Football Season Guide

Gent started out last season looking like genuine title contenders but endured a rollercoaster of a campaign. At times they went very close to implosion, changing managers on a regular basis and going on some poor runs. However, they just managed to sneak into the top eight. An excellent run of results in the play-offs followed and they pipped Mechelen to fifth place on the last day to enter into the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. They have so far made some good additions to the squad. Forward Bruno impressed for Zulte Waregem last season scoring 20 league goals while central defender Okumu is highly rated. However, there has been a notable departure with excellent midfielder Dorsch leaving to join Augsburg. He is expected to be soon followed out of the door by key forward Roman Yaremchuk. He was by far the club’s top scorer last season, he hit 17 goals in the league. Along with Bruno the club have also brought in Bayo to hopefully step into Yaremchuk’s shoes. The Ivorian striker didn’t make the grade at Celtic but showed signs of potential by hitting 13 goals during a loan spell at Toulouse last season. Gent do have a core of experienced players and there is good squad depth and competition for places. Manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck has plenty of knowledge of the Belgian league and has experience of competing at the top of the table.