Football Season Review

№13: Helmond Sport

The last three seasons (13th, 17th and 12th) didn't satisfy the fans at all, but the club, the staff and the supporters hoped for better days at the start of the new campaign last summer. Helmond Sport's form was actually quite disappointing throughout the season, but one period of quality football eventually earned them an early ticket for the promotion/relegation play-offs. Roy Hendriksen's men claimed the second period title, which was already enough to enter the play-offs. That ticket affected the motivation and the hunger for results as well after the winter break to be honest. Helmond Sport was never a real top three contender and this team didn't have anything to fight for during the final months of the season as they already sealed the deal by bagging the period title. The lack of results did put the pressure on the staff though as Helmond Sport only collected one point out of nine games shortly after the winter break. Helmond Sport was a clear underdog with that in mind at the start of the play-offs as the team dropped to the 13th spot. Hendriksens men somehow managed to regain their form though, which resulted in a surprising 6-2 win on aggregate over Almere City. The semi-final against Roda JC Kerkrade seemed a bridge too far on forehand, but Helmond Sport came extremely close to recording a surprising win. The 0-1 defeat at home seemed fatal, but Helmond Sport's performance in Kerkrade could have resulted in a great result. Hendriksen's men grabbed the lead, but the hosts prevented the extra time period by bagging a crucial goal in the very last minute. Helmond Sport's season was over after that 1-1 draw in Kerkrade, but this was something to be proud of. The team did seal the ticket for the play-offs, but the 13th spot after 38 games of football wasn't fully satisfying.


Player of the Season: Steven Edwards