In the feature interview of this exact matchday programme, FC Groningen playmaker Tjaronn Chery spoke openly about the heavy burden of wearing the number 10 shirt and promised the fans that his goals and top form would return soon. Page 18 provides the immediate, printed proof that he was a man of his word, and that the Euroborg faithful were fully behind him.
The “Essent Speler van het Jaar” section announces the SMS voting results from the previous home victory against Go Ahead Eagles. Chery claimed the Man of the Match title with 26% of the vote, beating out the defensively solid Johan Kappelhof (18%). Interestingly, third place went to Yoëll van Nieff (14%), proving that the young academy product had made an instant impact following his frantic, 24-hour recall from his loan spell at FC Dordrecht just weeks prior.
The photo captures Chery holding his bouquet, a visual confirmation of his successful integration into the squad. While Filip Kostić still held a commanding lead in the overall season standings, Chery’s victory in this specific poll was a crucial moment of validation. He had asked for the ball, taken responsibility, and the fans rewarded him with their 60-cent texts.
A Look into the Future
This Man of the Match award was just one of many milestones Tjaronn Chery would achieve in Groningen. He fully embraced the pressure of being the team’s creative focal point, eventually leading them to the KNVB Cup in 2015 with his vision and lethal left foot. His ability to deliver on his promises made him a beloved figure in the north, launching a highly successful international career that took him to QPR in England and later to Maccabi Haifa, where he played in the Champions League. This 2014 programme captures him exactly as he was hitting his stride.