Football Season Guide

Go Ahead Eagles wasn't able to prevent the relegation back to the Jupiler League in 2015, but the Deventer side bounced back with the best possible response only one year later. The Eagles finished fifth in the regular season, which was actually a huge disappointment to be honest, but they had saved the best for last when Hans de Koning's men secured the Eredivisie spot in the play-offs. Go Ahead Eagles will be fully motivated now to maintain the position on the highest level and they should be able to surprise again like they did in 2014 (13th spot). Go Ahead Eagles didn't have to deal with a large amount of regulars who left the club after sealing the promotion, which is in fact more than great news, and they were able to sign some promising players as well. The only regular who left the club was Bart Vriends. The team captain was the leader at the back for years in the Adelaarshorst Stadium, but he was craving for a new environment and he decided to join Sparta Rotterdam, the other promoted side in The Netherlands. The Eagles responded extremely well though by adding Sander Fischer to the squad. Fischer was Excelsior's team captain in recent years and he's used to leading a defence. Fischer is expected to become one of the key players in the Eagles side. Joey Suk and Kevin Brands came over from NAC Breda and they will get a new chance to show their qualities on the highest level. Both players have the experience, but they failed to really show their potential in the Eredivisie in the past. Their arrival is positive news though as De Koning will be able to pick his eleven players from a decent potential. Henrik Ojamaa is a relatively unknown striker in The Netherlands who played for clubs such as Motherwell, Swindown Town and Wacker Innsbruck and he will get an opportunity to show the fans his potential. Leon de Kogel, the key player from last season, is still in Deventer and he will finally get a chance to score goals on the highest level. The striker bagged 24 goals in 34 appearances last season, but it remains to be seen if he can perform in the Eredivisie as well. The Eagles will count on the home support in one of the most beautiful stadiums in The Netherlands and their form in these games will be crucial with the season goal in mind. The Eagles are capable of beating all the clubs at home, but they will have to claim points in the away matches as well to survive the season.