FOOTBALL – Of course he came for the points, but Dick Lukkien still had a special feeling when he left for his former employer by bus this morning. “I was curious how I would be received as the opponent’s coach. That was fine, except for an individual who cut out that tile in front of the stadium or whatever he did.”
Lukkien was referring to the ‘Walk of Fame tile’ that was stolen last night. Almost a year ago, shortly after his last match for the Drenthe club, he received the tile of honor as a thank you for services rendered.
In his seven seasons at FC Emmen he experienced many highs and lows. Lukkien was promoted twice, became champion for the first time in club history, but was also relegated twice. Nevertheless, the supporters of FC Emmen wanted to give him a lasting memory. The tile was the first to be unveiled. Later, Rini van Vilsteren (former goalkeeper coach and team manager) and Michel van Oostrum (all-time top scorer) were also honored with a tile. “I hope the tile is back soon,” said Lukkien.
The FC Groningen coach was of course happy with the points, but less so with the game. “Not that it wasn’t good enough not to win here, it was. But especially after the 0-3, we did far too little with the spaces available, while we were very efficient in the initial phase. After that we got away a few more times, because Emmen had opportunities to get back into the game.”
With six matches to go, Lukkien is in 3rd place with Groningen, one point from a direct promotion spot (Roda JC made no mistake tonight against Jong PSV: 2-3). Because FC Groningen will face Roda JC in its own stadium on the last matchday, Groningen has promotion entirely in its own hands. “I like that. Will the feeling and tension be different if we end up in 2nd place, because we will no longer have to hunt but will become the prey? No, I don’t think so. In this group there is so much a drive that I am not afraid of.”
And FC Emmen? It is exciting for the last ticket towards the play-offs with Cambuur, VVV and FC Emmen on the same level. But I think Emmen has enough quality to reach the play-offs. And I wish them that too.”
