Derby County will wrap up their tour of Holland with a game against top-flight Dutch side FC Utrecht today - and here's all you need to know about the Rams' latest opponents...
Derby County will wrap up their tour of Holland with a game against top-flight Dutch side FC Utrecht today - and here's all you need to know about the Rams' latest opponents...
FACT FILE:Founded in 1970, FC Utrecht was the product of three merging clubs in the local area: Velox, USV Elinkwijk and VV DOS. Interestingly, VV DOS had been champions of the Eredivisie in the 1957/58 season.Since the formation of the club, FC Utrecht has always played in red and white kit to match the traditional colours of the city flag.The Utrecht side has an illustrious club history behind them as they are one of only four teams to never have been relegated from the Eredivisie – Holland’s top division.The club’s first decade in the Eredivisie proved to be highly successful as Utrecht firmly established themselves as a team competing in the top half of the table.A fifth place finish in the 1979/80 season confirmed qualification for the Europa League and thus, Utrecht gained their first taste of European football.The following season, Utrecht achieved their highest ever league finish - placing third.Cup success came in 1985 when the side won their first of three KNVB Cups after a 1-0 victory over Helmond Sport. Previously the side had come close in 1982 when Utrecht reached the final, losing to AZ ’67 in a high scoring 5-2 match.Throughout the 1990s, Utrecht found themselves stranded in midtable – this was despite a positive start to the decade when they finished fourth in their 1990/91 campaign.On two occasions during the 90s, the Dutch side finished in 15th place, narrowly avoiding an infamous relegation play-off spot.Nevertheless, the dawn of the new millennium saw a renaissance period for FC Utrecht as the side regained their status as a top competing team in the league. Between 2000 and 2010 the Dutch football club never finished outside the top 10.Utrecht achieved further cup success between 2002 and 2004. Consecutive KNVB Cups and also their first ever Super Cup during this period were all added to the side’s trophy cabinet.During the 2010/11 season, Utrecht reached the Europa League group stages for the first time in their 41 year history. The side faced distinguished clubs such as Scottish side, Celtic and also Serie A superstars, Napoli.Last season, FC Utrecht finished in 11th position under the managerial direction of former player, Rob Alfen.
HONOURS:
Eredivisie Winners – 1958
KNVB Cup Winners – 1985, 2003, 2004
Johan Cruijiff Schaal Winners – 2004
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