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Ajax gives in to fan desire for 'old' jersey numbers
28 June: Ajax has changed the jersey numbers for the new
season, after many supporters' complaints about the new numbers
presented by the club last week.
In the new situation, many Ajax players were to wear the
jersey number historically associated with their respective
positions in the team. For example, right back Hatem Trabelsi
(#6) was to get #2 this season, left back John O'Brien (#18
last year) was to get #5 and the new jersey number for central
midfielder Rafaël van der Vaart (#23) was to be #10.
This was not appreciated by many supporters, who bought a
jersey last year and didn't like the idea of wearing incorrect
numbers. After many complaints, Ajax decided to stick to the
old numbering in as many cases as possible. Popular players
such as Cristian Chivu, Rafaël van der Vaart and Mido will
keep their old jersey number, although they do not
traditionally correspond with their field positions.
"The new numbering was based on the wishes of the technical
staff. However, it appeared that changes compared to last
season, caused quite a few problems. Therefore, Ajax has
decided to maintain last year's jersey number in as many cases
as possible", was Ajax' explanation on Ajax.nl.
Nevertheless, a handful of players are to wear new jersey
numbers next year. They are: Hatem Trabelsi (#2), Steven
Pienaar (#10), Johhny Heitinga (#12), Jan van Halst (#14), Joey
Didulica (#21) and Jelle Van Damma (#24). The new Ajax-1 squad,
including jersey numbers, in full:
1. Bogdan Lobont
2. Hatem Trabelsi
3. André Bergdølmo
4. Tomás Galásek
5. Cristian Chivu
6. Aron Winter
7. Andy van der Meyde
8. Richard Witschge
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
10. Steven Pienaar
11. Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam
12. Johnny Heitinga
13. Maxwell
14. Jan van Halst
15. Tim de Cler
16. Petri Pasanen
17. Wamberto
18. John O'Brien
19. Nikos Machlas
20. Cedric van der Gun
21. Joey Didulica
22. Abubakari Yakubu
23. Rafaël van der Vaart
24. Jelle Van Damme
25. Pius Ikedia
31. Maarten Stekelenburg
Ajax USA will update the official 'players' page accordingly
once Ajax has announced that this is the definitive selection
for the 2002-2003 season. (MP)
(Sources: Ajax.nl and VI Planet.nl)
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