Page 22 of the April 2013 matchday programme serves as the ultimate statistical briefing for the fans in the Euroborg. It begins by introducing the “Arbitraal Kwartet” (Refereeing Quartet), led by the experienced Tom van Sichem, assisted by Richard Slot and Terry Hoekstra, with Jeroen Sanders on the touchline.
For Tom van Sichem, this match marked his eighth appearance as the man in the middle at the Euroborg. The programme meticulously lists his previous outings, including his stadium debut in 2006 (a 0-0 draw against Heracles Almelo) and a painful 2-5 defeat to the evening’s opponents, ADO Den Haag, later that same year. Documenting the referee’s history is a classic matchday tradition, subtly reminding the fans of past grievances or lucky omens associated with the official.
However, the most fascinating part of the page is the “SCOREN IN UITDUELS” (Scoring in away matches) section. The editors highlight that young Uruguayan striker David Texeira had scored in three consecutive away games (Roda JC, Willem II, and Heracles Almelo). To put this achievement into perspective, the programme lists the only other players in recent club history to achieve a streak of three or more consecutive away goals. Texeira’s name is suddenly placed alongside absolute club royalty: the Serbian midfield maestro Goran Lovre, the lethal Swedish striker Marcus Berg, and the legendary Erwin Koeman (who managed a four-game away streak back in 1984). It is a brilliant piece of editorial work, using current form to educate younger fans about the giants of the club’s past.
A Look into the Future
By 2026, Tom van Sichem has long since retired from professional refereeing, leaving behind a legacy as one of the recognizable faces of Eredivisie officiating during the 2000s and 2010s. Meanwhile, the statistical list of away goalscorers remains a testament to the club’s rich history. While David Texeira eventually moved on to a nomadic global career, the names of Marcus Berg and Erwin Koeman are permanently etched in the pantheon of northern football legends. This single column of text perfectly bridges the gap between the heroes of 1984, the stars of 2007, and the squad of 2013.