Duo bolster NEC bid

Three-year deal
Ebbinge has agreed a three-year deal with NEC, who qualified for the UEFA Cup by finishing fifth this season, after the 28-year-old opted to move from SC Heerenveen, who ended in seventh. Next season the 28-year-old will officially be on loan at NEC while his current Heerenveen contract runs out, with a permanent two-year arrangement to follow. He replaces former NEC captain Danny Hesp, who is joining RBC Roosendaal.

Loan spell
Having begun his professional career with FC Groningen, Ebbinge joined BV Veendam in 1996. He switched to Heerenveen four years later, playing in their 2000/01 UEFA Champions League campaign. He went on loan to Eerstedivisie club Helmond Sport this March, and is currently playing for them in the promotion/relegation play-offs.

'A top transfer'
After signing, Ebbinge said: "I see this as a great transfer. I now go into Europe with a club that ended higher in the league than Heerenveen. When I joined Heerenveen from Veendam three years ago, I immediately played four Champions League matches. Now I will immediately play UEFA Cup football with NEC."

Tribute to club
He also paid tribute to Helmond, saying: "That club gave me a chance to prove myself again. What could be more beautiful then to say farewell to them with promotion to the Eredivisie?"

Hersi agreement
NEC have also reached an agreement with AFC Ajax to keep Hersi for one further season. The Ethiopian-born Dutch youth international was on loan at NEC this term, and was the club's leading scorer with nine goals in 30 matches, helping the team to their first European qualification in 20 years.

Long-term Ajax contract
The 20-year-old made his Ajax debut in November 2000, and remains under contract at the Amsterdam club until June 2005. He previously spent the 2001/02 season on loan at NAC Breda.