HAIL THE AJAX REVIVAL!

A FANTASTIC story this week has been the return of one of Europe’s great clubs to a major final. It is 21 years since Ajax were at the forefront of the continental game but that team who contested back-to-back Champions League finals — starring Frank Rijkaard, the De Boer twins and Edgar Davids — was shattered by the introduction of the Bosman rule and picked apart by cash-rich rivals in other countries. Many assumed we would never see Ajax in such a strong position again. So it was brilliant to see them squeeze past Lyon on Thursday night to set up an encounter with Manchester United in the Europa League final — and with a team true to the club’s traditions. Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, who scored the winning goal against AC Milan in the 1995 Champions League final, is among a crop of youngsters being coached by men schooled in the ways of Ajax and Holland legend Johan Cruyff. There is still a chance Ajax can win the Dutch title, but landing a European trophy would be a magnificent — and unexpected — achievement. It would be fabulous to see their footballing philosophy secure more silverware. And that is not the only reason I will be rooting for them on May 24!