Football Season Guide

The past season will longtime remain in the hearts of ADO Den Haag supporters since the Storks not only obtained promotion back to the Eredivisie after 5 seasons but they also did it in big fashion. In fact, they set an array of records for the club such as most points taken, 89, most goals scored in a season, 90, and their longest winning streak, 12. It was immediately clear from the go that they simply belonged to another category as they won 18 out of the initial 20 games played, losing only once. They looked simply unbeatable, not only due to their formidable attack but also to a solid defence, the best of the league with just 37 goals conceded. ADO Den Haag did well both at home and away and were superior to almost any opponents but second-placed Cambuur, that beat them twice, and were unexpectedly fragile when facing the junior teams, as they lost to both PSV U21 and AZ U21. 38-year-old coach Robin Peter, the architect of their outstanding season, was logically confirmed at the helm also for the new campaign in the top flight of Dutch football. He will be expected to repeat the wonders displayed last season at least in terms of offensive play. He will have to do it without his undisputable best player, though. Key midfielder Vlak, 11 goals and 6 assists, was let go to Castellon for some cash. Just-arrived Zamburek, who had a good season at relegated Heracles Almelo, will have the task of replacing him. Moreover, impressive right-back van der Sloot also left but he was not adequately replaced yet, also considering that his deputy Kreekels was let go too. Elsewhere, ADO Den Haag let go back-up goalie Lejoly and replaced him with more experienced Thiede while centre-back Wilhem, also arriving from German football, could represent an alternative to Waem and Hokke. Last but not least, with back-up striker Fiabema returned to his parent club, they hired Bárány and young Eduardo.