Well and Pars helped Doesburg on his way to the top with Ajax
It’s a long way from Fir Park and East End Park to the Amsterdam Arena.
But that’s the career path Michel Doesburg has taken since his days playing for Motherwell and Dunfermline Athletic. After 14 years with AZ Alkmaar – where he was first Under-19 coach, before Head of Youth Scouting then Director of Recruitment and Scouting – Doesburg has recently taken up the post of Ajax’s Scouting Co-ordinator for the Under-16s right up to the first team.
AZ won national awards for their youth set-up, and Doesburg’s eye for a player and organisational skills made him stand out.
He’s also a great people person, and would convince parents their son should resist the bigger Dutch clubs to sign for AZ. In recent years, AZ have had managers such as Louis van Gaal, Dick Advocaat, Marco van Basten and Co Adriaanse.
They all encouraged Doesburg, and word of his abilities spread in Dutch football.
So Ajax – who defeated Celtic’s Champions League conquerors AEK Athens in the group stages in midweek – decided Doesburg would be an asset and moves were made by their Director of Football Marc Overmars to land their target in the summer.
But for all his reputation and influences in his homeland, Doesburg credits his time in Scotland for much of his success. He told The Sunday Post: “I had the most fantastic time in Scotland. I have strong memories and they will never leave me.
“My family also love the country and we get back for visits when our schedule allows us.
“It was also good at that time in the late 1990s and early 2000s as Arthur Numan was at Rangers. We are childhood friends and have shared memorable moments.
“I could see every day the effort and dedication Arthur put in, from when he was a teenager all the way through. “He was rewarded for it by having a brilliant career with some top clubs, and for Holland.
“It taught me what was required and I gave it my all to give myself the best career possible for the level of my ability.
“I also noticed the strong work ethic from the Scottish people, and that has been a constant reminder to me in the past 14 or 15 years as I moved into another side of the football business.
“So, overall, I’m happy to have this job with Ajax. It is all about helping the club to be successful in any small way I can make a positive contribution.
“I will also do my best to help out any Scottish scouts and coaches. I will never forget the people of Scotland. “Indeed, during my time at AZ, we had Davie Weir, Lee Mcculloch, Derek Adams and Paul Hartley over to study the set-up as part of their UEFA Pro-licence. “We also had coaches from the SFA, Russia and Celtic over to take a look. “They wanted to know about philosophies and policies for developing youngsters into footballers, and fine young men.
“I know they enjoyed it and the feedback from them all was excellent.
“Naturally, my full focus is on Ajax but I still look out for Motherwell and Dunfermline. “I’d love to see Motherwell win some silverware in the near future after reaching the two domestic cup finals last season.
“It would also be nice to see Dunfermline back in the SPFL Premiership.
“I wish Allan Johnston and the players well as they try to win promotion but the Championship will be a tough league to get out of.”
It was with a heavy heart the 50-yearold left AZ Alkmaar to take up an exciting, new challenge with the former Champions League winners.
Doesburg continued: “AZ was a big part of my life and I enjoyed my work there.
“It was a good football club and we had connections with all the staff. We all clicked and worked towards the same goals, in the right manner. But, out of the blue, there was contact to AZ from Marc Overmars, and the ball was rolling. “We had meetings and I liked what he had to say and the outlook and ambitions Ajax have.
“So, I decided to accept their offer. I work with two other colleagues to oversee it all and we form a nice triangle.
“I feel very privileged to be working for the biggest club in the country.
“Ajax has a rich history and is known far and wide.
“The club has won the Champions League many times, and can look back on the influences of footballing legends such as Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal.
“This club has the ‘wow’ factor.
“So, my job is clear and I am dedicated to it. I’m also fortunate to be learning from Marc Overmars. He knows Ajax inside out and that’s invaluable.”
Today, Ajax have a top-of-the table clash at PSV Eindhoven that could see them leading the title race at the end of the day.
But first Doesburg will be checking to see how Motherwell and Dunfermline got on in yesterday’s games.