Ajax, creators of their own legend, were largely authors of their own downfall in Stockholm last night, writes Liam Mackey.

The sad news on Thursday of the death of Johan Cruyff sent me back to David Winner’s Brilliant Orange, a book as unconventional and imaginative as the Dutch football culture which it investigates and celebrates.

It is not an uncommon scenario; the rugby man, with all his connections and influence, sending the football man, with his talents, away from the office disappointed.

I SPENT a pleasant hour yesterday morning in the company of an acclaimed author, sipping coffee and discussing sexual anxiety, masturbation and football.

SHUT your eyes and cast your minds back to Euro 88. Now, just this once, forget about Stuttgart and Ray Houghton.