Football Season Guide

On their return to the top flight managed to stay out of trouble. Finished in the bottom 4 but survival was secured after just one play-off game. Won Play-off III with ease – 5 wins and a draw. Despite the relatively successful campaign and decent form coach Vandenbroeck was sacked in March. This happened after a 10-game winless run but still even the fans disapproved of this move. The new manager Colpaert made Zulte play more aggressive football. Yet, he had his issues with the supporters for his dubious selection choices and because of that was not offered the job in the summer. Michael Beale is the new manager. He spent the last 2 years assisting Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq. Before that managed Rangers and Sunderland. Beale is a controversial choice. His political beliefs already seem to have caused problems with some of the African players in the squad. This situation will be monitored closely as it can quickly get out of control. The team’s star winger from last term Opoku already stated that the main reason he departed this summer was Beale’s arrival. Main right-back Nyssen also refused to extend his stay, while since early spring it was known that star playmaker Erenbjerg is leaving. There had been little quality added to the squad so far. Young winger Atrok is a good player but he needs time to develop. Ake made his stay permanent and he could take over the main responsibility on the flank from Opoku. Claes is still the main figure in midfield and without much decent cover if he is to go down injured. All-in-all the squad looks weaker and the tensions around the new manager’s beliefs are hardly helpful also. With all that in mind Zulte will do well not to find themselves in trouble.