GENERAL INFO: Situated: Northern Holland History: The city was established by three medieval Dutch Lords as a location to dig peat and turf in 1551. 'Heer' is Dutch for 'Lord' and 'veen' means 'peat'. From the thriving peat industry, a decent sized town evolved. Population: 41,777 (2002)
 | | Veal is popular in Holland |
Food and drink: The Dutch are very proud of their traditional grub, which is good because nobody else would be! Take your pick from braised steak (Gestoofde runderlappen), Cauliflower and Edam cheese (Edammer bloemkool), meatballs (Echt-hollandse gehaktbal) or Veal Stew (Drents stoofpotje van kalsvlees). Wash it all down with Advocaat, a traditional alcoholic drink made with raw eggs. If you still have an appetite after all that, why not try Plum duff (Jan in de zak), Orange cake (Oranjekoek) or Sweet-heart cake (Lieverdje). The Dutch also have a dish called 'Naked babies in the grass' (Naakte kinderjes in het grass) but we made our excuses and left. Must see: Apart from the Abe Lenstra Stadion, there do not appear to be many international landmarks. However, the Thialf speed skating stadium was one of the first indoor rinks in the world and annual events draw huge crowds. For nature lovers, there is the Oranjewoud Forest on the eastern edge of town. Most of the best bars are situated around the Koemarkt, the equivalent of our Bigg Market. CLUB INFO: Founded: 1920 Stadium: Abe Lenstra Stadion Capacity: 17,653. The capacity will eventually be 28,000 when the ground's three-year refurbishment is complete.
 | | Jon Dahl Tomasson playing for Heerenveen |
European Honours: None Manager: Gert Jan Verbeek Star Player: Ugur Yildirim is only 23 years old and is already said to be one of the best free kick specialists in the world. He was a substitute in the recent friendly with England. Possible weakness: Heerenveen are currently 17 points behind the Dutch Eredivisie leaders AZ-Alkmaar, and have conceded more goals than anyone else in the top nine. Defensively, they can be breached, provided Newcastle can find the right formula to attack. Famous export: Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Einhoven, then Man United) Not-as-famous export: Jon Dahl Tomasson (ex-Newcastle United) USEFUL PHRASES: If you are making the trip over to Holland, then here are some useful phrases you may need to know: Hello = Goede Dag
Goodbye = Totziens
Please = Alstublieft
Yes = ja
No = Nee Where is the airport / hotel? = Waar is een vliegveld / hotel
Excuse me kind sir, do you serve Newcastle Brown Ale? = Pardon mijnheer, hebt u Newcastle Brown Ale?
Could you direct me to the nearest betting shop? = Kunt u me ventellen waar de dichtstbyzynde goktent is? IMPRESS THE OPPOSITION: Nothing impresses the natives more than showing them how much you appreciate their language, and how you have taken time out to learn it. Try these simple phrases during the game to show them your appreciation of their language: You're not singing anymore! = Jullie zullen niet lang meer zingen! Who ate all the pies? = Wie heeft alle pasteitjes opgegeten? You're rubbish, and you know you are! = Jullie zijn hopeloos en jullie weten het! There's only one Alan Shearer! = Er is maar een Alan Shearer! Toon Toon, Black 'n' White Army! = Toon Toon, het zwart-witte leger! | 
