Football Season Guide

Sint-Truiden were playing out an unremarkable season of mid-table mediocrity last season until a superb run towards the end of the campaign (last nine games; seven wins, two draws) saw them only just miss out on a top eight place. The close season has so far seen Sint-Truiden keep the core of their squad together. The three most significant departures are that of Hara, Lavalee and Cacace who were regular starters last season. Their summer acquisitions so far have been mainly young players. In attack, forward Kaya has been added but they remain lacking in this area after key striker Suzuki departed in January while Hara and Klauss have now gone back to their parent clubs. They still have a solid foundation with experienced Japanese international Schmidt in goal, Teixeira, Bauer and Leistner dependable defenders and an excellent mix of steel and creativity in midfield with Bruls, Konate and Kagawa among others. Former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund player Kagawa didn’t make a significant impact last season after his signing in January but, after a full pre-season could have a big role to play this campaign. With little upheaval during the summer and with their positive end to last season this could be a team that starts well.