This is the place where we'll keep track of publicity (indended or not) for Ajax USA in the media. For instance, this is where we would link to the New York Times article from September 1998 called Soccer Fans Find New Ways to Root for Faraway Favorites in which our club is mentioned. We might post a message here when we are mentioned on the official Ajax website (which happens from time to time), or when we end up on Dutch television, as was the case during the Gotham Cup of 1999 when RTL television interviewed us at the first Ajax game in the Meadowlands. Other examples include the article (in Dutch) published in Het Parool during that same Gotham Cup. Here's an English translation of an excerpt from that article:

Jim McCough (sic) (35), founder and president of the Ajax USA fanclub, did not let the less inspiring play of Ajax influence his enjoyment. "Of course the match looked like a training session, and the plyares did not show much interest in the result," McCough said. "I did like it, though; it was entertaining."

The only thing which annoyed the American were the attempts by the management of Giants Stadium (home of the Giants, an American Football team, and the Metrostars, the soccer team of NYC), which was occupied by only one-quarter of its of capacity, to 'inject' atmosphere. Disco music sounded after each shot attempt; and Brazilan musicians were hired to "raise" the atmoshpere. "This was no good," Jim said. "I could not hear myself yell!"

McCough, a web designer from San Francisco, started Ajax-USA after he was infected with 'Ajax-virus' through a Dutch friend. At this moment Ajax-USA (not officially part of the Ajax Supporters Association) has about 1300 members in 20 countries.

Stuff like that...

-- Anonymous, July 30, 1999

Answers

We're getting quite a lot of 'media attention' these days, now FSW commentator Christian Miles sees our 'Ajax USA' banner displayed behind the goal during *every* Ajax game. Jim tells me he refers to us regularly, although he usually calls us 'Ajax America' or 'Ajax In America' or something. (Hint, Mr Miles: just read out loud what's on the banner... we're Ajax USA!)

We were also mentioned in the Dutch press on Monday, after the beautiful USA tribute before the Ajax vs AZ game. Frits Abrahams, a columnist for Dutch newspaper 'NRC Handelsblad', wrote about the so- called "adapting of the stadium atmosphere to the circumstances" which Ajax had announced. Here's an excerpt:

"What exactly is an 'adapted atmosphere' inside the stadium anyway, and was the notorious F-Side also going to adapt to the adaptations? The latter was no problem at all, judging by solidary banners such as 'AJAX USA' in the F-Side section."

It's a small thing, but it's nice anyway :-)

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2001

Here's a funny story for you...

In my article for Nieuwe Revu, I wrote this about buying tickets from abroad: "Isn't such information on the official club website, you may wonder? No. On the English version of Ajax.nl is the question 'How can I buy tickets from abroad?' Click on it, if you like a good laugh. Believe it or not, but here's the answer you get if you do so: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat'. Etcetera. Latin? You tell me. The point is that Ajax doesn't seem to realize that it's better to have no English website at all for a few months, than one that's six months behind and contains ticket info in the language of the Teletubbies."

When I wrote it, in April/May of 2001, the silly piece of Latin text had been on Ajax.nl for over a year. I've sent Ajax email about it twice. No reply. Then I mentioned it to them on the phone. They interrupted me. Just didn't listen. But after I'd written it down in the country's biggest 'infotainment' magazine, they had it fixed in three days... which is great, but also slightly annoying, cos it indicates that Ajax' Customer Support folks are not interested in useful advice from their customers, no matter how right they are.

The power of media, I guess.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Read a translation of the Niew Revu article, with photos, here: http://www.ajax-usa.com/ajax/travel/niew-revu.html.

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2001

I received my copy of Niew Revu (thanks Menno!) this weekend. Ben Bell, you have become our personal spokesmodel. And it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Both of those pictures from the magazine are going up on my web site just as soon as I can get to the scanner. In particular, the opening "centerfold" spread is EPIC! My only question: What exactly is that steward guy staring at? It ain't the tattoo, folks. ;-)

I haven't heard anything yet about an article in Ajax Life. Should be in the next issue, whenever that hits the 'streets.'

In yesterday's broadcast of the Twente - Ajax game, our big red banner was in prominent display behind one of the goals. It was weird to see it there, in the best kind of weird way. And our old friend Christian Miles (play-by-play man for FSW) said something to the effect of: "Ajax is a club that enjoys a lot of international popularity. Indeed, as you can see by the AJAX-USA sign." And then he said something about "hello to all the viewers who represent that club".

And today, I see that we're quoted (sort of) on SoccerTimes, which uses an excerpt from our recent interview with Co Adriaanse on their weekly summary of Americans Abroad: John O'Brien section.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

And I received word from Nico Smith that the edition of Ajax Life with the article about Ajax USA is being printed at this very moment... Guys, our 15 minutes is about to begin.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2001

It's been over 18 months since something was posted in this thread, but the times they are-a changin': AJAX USA IS BACK IN THE MEDIA!

I wrote an article about Ajax USA, our Ajax In April trip and Ajax' stupid way of dealing with foreign support for Dutch weekly magazine 'Nieuwe Revu'. The issue hit the stores today and is announced on the Nieuwe Revu website They used the picture of Ben Bell's Ajax tattoo as a teaser. Good choice!

I will translate my article for Ajax USA soon!

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2001

Very interesting article in CNN/SI: http://cnnsi.com/inside_game/michael_lewis/news/1999/09/10/dutch_footb all/

- jim

-- Anonymous, September 13, 1999