John van’t Schip has reignited Ajax with the personal touch and an emotional message against a backdrop of personal tragedy.

The former Ajax and Holland forward took over until the end of the season despite recently losing his wife to cancer.

He has spoken about that with his players.

Now, after two home wins under his command, they prepare to test their recent improvement against opponents from the Premier League as Albion come to town.

Victories over Volendam and Heerenveen have taken the Amsterdam giants off the foot of the Eredivisie table.

They were the first two matches under the guidance of van’t Schip, who has taken charge for the rest of the season.

Ajax have created chances, scored goals and got summer signing Chuba Akpom on the scoresheet.

But they have also ridden their luck at times - and some crucial saves by Diant Ramaj.

Still, it all feels rather brighter than when they shipped four second-half goals at PSV having led 2-1 at the break in their first game after losing at the Amex.

Football reporter Teun Buis of voetbalprimeur.nl: “Ajax definitely shows new energy, on and off the pitch.

“The players admit they feel better under John van 't Schip.

“Chuba Akpom was especially outspoken about his situation under Maurice Steijn, saying about his first months, ‘It was a catastrophe, really. Both for me and for the team. I don't have to beat around the bush, because everyone knows that. I haven't felt at home for the past two months. I lived in a hotel and felt alone’.

“Ajax seems to be improving on the pitch as well.

“We see some nice combinations again and the organisation is better.

“They remind us a bit of the 'old' Ajax but important to say - it's still very fragile and we shouldn't forget they played FC Volendam and SC Heerenveen. Definitely not the best teams in the league and even they got some really big chances.

“So Ajax mostly needs to improve a lot defensively.

“Brighton will be the first serious test under van 't Schip.

“Nonetheless, they are on the right track again.

“The fact that the fans were cheering like they just became champions tells a lot about the improved atmosphere.”

Van 't Schip used his first week at Ajax to talk to all the players and get to know them.

He gave an emotional speech to the players in the dressing room, a few weeks after losing his wife Danielle to cancer.

Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn said: “He spoke to us in a beautiful way.

“I still get goosebumps when I think about it.

“For me it was very emotional, given the coach’s private situation, that he still came to help us and told his story.

“Then as a team you want to go the extra mile.

“He told about his wife, that this was her wish to do this.

“That stirs something in me. It gave me a lump in my throat."

Bergwijn and fellow wideman Steven Berghuis remain big threats.

Last season’s top scorer Brian Brobbey has been hit and miss in attack but scored with a fine header against Heerenveen.

But there have been alarming lapses at the back which should have been punished.

With major damage averted, Albion can expect Ajax’s passionate support to be very much on-side on Thursday evening.

Bergwijn said: “I think the fans have always supported us.

“That they sometimes express emotions is normal when you don't win for so long."

"I think the fans have always supported us. That they sometimes express emotions is normal when you don't win for so long."