Bristol City confirm Ajax friendly
Bristol City will welcome Dutch giants Ajax to Ashton Gate for a high-profile friendly as part of their pre-season preparations.
The two clubs have been in negotiations for almost a month to agree a deal that will see the former European Champions arrive in Bristol on July 15 (7.45pm) as part of the Dutch side's summer tour around the UK.
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Ajax will visit Ashton Gate in July
The glamour clash becomes part of a programme for City boss Gary Johnson and his side that will also include matches with Hereford United, Weymouth, Cheltenham Town, Dorchester Town, Wolves, Yeovil Town and Wycombe Wanderers.
"It will be a great test for us and form part of our own pre-season campaign," said City boss Gary Johnson.
"I am sure our fans will turn out in force for the game. It shows just how far we have come as a club that a team like Ajax are happy to come to Ashton Gate as part of their preparations for the new season."
Ajax remain one of the biggest names on the continent after winning the European Cup twice in the 1970s before adding a third success in 1995.
That side boasted internationally-renowned stars such as Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert and Kanu, and the Amsterdam-based outfit also hold the record number of Dutch title wins (29).
They have not lifted the league title for five years and a modest third-placed finish last season forced former Holland national team coach Marco van Basten to tender his resignation and be replaced by Martin Jol.
The former Tottenham boss is expected to arrive at Ashton Gate with a squad that includes Dutch internationals Urby Emanuelson, Evander Sno, Gregory van der Wiel and Kenneth Vermeer.
The Dutchmen also boast the talents of highly-rated striker Luis Suarez, 22, who has scored nine times in 18 appearances for the Uruguayan national side.
City officials have yet to announce any ticket details.
Bristol City's full pre-season programme: July 13 (A) Hereford United; 15 (H) Ajax; 18 (A) Cheltenham Town; 21 (A) Weymouth; 25 (H) Wolves; 28 (A) Yeovil Town; August 1 (H) Wycombe Wanderers.
12 Comments
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by ade, bristol
Sunday, June 07 2009, 11:08AM
“"Even then you Will NOT be safe" - safer though than when our lot were attacked at your place the other year or maybe they were really city fans pretending to be gash-heads - thats the normal excuse you all hide behind!”
by goldmember, Europe
Friday, June 05 2009, 7:19PM
“Pete
Trust me.”
by Tony, Yate
Friday, June 05 2009, 7:16PM
“Wot, Rovers Fans Welcome at The Gate - Just Bring Your Own Armour, Even then you Will NOT be safe”
by Citypete, bristol england
Friday, June 05 2009, 5:12PM
“Goldmember who are u? we had a supposedly worse fans over last year without any trouble. you will be made welcome like all fans here.”
by Goldmember, Europe
Friday, June 05 2009, 2:08PM
“Police bill should be huge because there will be a lot of trouble at this match.
F side will be on tour.”