De Graafschap
 |
|
| Full name | Vereniging Betaald Voetbal De Graafschap |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Superboeren (Super Farmers) |
| Founded | February 1, 1954 |
| Ground |
De Vijverberg Doetinchem |
| Capacity | 12,600 |
| Chairman | Hans Veldhorst |
| Manager | Henk de Jong |
| League | Eerste Divisie |
| 2015–16 | Eredivisie, 17th (relegated) |
De Graafschap (Dutch pronunciation: [də ˈɣraːfsxɑp]) is a professional football club from Doetinchem, Netherlands, currently playing in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of football in Netherlands.
It was formed on 1 February 1954 and they play their home games at the De Vijverberg stadium. The stadium was opened on 12 August 2000 and stands on the site of the club's old pitch. The club name means "The County" in Dutch. They are nicknamed Superboeren ("Super Farmers").
While not a large club by European club football standards, the club has remained a semi-permanent fixture in the Eredivisie (top league); although to date it has never won any silverware of importance. It also has a large stadium and a large fan base when compared to many other Dutch teams, particularly those in the Eerste Divisie. They have a fierce rivalry with Vitesse.
In 1995, their first season back in the top flight, De Graafschap lost out in the play-offs and were relegated from the Eredivisie. In 2003, it was defeated again in the playoffs, this time as a promotion candidate.
They were crowned champions of the Eerste Divisie for the 2009–10 season. At the end of the 2011–12 season, De Graafschap were again relegated from the Eredivisie. They finished 6th in the 2014–15 Eerste Divisie, but won promotion to the top tier after beating Volendam in the promotion/relegation play-offs.
Their colors are blue and white hooped shirts with white shorts and blue socks.
Below is a table with De Graafschap's domestic results since the introduction of the Eredivisie in 1956.
For recent transfers, see List of Dutch football transfers summer 2016
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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