Even the most avid football fans likely lack knowledge on ADO Den Haag. Located in Den Hague, the Netherlands 3rd most populous city, and seat of the nations governmental power. The club is situated in an area of immense beauty, the city is full of breathtaking medieval architecture, parks, restaurants, and throw in some stunning beaches just down the road to top it off. This clubs location alone should be enough to attract some of Europe's finest talents, making ADO Den Haag one of the Netherlands biggest clubs. The key word being should, because as we all know life doesn't play out on paper.
While location should be one of ADO's greatest strengths, it in fact has become one of their greatest flaws. A 40 minute ride East or West, leads you to either Rotterdam or Amsterdam, sandwiching ADO between the Netherlands two most prestigious and successful clubs. Feyenoord, and Ajax, each of whom draw in crowds of 40,000 + for every home game. Showcasing some of world's premier talents and regularly compete in Europe's showpiece competitions. In steep contrast ADO find themselves competing in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second division) and just to rubberstamp the difference in class, Ajax's U23 side (Jong Ajax) compete in the very same division.
That's not to say ADO Den Haag have always been this way, 2 league and cup titles are relics of a golden era in which ADO were one the dominant forces in Dutch football. Now all football clubs have there ups and downs, even clubs such as Manchester United have suffered relegation. But it must be said its been a while since ADO have had an up. The last title of their glory years came in 1975, meaning that the downs have lasted for 47 years. Unfortunately, a vast majority of fans have seen nothing but down, and to be frank calling the last few years a "down period" is somewhat of a kindness.
But it's always darkest before the dawn, and if done the right way ADO's future may be brighter than it's ever been. This season's heartbreaking play-off final defeat on penalties may not appear to be the dawn of a new era. However, it does suggest a change in the right direction, and with a squad mixed with experience and youth aplenty, promotion should very much be on the cards. So in a few years time I hope to see Den Hague pushing on in the Eredivisie with the legendary Dirk Kuyt at the helm, its time to dream. Finally this middling club may blossom into the rose of Dutch football. and fulfill its limitless potential.
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