Travelling across Europe - proving I'm better than Dan!

The New Year brought us four league games we looked to find some consistency in the second half of the season as I looked to ensure that the club at least survived this season so they could build. We won two and drew two of the four games, which is a promising return.


A trip to OH Leuven started January and we picked up what could turn out to be a crucial victory as we secured a single goal win as Austrian left winger Koep scored the only goal of the encounter inside the opening one hundred and eighty seconds to separate the sides.

We then headed home to host Lommel United in our first game of the New Year at home but we could only manage to pick up a point after coming from behind after striker Perrier levelled proceedings with eleven minutes remaining after Laerenbergh opened the scoring for the visitors on twenty six minutes.

Our next game was back on the road with an away game against Dender and we headed home with an excellent two one success as the on-loan Gerritsen opened the scoring on fifty eight minutes but Ngadrira levelled before Perrier won us the game with a goal in the first minute of second half stoppage time.

January came to an end with a home game against Olympic Charleroi and we got off to a dream start with a Perrier goal inside the opening minute but the away side levelled the scores in controversial circumstances as van Gelder allegedly equalised with his hand and I had no problem telling the press exactly what I thought of that decision after the game.


Charleroi's secured a playoff spot after winning the second period.

We have had a promising start to the New Year as we've remained unbeaten through the four games played this year so far and now we're in eleventh place and if we can keep this form going then I believe we will survive no problem so it's important we don't go on a losing streak.


We are heading into the third period with just one playoff spot left remaining, the second period concluded with us ending in tenth place and that's defendant progression.

Following a promising last month it was important we kept up the good form heading in February and we did despite losing just the one game out of four league games against near top of the table side Oostende but we picked up two wins and one draw from the other games.


We started February with a game away to pre season league favourites Roeselare and we went from two goals down to salvage a point, an own goal from central defender Dildick on twenty minutes gave the home side the lead before van der Wal doubled the scores on fifty five minutes. Two minutes later winger Kevelaerts pulled a goal back before central midfielder Pucher picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club as he equalised with twelve minutes left.

Our next league game was against Woluwe, a team who we haven't beaten in the last three encounters as they've all ended in draws but we managed to pick up a massive three points as we beat the strugglers two nil as Fernando, who just like Pucher in the previous game, scored his first goal of the club on nine minutes before Vermeiren doubled the lead from the penalty spot on twenty four minutes.

We then faced a tricky trip to Tubize but our new found confidence ensured we would head home with a one goal victory as summer signing Kevelaerts scored what turned out to be the winning goal on the half hour mark, he had a goal chalked off in the second half that would definitely sealed the points but we held on.

The month came to an end with a home game against Oostende who headed back to the top of the table following a deserved two nil win as we were second best throughout, first half goals from Goris on sixteen minutes and Grisez in the second minute of first half stoppage time was enough.


Despite that one league defeat in February we have ended up in eleventh spot and I'm a little bit confident that we can avoid the drop but I won't get overly confident until it's mathematically possible that we've survived.


It's been a great start to the third period as we are in seventh place after five games with just the single defeat at the hands of Oostende.

Much better mate, great start to the new year! remain unbeaten for the third period and you'd have a playoff spot!

I can't remain unbeaten since Oostende beat me, silly!

As much as I would love a playoff spot, it's all about survival this season and I feel we're close to achieving that.

Should of said for the rest of the third period! :L

Yeah, well you didn't.

As March embarked us we faced just the three league games as with nine points available we managed to pick up six points, which I'm delighted enough, we did crash to a disappointing defeat at FC Brussels and that's the only downside of the month.


We started the short month with a home clash versus Zulte Waregem and we beat them three one as Vermeiren opened the scoring as he beat the visiting keeper after thirty six minutes but the Zulte Waregem equalised on sixty nine minutes but we regained the lead five minutes later through Koep and then Vermeiren's second of the game with seven minutes remaining sealed the win.

