Getting To Know The Opposition - FC Twente

Last updated : 29 September 2010 By DSG

History

Twente were founded in April 1965 after financial trouble forced rival sides, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys to merge. These problems came back to haunt them in 2004 as they were declared bankrupt, but the arrival of chairman Joop Munsterman has heralded the start of a new era.

After long being regarded as the best side outside of Holland's top three (Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord), the Tukkers won their maiden Eredvisie title last season, under the stewardship of Englishman Steve McLaren.

In doing so, he emulated the achievements of counterpart Sir Bobby Robson, who guided PSV to the league title in 1992.

Despite making their Champions League group stage debut this season, they are no strangers to the European stage. In 1973, they reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals losing to Borussia Monchengladbach and just two years later, the same opposition denied them glory - as they finished as runners up.

The previous two seasons has seen them knocked out in the Third Qualifying Round of Europe's premier club competition. It was Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal that beat them in 2008/09 by a 6-0 aggregate margin.

The Boss

After McLaren defected to German side Wolfsburg in the close season, Belgian Michel Preud'homme was appointed as his replacement.

The 51 year old made 649 club appearances in a 22 year career as a goalkeeper. He was also capped 58 times by his country and won the Yashin Award for being the best goalkeeper at the 1994 World Cup, in the USA.

Preparation

Twente enter tonight's game on the back of a 2-2 home draw against league leaders Ajax. Despite twice taking the lead, the hosts were pegged back and had to settle for a solitary point.

They currently lie in fourth place after making an unbeaten start to the league season, winning three and drawing four.

Danger Man

With midfielder Theo Janssen around, Spurs will have to be wary about giving free-kicks away. In the Dutch side's opening Group A game against holders Inter Milan he netted a stunning free-kick, as the Italians were denied a winning start to their defence of the title.

The 29-year old - who scored both goals in last weekend's match - will also be looking to supply chances for striker Luuk De Jong, who himself has a keen eye for the net.

Familiar Face

Wigan Athletic fans will remember their former midfielder Denny Landzaat, who played for the club between 2006 and 2008.

He made 52 appearances in his time with the Latics, scoring five times during his two-year stint. After leaving he returned to his homeland with Feyenoord but they released him over the summer.

Trivia

When they formed in their current guise, the club changed their colours to red after they originally wore green and black - the colours of SC Enschede.

Before the start of every game, the whole stadium sings "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Source: DSG

Source: DSG