André Ooijer

[Kowalczyk]

Jeez, I didn't see this one coming...

One year deal. Don't know what to think, really.

K.

[Amol]

...only if they aren't paying an arm and a leg in salary. Only good thing I see is that we didn't spend any money on the transfer and we only got him for a year. This, hopefully doesn't delay the movement of youth players to the first team.

[Philippe]

Giving the circumstances, this is worth a try. Welcome André.

[Cedric]

I can understand they recruited a defender but Ooijer?

Let's be a bit positive: he will bring his experience and teach our young 'soft' defenders. And then?
Training might be interesting : Suarez vs Ooijer...

[Julius]

I thought this was a joke...

Anyway, welcome Andre.

[Rooie]

Come on, he is the most disliked Dutch player around here, this is terrible.

[Think14]

It does seem a bit odd. I think hes just cover. After yesterday they realized they can use a defender who is experienced and capable. His performance against Brazil was pretty damn good in the World Cup, plus he was a free agent. They can't be paying too much, he was probably about to retire if he didn't get a decent offer. Can't really see him in an Ajax shirt yet, but, we'll see how it goes.

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Check it out, comment, let me know what you think.

[SE6Ajacied]

OK, he's certainly experienced and showed at the World Cup that he can still do a job. I think on a one year deal and as long as we aren't paying too much this could be a good deal for both parties.

I can't quite see him in an Ajax shirt either but then I could have said the same thing about Stam.....

[SPL]

Well he did wear Ajax shirts as a lad as he went through our academy . He played well v Brazil and his experience will be good.Doubt he is getting a big salary.

[Orange14]

Prior to this signing, central defense was our weakest position in terms of depth (anyone think we should recall Robbie Wielaert, I thought so) thus the signing of Andre for one season is a good thing. Even if he doesn't play a lick for us, maybe he can help out in terms of coaching our two young Belgians.

[Ajaxfanuk]

Huh? Where did this come from? Hopefully he'll do a job for us and wont mind just having the One Red Stripe on his shirt :P

[ofey]

after that inept display on the weekend, I don't know what to think anymore.
Signing Ooijer on a year, adds to my disillusion.
I'm of the opinion that I'd rather move youngsters up earlier than take on Ooijer. 1 year makes little difference. IT's not like his presence will allow us to challenge for the title... .

[Julius]

Guys, good news. Our new man has some youtube clips!! He cant be that bad. :D
Here, see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hduZ0teBcL0

I can picture him using his body as a stick with the Ajax jersey as a flag waving with his arm celebrating the title at the end of the season...

[Venezuelan Ajacied]

Come on guys he cant be worse than Oleguer...and at least he can help clear out corner kicks, plus he came on a free transfer. I for one welcome him...we need all the help we can get on defense

[Kowalczyk]

For some reason Ajax just renewed this man's contract. Another season. Apparently he cracks good jokes in the dressing room or something.

K.

[souras84]

for what amount of money??? maybe he is the secret force behind the defencive improvement. mentally :P

[Philippe]

He's a very good player and I'm glad he stays.

[gordonvandekamp]

I hope it was cheap too, but I think we need a solid central defender with some experience to back up the Belgians (if they are both here next year). He fits that and he's not been terrible in the matches he has played this season.

[Philippe]

Injured during today's training.

[rjf1]

He's past his prime for sure, but still in all he had a number of good games for us, and provides a steadying influence when we need it.

[Philippe]

I fully agree.

[Blind3]

Andre Ooijer was good signing . Whatever happens from this point forward , I'm still very glad Ajax brought in a player of his pedigree. Hope he will be a coach when his playing days are done.

[Kowalczyk]

He was generally regarded as 'diehard PSV man' when Ajax signed him up. He seemed to really hate Ajax in his PSV days. And he was obviously past his prime. Loads of prejudice, also from me.

But I have to admit: he's been valuable. On the pitch, a few times, but especially as a 'father figure' in the dressing room and on the training pitch. He was an unofficial assistant of Frank de Boer and he demonstrated that he's still an Ajax man and an Amsterdammer.

He will now call it a day. Ajax vs VVV was his last game as a football professional (I don't think he will see action in Arnhem). Great career, no matter how you look it.

Thank you for doing your thing for Ajax (again), André. Good luck.

K.

[Orange14]

It was one of the Roda matches (can't remember if it was league or cup tie) and he played the center in a 3-4-3 (Alderwiereld was out injured) and he did a wonderful job. I suspect he could be a real good teacher of young players in the art of playing central defense.