Our second game of the month saw us make the trip to FC Brussels and crash to an unacceptable and forgettable four one defeat as two goals inside the opening half hour from Mutombo and Song had the home side in control but even when Vermeiren halved the deficit that didn't change the game as Goossens and Corryn scored in the second half.

And the final match of the month was a home encounter with bottom of the table Ronse who we managed to beat on this occasion as we sealed a two one victory and we broke the deadlock in just the second minute as attacking midfielder Gerritsen opened the scoring but the bottom side equalised ten minutes later through Baras. Winger Kevelaerts won us the game when he struck in the seventy seventh minute.


It's great pleasure to announce that we've survived the threat of relegation and I'm absolutely over the moon that I was the guy that made this all possible. It would had been so easy to walk away and manage either Gent or Lierse but I decided to stay put and now I feel I made the correct decision.


With four league games remaining we are still in the hunt for a playoff spot and if I managed to seal one it would just wrap up what's been a quality season. Our last four games of the season are Aalst (A), Charleroi (H), La Louviere Centre (A) and Mons (H) so it's not an easy end.

The penultimate month of the season was another short one as we faced just another three games, all in the league and it was also a forgettable one as we failed to win anyone of the three league games as we drew two and lost one to Charleroi in between the two draws.


It started with a trip to Aalst and we stuttered to a score draw with central midfielder Fernando rescuing us a point with a sixty seventh minute goal after the home side took the lead after twenty eight minutes through Popovic.

We then faced league leaders Charleroi and they beat us two one and got off to a dreadful start as the away fans were celebrating inside the opening five minutes when Rolland opened the scoring before Fernando equalised on twenty one minutes but Charleroi won the game on twenty nine minutes through Madsen. Our hopes of a comeback were all but ended after sixty eight minutes whenever left back Jacobs was dismissed for two yellows.

Our final match of the month was an away trip to La Louviere Centre and it turned out to be a thriller as six goals were shared out and we were the ones to break the deadlock with six minutes of the first half remaining as Koep smashed the ball home but the hosts equalised five minutes into the second half through Obracbvic but we regained the lead through Vermeiren a few minutes later. Louviere Centre equalised for a second time on sixty four minutes through Some but yet again we regained the lead through Koep and I thought we would have held on but no, Nakache snatched a point with two minutes left.


Going into the final game of the season at home to Mons and we will finish the season in eleventh place regardless of what happens as Dender won't be able to catch us. Charleroi won the league title much to their fans' delighted and they'll be playing in the Pro League next season. Lommel and Ronse have been relegated while Louviere Centre will be in the playoff spot.


We can't secure a playoff spot and that's now between Mons and OH Leuven for that final spot.

It was the final month of the season and what a season it turned out to be as yet again I managed a team to beat expectations as we have secured a wonderful eleventh place finish but deep down I know it could have been slightly better if we turned those draws into wins. May saw us face just the one game to conclude the season.


That game was against Mons and we ended the season with a two all draw as we fought back from conceding twice. The away side took the lead a minute after the half hour but we levelled the scores on thirty nine minutes through Vermeiren but an early second half goal from Serwy saw Mons retake the lead but on-loan Gerritsen, in what could be his final game for the club, squared the scores for a second time on sixty six minutes.


Congratulations to Charleroi who won the league title while Oostende, Mons and OH Leuven wrapped up the three playoff spots.

For ourselves though it's been a remarkable season minus the early disappointing Belgian Cup exit but it's still been a great league campagin and it could only get better. An eleventh place finish saw us draw twelve of our thirty four games and it's a little disappointing but we also won eleven and lost eleven, wrapping up forty two points in the process.

Onwards and upwards I guess.


Our draw with Mons ensured they couldn't secure a playoff spot through the three periods but they still secured a playoff spot because of Charleroi winning the league. We came ninth in the third and final period so I guess it's a little improvement and I hope next season will be better.

