Paul Jans (born 5 August 1981) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a striker.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 5 August 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Veghel, Netherlands | ||
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1987–1992 | RKKV Keldonk | ||
| 1992–1995 | Sparta '25 | ||
| 1995–2000 | VVV | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2000–2007 | VVV-Venlo | 158 | (33) |
| 2006–2007 | → NEC (loan) | 8 | (1) |
| 2008 | Rot-Weiss Essen | 9 | (0) |
| 2008–2010 | Den Bosch | 16 | (5) |
| 2010–2011 | Dender | 29 | (8) |
| 2011–2012 | De Treffers | 22 | (7) |
| 2012–2013 | Venray | ||
| 2013–2021 | Kwiek Venlo | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career
editBorn in Veghel and raised in Keldonk, Jans started playing football at RKVV Keldonk, where his goal-scoring ability stood out from a young age. At 11, he moved to Sparta '25 in Beek en Donk, where his performances earned him attention from professional club VVV-Venlo.[1] Jans joined VVV at 14, but his progress was hindered by injuries, including a broken wrist and a serious ankle injury that kept him sidelined for over a year. Despite these setbacks, Jans regained his form and played in multiple positions, including forward, midfielder, and centre-back, helping to improve his versatility.[1]
In October 2000, Jans made his first-team debut for VVV, replacing Maurice Graef in a 1–0 home win against Eindhoven, and by the following season, he was a regular starter. However, he struggled to maintain a consistent spot in the starting lineup, with the club frequently seeking alternatives in the forward position. Despite this, Jans continued to contribute regularly, earning a place in the team each season.[1]
After six seasons and 158 league appearances, Jans was loaned to NEC in 2006 following a dispute with VVV's management.[2][3] Although NEC had an option to buy, they opted not to exercise it, and Jans returned to VVV for the 2007–08 season.[4]
In January 2008, Jans moved to Rot-Weiss Essen for six months,[5] before signing a two-year contract with Den Bosch. In the summer of 2010, he initially planned to join Dijkse Boys in the Topklasse,[6] but instead secured a move to Dender in Belgium.[7] The following season, Jans played for De Treffers in the Topklasse before moving to SV Venray.[8][9] In 2013, he joined Quick Boys/Venlo, later renamed Kwiek Venlo, where he ended his playing career when the club folded in 2021.[10][11]
Style of play
editJans was known for his physicality and versatility, using his size to excel in aerial duels. While his playing style lacked technical flair, he was primarily a forward but also played in midfield and defence, showcasing his adaptability. Though not the most technically gifted, Jans compensated with strong tactical awareness, work rate, and determination.[1]
Personal life
editIn 2016, Jans' stalker, a 54-year-old woman from 's-Hertogenbosch, was sentenced to a conditional prison term of five months.[12][13]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Gouden Gids Divisie Talent: Paul Jans". Voetbal International (in Dutch). 25 March 2005. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Paul Jans en Ferne Snoyl naar NEC". De Gelderlander (in Dutch). 8 July 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "NEC haalt Paul Jans weg bij VVV-Venlo". Voetbal International (in Dutch). 7 July 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Spits Jans mag alweer vertrekken bij VVV Venlo". FCUpdate.nl (in Dutch). 27 December 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Paul Jans tekent bij Duitse club". Trouw (in Dutch). 27 January 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Kruyt, Bart (1 July 2010). "Jans laat profvoetbal achter zich en gaat verder bij Dijkse Boys". Voetbalzone (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Paul Jans voor jaar naar FC Dender". Omroep Brabant (in Dutch). 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Nieuwkamp, Walter (1 May 2011). "De Treffers versterkt zich met spits Paul Jans". De Gelderlander (in Dutch). Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "SV Venray legt Paul Jans vast". L1 (in Dutch). 9 April 2012. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Hanssen, Tim (22 May 2013). "Paul Jans naar Quick Boys/Venlo". Omroep Venlo (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Voetbalvereniging Kwiek Venlo definitief opgeheven". Omroep Venlo (in Dutch). 18 May 2021. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Contactverbod en voorwaardelijke celstraf voor stalkster van oud-voetballer FC Den Bosch". Brabants Dagblad (in Dutch). 19 December 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Star, Geert van der (27 June 2020). "Stalkster van oud-profvoetballer Paul Jans hoeft niet terug achter tralies, ondanks wens reclassering". Brabants Dagblad (in Dutch). Retrieved 21 November 2024.