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Ajax hires Timmer after all

08 August: Despite difficult negotiations, Ajax has contracted AZ goalie Henk Timmer after all. Timmer (30) has been hired for one season, and should solve the keeper problems at Ajax. At the moment, both Lobont and Didulica are injured.

Timmer started his professional soccer career in 1989 at FC Zwolle, for whom he played until 2000. After that he was bought by AZ, who loaned him out to Feyenoord last season. The deal with Ajax wasn't proceeding very smoothly because AZ preferred to sellthe player, while Ajax preferred a loan, since their keeper problems seem to be temporary.

Timmer is aware of the fact that he might be the number-four goalkeeper after the winter break: "I'll take the risk, but I will do my utmost. If I perform well in training I can make it into the selection." At this point, Timmer has only to deal with Maarten Stekelenburg, who has defended the Ajax goal so far this season, in the absence of Lobont and Didulica.

Today, Timmer joined Ajax for his first training. It'ss possible that he will play in tomorrow's Amstel Cup match of Young Ajax against AZ. Timmer: "With Feyenoord we beat AZ 3-1 and I stopped a penalty. That was great. Now I will do my best for Ajax."

Timmer is said to be happy with his latest transfer: "I didn't have to think about this very long. Of course I never expected this, but it is a great surprise. Everyone knows that this club has something special." (BV)