Stam should fear Fer effect

The 2019-20 campaign will be Feyenoord’s 98th consecutive season in holland’s top division, but perhaps fans should make the most of that now Leroy Fer has arrived. The Dutchman was nothing if not consistent in english football. in 2013, he joined norwich, who were promptly relegated the following May, moving on to QPR and sharing in their relegation the following season. his time at Swansea was more of a slow-burner; making a loan move permanent in 2016, it took him until the 2017-18 season to steer them into the championship. now Fer has returned to Feyenoord, who may feel bullish about their chances of survival having last gone down in 1919, when Dutch football was reorganised. Still, Fer’s personal gravity is a powerful force and coach Jaap Stam should prepare accordingly.