In a time where football loyalty is rare there is a one player that can say that to leave his beloved club would probably break his heart. 30 year old Nicky Hofs announced just this week that he is to stop playing professional football. He will, however, continue his association with Vitesse Arnhem having signed a 3 year contract becoming the new Youth Coach.
The Arnhem born midfielder could indeed have joined Ajax as a youngster but showed his loyalty to his hometown team and signed on as a youth in 1995. He progressed through the ranks and two years later he would no doubt have been inspired by the fine Vitesse team that finished 3rd in the Eredivisie in season 1997-98. This was their highest finish in over 80 years.
His hard work was rewarded on the 27th January 2002 when as an 18 year old he made his first team debut. Vitesse won 2-1 against NEC Nijmegen that day and Hofs went on to complete 13 further games that season scoring 2 goals both of which were in a 3-3 draw away to NAC Breda.
With Vitesse’s finances reaching rock bottom in 2003 the emerging talent was not unnoticed and Hofs penned a deal with Feyenoord. His departure came after 8 years with his hometown team. He spent 5 years with the Rotterdam giants, the last of which was on loan back to Vitesse. Helping them yet again with the team finishing a creditable 10th and scoring 7 goals himself in the process.
He left Feyenoord in 2009 and signed on back at the Gelredome but only for one season as Vitesse co
uld not afford the high wages he demanded. A year in Cyprus with AEL Limassol followed before a move back to Arnhem for the third time. With Hofs now 30 his fitness began to tell and after another loan spell this time with Willem II he decided to call time on his playing career.
Maybe his deepest regret may have been not bringing a league title home to Arnhem but he did participate in Europe with Vitesse. In an era where a lot of Dutch talent is now at the retiring stage maybe this week with the start of the U21 EURO finals, the emergence of more raw talent will appear. However I doubt the loyalty of Hofs will be replicated – a true inspiration to us all.
Ken Morton – www.mvv-schotland.com
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