Shots terminate Payne deal

Published Dec. 17, 2012 1:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

AZ Alkmaar travel to Dordrecht in the KNVB Beker fourth round in midweek, while Ajax are away to Groningen.

AZ boss Gertjan Verbeek believes winning the Dutch Cup represents the best chance for his side to qualify for Europe next season.

Verbeek's side are currently languishing in 12th place in the Eredivisie table after a poor start which has seen them pick up just 18 points from their opening 17 fixtures.

On Tuesday they travel to second-tier outfit Dordrecht, who are currently third in the table and Verbeek is hoping his side can book a place in the last eight of the competition.

"We want to be fighting for a place in Europe this season," he told reporters.

"This is from the league position, but this is now very difficult because we have lost a lot of points.

"Performing well in the cup would take the pressure away. That's the pressure that we as a club have imposed on ourselves.

"The pressure of the players who want to perform and repeat what we did last season.

"And of course the pressure of sponsors, public and the press that help us remember our goals."

Verbeek will have Donny Gorter after he recovered from a head injury but his replacement Giliano Wijnaldum is likely to start the match.

Tuesday's other games see Den Bosch host Cambuur and Eredivisie leaders PSV travel to Rijnsburgse Boys, who play in the third tier.

Wednesday sees NAC Breda against Heracles, while Go Ahead Eagles and PEC Zwolle face off. Vitesse play ADO '20, while the tie of the round sees Heerenveen host Feyenoord.

Groningen are at home to Ajax on Thursday in the last match of the round.

The 22-year-old was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Guildford Crown Court on Friday for actual bodily harm, with a concurrent four-month sentence for common assault after pleading guilty to both charges.

A statement on the club's website read: "We were informed on Friday afternoon that Joshua Payne had received a custodial sentence after pleading guilty in relation to two charges following an incident that occurred in Guildford in May 2012.

"In the light of this, notice to terminate the contract of the player will be given forthwith. The club cannot condone or excuse such behaviour.

"Our players and staff are important role models for our next generation of supporters and will be reminded of their behavioural responsibilities to the club at all times."

Following Saturday's 4-2 victory over Rochdale, boss Dean Holdsworth said: "As a manager and a person I'm upset at what's happened, I love the lad. He's had this hanging over his head for a long time.

"The players love him, it's a shock for everybody. I told the players that if they're going to do anything then Josh is part of it - he's part of us. Our thoughts are with is family, and we've just got to get on with our jobs."