Well done on surviving mate! Great achievement your final league position!

Just think though mate, if we managed to turn some of those draws into wins then our final league position could have been better. However, I'm not complaining because I'm just absolutely delighted that I managed to survive. Now for the major question mate, will I remain at the club or do I feel the need to jump ship on a high? Suppose only time will tell.

Good season. Do you think you can improve the squad enough to fight for a play off spot, maybe by winning one of the periods, then I think you should stay.

Next season with a few new faces and a bit more luck you will get promotion from this league. Good luck with it.

It all depends on what kind of budget the board gives me in the summer as I don't really want to go over the wage budget for a second straight season, however, if it means I get promoted to the Pro League then it will be a sacrifice worth taking. I went over the budget last season much to the disappointment of the board.


I'm already looking for new faces for next season. Some will join, some will leave and if they don't then they'll be released.

The board must deep down be impressed with me as they offered me a new contract to remain at the club despite trying to leave twice last season but the contract situation will be discussed further down in the thread. I've also had my seasonal expectations given to me and the pressure is on.


Following a successful season last time out the board are now expecting us to finish in a mid-table position but due to us not having a great wage budget I've decided to say that I believe we can finish in the top half and that's given me a grand to spend on wages but still zero transfer kitty. The pressure is on.


The offer is a three-year-deal that will see me earn six hundred pounds a week during my stay at the club and I had no hesitation but to accept it. One thing I've agreed is that if we fail to get promoted to the Pro League this season then I may consider stepping down as manager.

Always thought the best thing to do when negotiating a new contract with the board was not the promise anything so I decided to leave that blank, as per usual as I refuse to make promises that I know I may not able to back-up so I enjoy playing it safe. Part of me does think though I could have a successful season, better than last but I will keep my feet on the ground as I could get off to a disastrous start.

We start the league season with a tough home game against Oostende before travelling to Dessel and ending the first month back at home as we entertain Roeselare. The important thing is to ensure we don't get off to the same start we did last season, which is just unacceptable.

11th place is good considering your predicted position! Could push for promotion this season!

As much as I'd love to get this club promoted I am going to keep my feet on the proverbial ground and take it one game at a time mate.

It's been another busy pre season for us at Namur as I've announced nine new signings with potentially one more to arrive while I also arranged eight friendly matches that saw us remain undefeated throughout with the highlight being a thumping 5-1 win over Bayern's second team.


With the signings I've made I feel we could definitely mount a promotion push but of course I will be taking it one game at a time even though this season does look promising with the additions that I've brought in. At the end of last season I released my experienced left back and replaced him with Borges who is much younger and better than him, could be a big player for us now and in the future.

I've brought in three new central defenders - Aguirre and Mercui, who will be first choice have both arrived on frees while Criquielion has joined on a season loan from Pro League side Lokeren.

The right wing has also been made stronger with Armendariz while I've been reunited with Kostyukevich who I managed at Torpedo. Van Dyck is a left back while I've brought striker Falcao to the club and no, it's not THAT one sadly but he could be just as good.

Quite a few "big" players have also departed the club.

Last seasons right back wasn't the only "big" player to depart the club as I also agreed to release Adriaensen, Perrier, Vermeiren, Jacobs, Afkir along with a bunch of under twenty one and under nineteen players who I am sure will be able to find clubs as they're not bad players, just not our level anymore.


Pre season was quite a success this time around, perhaps the future could be bright?

Of course I'm not going to judge our pre season friendlies on how we're going to do when competitive football starts but if it's a sign of things to come then it will be sure successful as we didn't lose any of our eight games, winning five and drawing three.

We started with two Dutch teams visiting us and we drew a blank against MVV before holding Fortuna Sittard with Dildick scoring our goal on five minutes, our third game saw us beat Boussu at home as Kevelaerts and a Koep penalty before blasting five past Zwarte Leeuw in our first away game - Dildick, Armendariz, Marty, Falcao and Christiaens were on target.

