Dutchmen playing or training at Club Polideportiva Merida:

Mérida was founded in 1912 as La Sportiva Emeritense, ment a lot for the poor Province of Extremadura. It was the first regional club that made it through the highes level in Spain, and gave the dry and dusty area some fame. Until 1953 Mérida played at La Antigua, where the pitch was shortened by eight meters because of the constructionwork of a new highway to Madrid. The field was only 92 by 52 meters….this all happened in 1941 and the club had to wait till 1953 to get his new stadium Romano José Fouto. At a renovation of this dome in 1995 they discovered 40 graves of the Roman Empire. The Mérida-fans sing about their club as if they are Romans and are proud of it too! After 88 years this all ended, Club Polideportiva Mérida doesn't exist anymore. Because of financial problems in 2000 the club has lived till the 31st of August….The club will merge with Mérida Promesas (playing in Spanish Third Division) from now on. Former Ajax player Ivan Gabrich has to look for a new club…..