Football Season Guide

season. Had only 2 defeats in 30 rounds (19 wins and 9 draws). Won 6 of their 10 play-off games too (2 draws and 2 defeats) but this wasn’t enough for more than second place. Finished all of the last 3 seasons in the top 2. Claimed the top spot after the regular season in all 3 years thanks to their consistency. This means that the return to a normal format with no play-offs should benefit Union. The main strength last term was the excellent defending. Kjell Scherpen had the league-high 16 clean sheets. He was sold in the summer. So was star centre-back Burgess. His availability issues made this decision easier. Those the only notable departures so far. Don’t have an experienced goalie right now. Chambaere might have to start the season but adding a new number one is something that should happen before the end of August. In defence, have depth and plenty of options. Sykes should replace Burgess as the regular. Also, added two new centre-backs already – Havenaar and Chibani. Both of them will provide needed rotation options when the midweeks get filled with European fixtures. In midfield and attack the main players will be the same so Union shouldn’t have any synchrony issues. Making a strong start has been part of the team’s modus operandi for several years now and more of the same can be expected. Outside of the goalkeeper’s situation Union have great depth and competition for every other position on the pitch. The team certainly doesn’t feel much weaker compared to last season.