A trip to Hasselt saw us put four past time with Kevelaerts, Mercuri, Falcao and Afkir scoring before drawing two all with Ipswich in another "big game" as Fernando and Boulanger put the ball in the net for us and then we thrashed Bayern's second team five one with Dildick, Kevelaerts, Fernando, Aguirre all finding the target in the first half as Falcao added a fifth late on in the second.

Pre season ended with a comfortable three one win at Saint-Josse as Armendariz, Fernando and Boulanger scored.

Busy pre season but an unbeaten one! Morale must be high going into the league!

Certainly hope so mate, in fact it's important we get off to a good start with the signings I've made.

Very good preseason, best of luck for the season ahead

not a bad season well done on surviving, a decent pre season too

FALCAO????!????!?!!!

Just because of his name I swear you're gonna win the league

Much appreciated. If I get off to a good start domestically then I feel we could have a great season, start bad again and it's going to be a long one.


Surviving in the league was a great achievement but our lack of victories stopped us finishing higher. I'm pleased with how the pre season went.




Sadly though mate it's not him although funnily enough I have also brought THAT Falcao in as a coach.

With a quality pre season behind us we embarked on the beginning of competitive football and it was a much better start compared to last season as we managed to remain throughout the month unbeaten, only slipping up one at the end of the month to Roeselare, we've also progressed through two rounds of the Belgian Cup.


Our competitive season started with a Belgian Cup fourth round against Diegem and we progressed following a two nil win as Austrian winger Koep broke the deadlock on the half hour before summer signing Falcao scored on his debut and our second goal after sixty nine minutes.

The league season started with a home encounter versus Oostende and we picked up a monumental four two win as Stade Communal (Bas-Pres) but we had to do it the hard way because the visitors broke the deadlock after thirteen minutes before Falcao levelled proceedings a minute later but then Oostende regained the lead. Things went from bad to worse as debutent Mercuri was dismissed for us three minutes before half time but that didn't bother us because another debutant Armendariz equalised on seventy two minutes before two more goals from Falcao, to complete his hat trick saw us seal the points.

Another Belgian Cup clash came at home as we brushed aside Wetteren at home as Falcao scored twice and Mercuri as well in the opening twenty eight minutes before our other central defender, Aguirre added a fourth early in the second half.

We then took the trip to Dessel and picked up an excellent four goal victory on the road as we took the lead after only ten minutes through Koep as that was the only goal in the first half. A second goal was scored six minutes from the restart through Falcao and the same man scored his second and our third with eight minutes left and a fourth was scored whenever Fernando scored a wonderful goal.

The month ended with a scoreless draw against Roeselare, we weren't favourites for the tie so I'm pleased with the result.


It's been a great start to the league season as we're currently in second place due to FC Brussels scoring one more goal than ourselves after three games. Isn't it hard to imagine that this time last season we were near the bottom after an unacceptable start to the season - I hope this form lasts and we can have a successful campaign.

I'm pleased to announce that three players have joined the club with two being loan deals until the end of the current season, right winger Colin has joined on-loan from Pro League side Lierse while Leys has also joined on-loan for the season from another Pro League side Beerschot. I despretly needed striker so I have had to bring in Italian Bricchetti but I'm currently unsure on how much game time he'll get - I wanted to get someone else in on-loan but it wasn't happening. I've let Kevelaerts depart the club as he probably won't get much game time.

Fantastic start to the league and cup here mate, more than confident you will have a great season!

My feet are remaining on the ground mate, although it's been a good start, still a lot of football needs to be played for me to balls this up.

Very early on but a positive start nontheless.

What's your predicted finish for this season??

Nice start of the season. Keep it up!

Indeed it has been a positive start and it's important we keep going!

We're predicted to finish were I finished last season, so eleventh place and it's definitely doable.


Cheers.