Football Season Guide

Telstar made history last season since they managed to achieve promotion to the top flight of Dutch football again after 47 years. Having already failed to make the grade through the playoffs in 6 occasions, they proved successful at the 7th attempt. Despite an unimpressive season start, they won only 3 out of the initial 11 games played, Telstar immediately looked a tough nut to crack. Indeed, they failed to beat the top 2 sides, but were a loose cannon, capable of defeating any opponents on occasion. Having finished the regular season on the 7th place, Telstar eventually proved unbeatable for ADO Den Haag, Den Bosch and Eredivisie-side Willem II in the playoffs. Coach Anthony Correia, who had led VV Katwijk to 2 first places in the Tweede Divisie, was the architect of their accomplishment, at his first season in charge, and he was logically confirmed also for the new exciting campaign. Having spent all his playing years at Telstar, he is tasting Eredivisie football for the first time. For the new season, Telstar tried to rejuvenate the squad, letting go a few players now well in their 30s, such as key centre-back Apau, who will keep playing in the lower tiers, or back-up midfielder Overtoom and back-up winger Hamdaoui. Then, back-up goalie Houweling, a non-entity for the Eredivisie, was released while Reiziger arrived from Cambuur, where he had the chance to taste top flight football. 22-year-old centre-back Neville Nwankwo, on-loan from Utrecht, could become a protagonist in the long run. His brother, Nigel, a left-back, also arrived, after impressing at Quick Boys too. Of note, the midfield lost back-up Turfkruier but no player was signed yet and they currently look short in the area. The attack was weakened by the departure of key striker El Kachati, 25 goals and 6 assists overall last season, while starting winger Kaandorp was also let go. Striker Zonneveld and winger Brouwer also arrived from Quick Boys with the former in contention for a start and the latter a likely protagonist.