skacel was good but played out of position by burley. Not all the time. I saw him last season when I went to see Hearts v Rangers. He had a shocker and put the ball into the crowd every time he touched the ball. When he was substituted, the crowd were all on their feet doing that worshipping thing we used to do for Le Tiss. Not sure how he manages it but he always seems to get the full support of everyone, despite not being that good.
locksheathsaint101 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Well obviously not all the time and he may be a different player now but in general if he had been given a run in his natural position he would have been decent for us.
sussexsaint Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 When they spoke briefly about him in the saints player interview, Adkins really perked up and said 'he's an exciting player' , sounds good to me. Also said he can play both sides and upfront. Maybe he is our utility super sub to get round the 5 sub rule, maybe we'll see him upfront. I know you can't judge by you tube videos but you have to be good enough for someone to do a homage video Exciting times
Eastcowzer Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Skacel was good but played out of position by burley. Exactly. !
Sour Mash Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Am in Amsterdam today and obviously the first thing I did, was ask the guys who work for me here what they know about Steve De Ridder. These guys know Dutch football really well (they told me Poortvliet & Wotte would be crap and get us relegated), so I trust their judgement. Wow, they must be really clued up on their football, no-one else had seen that coming.
The Kraken Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Skacel was good but played out of position by burley. How come Gareth Bale played so many games then? Skacel played pretty much all of his first season in his preferred position, and was made to look a lot better than he was by the emergence of the wonderkid playing with him. He seemed to have a fair amount of popularity with the crowd due to his talent at applauding them when running over to take a corner; I think its called David Prutton syndrome.
Jez Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Great update Brussel Saint. Nice to get some first hand interesting knowledge from those in the know.
Deano6 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Not all the time. I saw him last season when I went to see Hearts v Rangers. He had a shocker and put the ball into the crowd every time he touched the ball. When he was substituted, the crowd were all on their feet doing that worshipping thing we used to do for Le Tiss. Not sure how he manages it but he always seems to get the full support of everyone, despite not being that good. Maybe because he was their top scorer last year?
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Maybe because he was their top scorer last year? I could score 13 goals in that league. Kenny Miller left in January and he still finished the leagues top scorer - says it all. Skacel was and is rubbish.
SaintBobby Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Encouraging stuff, thanks for the update. Prefer the views of local fans/experts to basing my opinion on youtube highlights for sure.
The9 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Well obviously not all the time and he may be a different player now but in general if he had been given a run in his natural position he would have been decent for us. And was, as the leading assister in the Championship in his first half season with Saints, when playing at left mid. I'm still not sure why people were expecting him to score goals from left back or the physio's room.
Saint Garrett Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 To be fair, Mcdonald and Boyd hardly set the world alight at Boro...in fact they were god awful.
sotonist Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Seems De Ridder was part of the Ajax academy as a kid, but did not quite make the grade. Once he left however he really developed and showed what he could do and was probably De Graafschap's best player last year. Methinks they might have combined Steve and Daniel de Riddder. Daniel started at Ajax. Steve looks to have started his career with home town Gent
sotonist Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6280285,00.html The final player in what could be a triple swoop is reportedly Wigan's Daniel De Ridder. Another former Ajax man, De Ridder originally left the club in 2005 to join Spanish side Celta Vigo and he has subsequently spent time with Birmingham and Wigan. The Latics loaned him to Hapoel Tel Aviv last summer but, despite having a year left on his contract at the DW Stadium, he does not feature in Roberto Martinez's first-team plans and he is now believed to be in talks with Ajax.
Hatch Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 He was good when he used to cover the Masters Golf for the BBC.
Rory Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6280285,00.html A completely different player.
Fan The Flames Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 I could score 13 goals in that league. Kenny Miller left in January and he still finished the leagues top scorer - says it all. Skacel was and is rubbish. This is illogical.
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 This is illogical. You're right. I'd probably score more than 13.
Brussels Saint Posted 27 July, 2011 Author Posted 27 July, 2011 Methinks they might have combined Steve and Daniel de Riddder. Daniel started at Ajax. Steve looks to have started his career with home town Gent I checked on this with them too. True they may have been mixed up about his time as a kid, but they were clear it's Steve De Ridder from De Graafschap that they were giving their views on. 3 of them are season ticket holders at Ajax and they genuinely thought he was going there this summer and would have been pretty pleased about it. Seems way may have had more financial clout at the crux.
stu0x Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Ummmmmmmm... what? It's not hard. Brussels Saint posted that his workmates sang Steve De Ridder's praises as an Ajax academy graduate who had been in talks with Ajax about going back there. Sotonist pointed out that description actually related to Daniel De Ridder (as Steve started with Gent), and posted a link to highlight DDR's links to Ajax as proof. Alles klaar?
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 I checked on this with them too. True they may have been mixed up about his time as a kid, but they were clear it's Steve De Ridder from De Graafschap that they were giving their views on. 3 of them are season ticket holders at Ajax and they genuinely thought he was going there this summer and would have been pretty pleased about it. Seems way may have had more financial clout at the crux. Surely if he was attracting interest from clubs like Ajax, he would've commanded more of a fee than the rumoured £500k-£1m? Or are Ajax broke?
