Utrecht building for the future

Ponk signs
The Dutch Cup holders, who are targeting a UEFA Cup place again this season, have agreed a one-year extension with the 32-year-old goalkeeper René Ponk until summer 2005. His 18-year-old understudy Michel Vorm has also been given an extra year.

Defensive deals
In defence, the 29-year-old Étienne Shew-Atjon has agreed to stay until 2006 as has Alje Schut, 23. Bas van den Brink, 21, could also be at the club for another two years, although his deal is specifically for a year with the option of a further 12 months after that. However, the 20-year-old Edson Braafheid will be at the Galgenwaard stadium at least until 2007.

Talks ongoing
Another long-term contract has been awarded to midfield player Rick Kruijs, who has pledged his future to Utrecht until 2008. Negotiations are continuing with defenders Patrick Zwaanswijk and Karim Touzani and attacker Richal Leitoe. However, the club have announced that the 31-year-old Belgian midfield player Tom van Mol will be leaving in the summer, while there will also be no new deals for Ruud Berger, 24, and Frank Karreman, 20, who are on loan at BVO Emmen.

Youth commitment
Away from the playing staff, the club have given extended deals to youth coaches Mark Verkuyl, Dennis Sluyk and Peter Dussenbroek, which will secure the futures of all three until 2007. "The club wants to give a clear signal that the continuation and quality of the youth department has always been of huge importance for the club and that also counts for the future," Utrecht said.

European ambition
Utrecht were knocked out of the UEFA Cup at the second-round stage in November but could take part again next season via the Dutch Cup. They play second division Sparta Rotterdam in the semi-finals on 17 March.