Football Season Guide

KV Oostende

In


Kenny Rocha Santos (mid), Nancy), Zech Medley (def), Arsenal)

Out


Andrew Hjusalger (r)(mid), Gent), Kevin Vandendriessche (r)(mid), Kortrijk), Fashion Sakala (k)(att), Rangers), Mamadou Thiam (sp)(att), Nancy - loan), Jelle Bataille (r)(mid), Antwerp), Francois Marquet (sp)(mid), Bram Castro (sp)(gk), Sindrit Guri (sp)(att)

Oostende had a sensational last season as they spent it almost exclusively in the top six and challenged for big things all the way until the end before running out of steam in the final month. Alexander Blessin has attracted lots of interest from other clubs after the outstanding job he has done at the club in his first season but he remains in charge for the time being, with a proposed move to Barnsley not coming off, and will look to build on the success from last season. That said, the squad does look weaker in the weeks coming to the new season after Fashion Sakala, who led the attack so impressively last season, departed for Rangers and marauding wing-back Jelle Bataille joined Antwerp. Andrew Hjusalger is another major loss with his creativity in midfield often providing a spark. There are likely to be more signings made in the coming weeks apart from Kenny Rocha Santos, who joined from affiliated French club Nancy, but there is most pressing need for attacking options for Blessin. Also, he will hope to be able to keep Arthur Theate, who was one of the best defenders in the league last season.

Target


Oostende still have a pretty solid base but other teams will surely be prepared better for their tactics in the coming campaign and it is unlikely to see the Kustboys enjoying the sort of success they had last season, settling for a mid-table position.