Verbal Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Surely if he was attracting interest from clubs like Ajax, he would've commanded more of a fee than the rumoured £500k-£1m? Or are Ajax broke? Ajax always seem to be broke - I can't recall a £20 million signing or anything close in recent years, and their youth programme, which remains brilliant evidently, is what keeps them afloat and in good supply of promising players.
saintscottofthenortham Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 It's not hard. Brussels Saint posted that his workmates sang Steve De Ridder's praises as an Ajax academy graduate who had been in talks with Ajax about going back there. Sotonist pointed out that description actually related to Daniel De Ridder (as Steve started with Gent), and posted a link to highlight DDR's links to Ajax as proof. Alles klaar? if he had explained instead of just posting a link then maybe all would be clear hey!? Who's to say two De Ridder's couldn't come through the Ajax Academy? FFS.
FMPR Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 And Kezman scored more goals than Ruud in the Dutch league and still couldnt make the grade here. Dutch league is so hit and miss in terms of adapting to the game over ehre
locksheathsaint101 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 if he had explained instead of just posting a link then maybe all would be clear hey!? Who's to say two De Ridder's couldn't come through the Ajax Academy? FFS. I agree with Scott 'of the northam.' I found it much too taxing to read the link and then understand it. If you could take the time to attach a relevant paragraph in future, I know that is something that Scott and I would appreciate.
whelk Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Excellent that he is on Twitter and just noticed Jack Cork as well. Hope he is more Joey Barton than Michael Owen Mind I could only work out one word from his most recent tweet! @RuurdEngelaar whaha w@nker! Aardig emotioneel mailtje dat je stuurde...:s
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Excellent that he is on Twitter and just noticed Jack Cork as well. Hope he is more Joey Barton than Michael Owen Mind I could only work out one word from his most recent tweet! @RuurdEngelaar whaha w@nker! Aardig emotioneel mailtje dat je stuurde...:s He went to Starbucks earlier with Jack Cork.
This Charming Man Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 OS says he was class tonight. Was he? Everyone is raving about him on Twitter. Sounds as if he was a different class out there. Let's hope he carries on like that throughout the season.
benjii Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Everyone is raving about him on Twitter. Sounds as if he was a different class out there. Let's hope he carries on like that throughout the season. I think I love him already.
Dellman Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Sometimes good starters fade (remember Puncheon) especially if they get too much hype so lets go softly softly but its hopeful and I'm excited there is competition for every place, must be good problem for NA to have.
S-Clarke Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 OS says he was class tonight. Was he? He was awesome. Took the **** out of the WBA defenders with his tricks and flicks, and his end product was sublime too. Think we're going to love this guy.
jam Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 if he had explained instead of just posting a link then maybe all would be clear hey!? Who's to say two De Ridder's couldn't come through the Ajax Academy? FFS. I agree with Scott 'of the northam.' I found it much too taxing to read the link and then understand it. If you could take the time to attach a relevant paragraph in future, I know that is something that Scott and I would appreciate. Maybe if you'd read the post directly above his things would be a little clearer for you both...
SuperSAINT Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 He was awesome. Took the **** out of the WBA defenders with his tricks and flicks, and his end product was sublime too. Think we're going to love this guy. Excellent!! How quick is he, Clarkey? Does he come in on his left foot at all?
S-Clarke Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Excellent!! How quick is he, Clarkey? Does he come in on his left foot at all? Very quick, incredibly quick feet too - made me dizzy looking at all the step overs he was doing. He'd slow it down...then all of a sudden a quick step over and he's flicked it passed the player. Although their LB was pretty ****, they needed to get 2 men on him by the end. He crossed with his right foot predominately, but also had the ability to cut inside, beat a few players and play some nice balls with his left foot. Looks quite comfortable on both feet tbh.
Saint Charlie Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Sounds awesome, maybe we have finally found the new Arjen Robben after two failed attempts...
Liquidshokk Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 He was awesome. Took the **** out of the WBA defenders with his tricks and flicks, and his end product was sublime too. Think we're going to love this guy. He is gonna be class. I've never heard a collective "wow" like that at st marys before when someone turns on the style. Wasn't just once either. Took players on and had real style.
fromdayone Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 The guy tied two defenders in knots with his first trick then bombed past them down the wing before delivering a pin point cross into the box!.......he was good, more skilful version of Lallana but with pace.
supersonic Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Sounds awesome, maybe we have finally found the new Arjen Robben after two failed attempts... I think you'll find Bayern Munich are still trying to find their Ryan Smith
S-Clarke Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 He is gonna be class. I've never heard a collective "wow" like that at st marys before when someone turns on the style. Wasn't just once either. Took players on and had real style. Not only that, he had a real end product too. He put some brilliant crosses into the box, one of them I don't know how we didn't score from it...! Loves to win the ball back too, will be a real fans favorite.
locksheathsaint101 Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Maybe if you'd read the post directly above his things would be a little clearer for you both... No one understands sarcasm anymore.
Saint Fan CaM Posted 27 July, 2011 Posted 27 July, 2011 Steve De Ridder was absolutely top, top class. If he keeps up performances like that OxO could be losing his place (if he stays) - he was THAT good. I would say even better technique than Lallana on the wing, but not so sure about his scoring ability at the moment. Could be an all time Saints favourite though. Probably the best debut from a Saints player for MANY years.
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