Football Season Guide

After making history with their KNVB Beker triumph, Go Ahead Eagles went through a tough campaign last season. With Melvin Boel in charge, they never managed to repeat the wonders displayed under Paul Simonis, finishing 12th, only 6 points above the playout spot. They did not have a squad ready to perform both in the domestic and European campaigns, as they often were too tired and regularly threw points away, astonishingly drawing 14 games. They were also hopeless traveling, winning only twice, but solid at home. Despite holding a valid attack, with 54 goals scored, they lacked a prolific striker. Better, they had one in young Smit but let him go during the winter transfer campaign. The management decided not to go on with coach Boel and Joseph Oosting, coming from Antwerp, was given the reins of the team. Go Ahead completely renewed the goalkeeping department, with Starting De Busser and back-ups Plogmann and Jansen gone, while Haug, the new number 1, and Marsman, his deputy, arrived from Toulouse and Fortuna Sittard respectively. The defence remained untouched with back-up left-back Adelgaard gone after a positive campaign and replaced by promising Galvez, a youngster arriving from Manchester City, while the midfield saw Goudmijn returning to his parent club. Key attacking midfielder Breum, the creative mind at Go Ahead, was sold for cash but not properly replaced yet since striker Edvardsen could double up as number 10. Thus, Sigurdarson could become the new starter up-front with just-arrived Flataker as his deputy. Starting winger Slory, returned to Feyenoord, will not be missed.