Every historic football season needs a talisman to set the tempo from the very first whistle. For FC Groningen in the 2014/2015 campaign, that player was undoubtedly their dynamic number 10, Tjaronn Chery. Page 18 of the matchday programme against Ajax captures the immediate impact he had on the home crowd right at the start of the season.
The “Essent Speler van het Jaar” column announces the voting results from the opening home fixture against Heracles Almelo. Chery, who scored the opening goal of the new Eredivisie season at the Euroborg, was rightfully crowned the first Man of the Match, securing 26% of the fan votes. He edged out striker Michael de Leeuw (21%), setting an early benchmark for the squad’s attacking output.
The image of Chery holding the bouquet is symbolic. In a season that would eventually end with the club lifting the KNVB Cup, Chery was the creative engine that made the team tick. Winning the fan vote in the very first home game proved that the supporters instantly recognized his vital role. He wasn’t just a playmaker; he was the player who got the crowd off their seats.
A Look into the Future
By 2026, Tjaronn Chery‘s 2014/2015 season is viewed as a masterclass in attacking midfield play. He finished the season with double digits in both goals and assists, earning a lucrative move to Queens Park Rangers in England. His flying start against Heracles, documented on this page, was the spark that ignited a truly unforgettable year for both the player and the Green-White army.