Rovers Release Legend

The 36 yr old Dutchman, Johnny Achterberg recently failed a medical at the club and has not been offered a new contract. The news comes as a huge shock to Tranmere fans as Achto was Rovers longest serving player.

There is no doubt Johnny was injury prone which was evidently clear in the 2005-06 season under Brian Little where he spent most of the season sidelined because of injuries. Again in 2006-07 John was restricted to the physio’s room and only managed 5 games.

John made almost 300 appearances since joining Tranmere in 1998 from FC Utrecht. Arguably his most defining moment in his career was his televised penalty save against Millwall at the New Den in the 2003-04 F.A. Cup Quarter Finals.

Described by Brian Little as ‘the most professional player’ he has ever worked with, Achterberg was regularly found in the gym more than an hour before his team mates arrived for training.

There had been mixed replies on John Achterbergs offical site surrounding his rumoured departure, after it was rumoured he was leaving for the Scottish Premier and then Chester City. John had informed everyone that his fitness had improved and that he was now able to dive comfortably.

Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore spoke of Achterbergs release:

‘John has been a great player for Tranmere but unfortunately he failed his medical. We wish him all the best for the future.’

VITAL TRFC would like to indicate ‘great player’ as the biggest under statement of the year. The clubs lack of immediate acknowledgement for John’s release has sparked angry (and rightly so) replies off Tranmere fans. Fans have made it clear that his services could have been effective as a goalkeeping coach for Tranmere, however those who know achterberg will understand his ever growing determination and commitment to play proffesionally.

After Gareth Roberts departure from Tranmere Rovers in 2006, John Achterberg was Rovers last remaining legend, and today has come as a huge blow to Tranmere fans even those in NAC Breda and FC Utrecht.

As a result an imfamous petition has been formed in order to ‘give Johnny a Testimonial’. Here is the link for the petition, we urge any fans who respect loyality in football to sign the petition and give your views.

http://www.petitiononline.com/trfcjohn/petition.html

Fans nationwide have also stressed there support for a testimonial.
We at VITAL TRFC would love to hear your comments about testimonials and why it seems that only Premiership football have them.

We would like to wish John Achterberg every bit of success in his future, he will be sadly missed, and extremely hard to replace.

-I’ll never forget trying to get an autograph off Johnny after a game when I was 8, I didn’t have anything for him to sign so I picked up a kit kat wrapper turned the red cover over to reveal the slim white strip, his smug reply,
‘I cant sign that!’
…the shame.