Guess what: we didn't even have a Heitinga thread yet... Here it is.

Johnny had a real stinker for Holland against Belarus on Wednesday. He was terrible and when Van Basten replaced him the crowd cheered. Was a bit painful.

Chances are, though, that he will play from the start against Vitesse today due to the absence of Vermaelen and Grygera (both injured).

Henk ten Cate said this week that he was very impressed with the way Heitinga handled his unpleasant Oranje experience. He was joking about it and it didn't seem to haunt him in any way. Ten Cate: "That shows that he's become stronger as a person. Mentally."

K.

I cant recall a good Holland fullback ever, so Johnny shouldnt worry.

Settlement proposal from the KNVB prosecutor: two games, of which one conditional. Ajax have until 3:00 PM this afternoon to either accept it or turn it down. They will turn it down for sure. HTC announced it yesterday that they're going to fight for this one.

K.

Unless this means he will miss the ADO game and be back in time for Psv. Then it'd be stupid to turn down this offer, no matter how right you are.

He accepted. Which means he'll be suspended against ADO Den Haag, but eligible for PSV on Sunday.

Bunch of hypocrites... :D

K.

I just published the match report of Heracles vs Ajax on Ajax USA. At the bottom is a little news update on Johnny's red card and suspension.

Ajax's decision to accept the settlement proposal is a bit hypocritical in a way, but I can see why they're being practical about it. Had they turned this proposal down the case would have been forwarded to the disciplinary committee for an official case, and that would have cost Johnny the PSV game.

K.

I've not seen the game highlights yet (on TV tonight) but a one game ban is very lenient for a red card. The KNVB obviously did the maths as well and this is their way of ensuring they don't have to deal with any appeal I suppose.............so a bit hypocritical all round really.

sh*t, heitinga and urby are injured..anyone knows how serious is that and for how long they are out of business?

According to AN and my translation, Heitinga can play this week-end, but Emanuelson could be out for several weeks...

So against werder without grygera and urby. also without davids and KJH. not good, not good..

I think we can do just fine without Urby this weekend. I don't think offense is going to be our problem right now, and Urby is better attacking than defending. We'll be ok with Stam, Heitinga and Ograru back there.

I'm not worried about this weekend i'm worried about february 14 game :D

We'll just have to score 5 goals. Then we won't need to worry about defending.

John Heitinga will not make the trip to Tirana, Albania, for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier with the Dutch national team. According to press reports Heitinga has left 'Camp Oranje' due to "personal circumstances".

Does anyone know what's wrong?

K.

Nope, maybe it's that time of the month..... you know...

Heitinga opted to stay behind in order to handle a "family problem"
Van Basten has announced that Andre Ooijer will likely replace Heitinga

His oma passed away.

Seriously, what happened to Johnny? I remember a few years ago, he was sidelined for a few weeks due to shitty performances, and now look at the guy, he's flawless in defense and scoring like a madman.... By the way, he leaves me wondering if he wouldn't fit better in the midfield (he feels natural in that role).

Also, I can't help but wonder what would've happened if Maduro had been given more time and if Emmanuelson shouldn't be given time as well. It worked for Heitinga, it could work for them.

I don't want him gone this summer

Me neither!

I don't want him to leave either, but am pretty much resigned to the fact that he will, and have been all season. Really the only saving hope I can see is that he'll stick around to play under van Basten for awhile, but I honestly don't think that's a whole lot of motivation for him (I think it is more so motivation for Huntelaar and as a result I think he's got a better chance of being around for next season).

I'm sure other clubs will be interested in Heitinga, but which ones are might also factor into it. It sounds like he is interested in Real, but I'm not sure that's reciprocated. Things may change if there are no top clubs that want him. Unfortuantely, I think he's most likely (of the Ajacied that have been around for years) to go this summer.

Johnny has been such a great player this season. It would be brilliant if he could stay around for another year, but I can't see it happening.

Hopefully van Basten can get KJH to stay, which I think is more possible, as KJH could learn a lot just from being around van Basten.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for both though. Lets start a petition

I'll sign as optimist #1!

Well I think there is a fair chance Heitinga won't go, mainly because he loves the club and is not really looking to leave. And the dramatic board changes may also influence his descision, as well as Huntelaar's

F*^k it...

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/heitinga ... co-108833/

Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga has agreed to join Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, according to reports from the Netherlands.

One down...how many to go???

All the best JH. You are always an Ajacied imo.