Football Season Guide

Malinwa missed out on a top 6 finish last term but they still made the top 8 after the regular season. Yet, the controversial Hasi was sacked with 2 rounds of the regular season left. His antics and falling out with star players Raman and Mrabti led to his dismissal. Frédéric Vanderbiest, assistant coach at Mechelen for the last 2 years, took over as a caretaker manager. Despite securing only 2 play-off wins (6 draws and 2 defeats) he convinced the Board and this summer he was given the job permanently. Experienced striker Raman and captain Schoofs have very good relationship with Vanderbiest, so the dressing room drama from Hasi’s reign is likely to be no more. The big issues, largely due to long-term injuries, last season were in defence. So far this summer Mechelen focused only on that area as one to improve. Already added 3 new centre-backs, with at least the first two of Diouf, St. Jago and Golic clear improvements on what Malinwa had last season. Defensive midfielder Teague also has arrived but he is seen more as a future prospect. With Mrabti and fully fit Antonio on the flanks, effective Raman and dangerous Lauberbach through the middle, Mechelen should have no problems scoring goals. Captain Schoofs also could have a much more attacking role this season. Due to lack of depth in the double-six positions he was forced to play deeper than he wanted last term. Now with Hammer arriving last winter, Teague signed this month and Konate over an injury Schoofs is free to operate much higher up the pitch.