European football kicks off in Holland

13.08.2009
When Steve McClaren left the UK for Holland last year he was derided as the "wally with a brolly".

After overseeing the England football team"s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 he took up a job at Dutch club Twente, and now Brits making the ferry trip to Holland can see how he has rebuilt his career and reputation, and catch the opening stages of a major European competition in the process.

Holidaymakers can see Twente face Qarabag on August 20th in a play-off tie for a place in the UEFA Europa League.

The club enjoyed a superb season last year, finishing second in the Dutch league, meaning that those making the ferry trip to Holland are set to see one of the top sides in Europe in action.

Football fans heading on the ferry to Holland keen to catch some action but unable to make it to Twente could instead opt for Ajax"s tie with Slovan Bratislava, which also takes place on August 20th.

The renowned team are trying to rebuild their reputation as a European heavyweight after a disappointing third placed finish in the Dutch league last year and are now guided by former Tottenham boss Martin Jol.

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