Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 www.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._Standaard_Wetteren As you can see K Standaard Wetteren are a small Belgian club who are making their first foray into the Belgian Second Division. In that first season they were sitting bottom of the table with only 6 points from 13 league games and after this abysmal start the manager was sacked. Wetteren looked down already they needed a hero to save them from relegation, could little known manager Giuseppe Di Magnifico be that hero? Only time would tell... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2010/11 Di Magnifico had some tough decisions to make if Wetteren were going to stay in the second division, and make them he did, top scorer and star player Jan De Langhe was injured for three months and had been under performing, these things coupled with a wage double any other player led Di Magnifico to release the star, fans were outraged but Di Magnifico dismissed the concerns with an assured nonchalance as he got on with the task in hand. Other names went out the door as Di Magnifico lowered the wages, and despite the lowly position the Italian came to the decision that the squad was good enough to do what he desired. His confidence seemed well placed as he doubled the points tally for the season with consecutive wins against Teinen and FCV Dender and remained unbeaten in five. in the 21 games that Di Magnifico stewarded his record stood at an impressive 11 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats which when compared with the 1 win 3 draws and 9 losses of the previous manager shows how well he had done, but had he kept Wetteren up? Yes he had!! A final day victory coupled with an Oostende loss meant Wetteren would stay in the second division once more. Here's an overview of a roller coaster season for Wetteren Final Table Transfers Fixtures Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2011/12 So the first full season of Di Magnifico's tenure loomed large and quickly the Italian moved to bring in some players to strengthen the squad, players came in from both home and abroad, it wasn't just additions on the agenda as 12 players left for a total of 18.5k. Here are the players that came to and left Marcel de Kerpelstadion. It was an inconsistent start to the season but a good August and September showed that Wetteren were early promotion candidates. A title challenge dwindled over the coming months but Di Magnifico's men finished a more than respectable 3rd. This final position meant Wetteren were in the promotion playoff this was a step too far for the underdogs as they were sent home with their tails between their legs only picking up 2 points from the 6 games. It was a poor end to a breakthrough season. Ultimately a successful first full season in Belgium for GDM Final Table Promotion playoff Transfers Fixtures (1/2) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2012/13 After a successful second season in the Second Division the Wetteren fans must be wondering whether GDM can keep their team in the upper echelons of the division or whether they will slide back down into obscurity. GDM showed his intent for the future with signings from all around including former Hungary International Lazlo Koteles and former AC Milan youth player Raffaele Iori. Here are the rest of the in and outs. A storming start saw the team only lose one of their opening 14 league games and announce themselves as a title contender helped by a run of scintillating form by striker Sam De Munter. A run of four league games without a win including losses to title rivals put a promotion spot in jeopardy but the team rallied down the home stretch only losing one of the last 16 to take the title by three points. Wetteren had reached the Pro League!!! Teams like Standard Liege and Anderlecht would be gracing Marcel de Kerpelstadion, but not for long as the Wetteren board announced that a new 9052 all seater stadium would be built. The Wetteren Stadium would be completed in 2015, the question was would Wetteren still be playing in the Pro League by then? It would be a tough journey but the Wetteren faithful beleived in the Italian manager. A quick summary of the historic season. Table Transfers Fixtures (1/2) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2013/14 For the first time in their history Wetteren would be in the top tier of the Belgian football pyramid and GDM knew as well as anybody that the squad would need additions to survive so add players he did, 10 in total with 7 permanent deals and 3 loans. Here is a look at that seasons activity. A fantastic pre-season with wins over top tier teams in both Switzerland and Belgium gave the team confidence for seasons start and it showed as Wetteren marched to a secure mid table position early on. 6 losses in 7 competitive games threatened to turn the end of the season into a nervous one but a regain of form ensured a more that respectable 7th place. With that Wetteren were drawn into group A of the European playoff, the league form could not quite be replicated and Wetteren finished 3rd in the group and therefore did not qualify, this did little to put a downer on a terrific season and all the media could do was praise Di Magnifico and his side for a wonderful first season in the top flight. Here is the usual overview of the season Table European playoff Transfers Fixtures (1/2) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2014/15 After the exceptional first top flight season that Wetteren had it was important that they avoided the dreaded second season syndrome, GDM knew this and tried to buy players accordingly with quality players coming in from abroad on loan with minimal fee. Here are the transfers in full. A superb pre-season without conceding a goal looked like a good omen, and it was with a 3-1 opening day win over the mighty Standard, however this was false hope as the next win didn't come until 6 games later and the next win after that took another 8 games, this pattern continued as a lack of goals hampered any hopes of a revival, a season without a back-to-back win told its own story as Wetteren avoided the drop by just 4 points. Despite this lowly finish they were still drawn into the European playoff Group B but unsurprisingly had little impact, the groups did give GDM the chance to try a new tactic and the goals did seem to flow at both ends, a good sign for next season? It would remain to be seen... Arguably the worst season in Di Magnifico's career came to an end. here's a summary of said season Table European Playoff Transfers Fixtures (1/2) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Season 2015/16 Now we have almost caught up with the modern day but first we have half a season to review. Di Magnifico realised that a lack of goals cost his team last season so in an attempt to rectify this he smashed the record transfer fee to bring in Hermanni Vourinen a Finnish international who scored 12 goals for a relegated Chaleroi last campaign, and also Ivorian prospect Justin Koné whom GDM met in a brief spell as Ivory Coast u-21 manager. Along with these players GDM bought in tricky winger Killian Raffalli to add more pace to the wings. Here are the moves in full. The start to the season was not as planned with a trio of consecutive defeats but then 6 wins from 9 steadied the ship, a further five wins on the bounce has thrust Wetteren into the upper reached of the league, here is how they stand. Now we have caught up with ourselves the updates will be much more detailed yet much more infrequent, the next will be a meet the squad update followed by a end of January one. Here is the state of play as we stand. Transfers Table Squad Fixtures (1/2) C + C welcome Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 Meet the squad You've heard all about the exploits of K Standaard Wetteren so it's about time that you meet the players that are currently playing for the club. Goalkeepers: Lazlo Koteles - Undisputed number one in his 4th season with that mantle the former Hungary international has been a great servant to the club since his arrival, has recently made a few noises about moving to a bigger club but his loyalty has been proven. Enrico Santarelli - Young Italian drafted in after his release from AC Milan, not really used as Koteles is consitantly good just a back-up for the side, happy enough to be. Full Backs: Emmanuel Anafri - The Ghanaian has amassed 106 league appearances for the club, very consistent performer who has been reverted to a left back due to the form of Jacquet Hichem Jacquet - The young Belgian is currently enjoying a run in the first team and has jumped at the chance, has come on leaps and bounds since being signed after his release from Anderlecht. Mattia Guida - The Italian was originally bought in as cover and has since won and subsequently lost a first team berth, will undoubtedly get another chance Alexandar Simov - Was Mr consistent in the last three seasons however this consistency has evaporated and has since led to Di Magnifico dropping the Serbian Centre Backs: Tuncer Ozkan - The Turkish giant has been a stand-out performer in each of his 3 seasons at the club, his dominating frame has made him a threat from set pieces and was the top league scorer for Wetteren in their inaugural Pro League season, the goals have since tailed off but he can still pop up with an important one now and then. Ahmed Bah - The Morrocan is by no means the finished article but has improved greatly from a poor debut season to join Ozkan at the back, still young and learning Stef Wils - The veteran of Wetteren was bought in to give the younger defenders a helping hand to develop, not been great in his few appearances Karel Bystron - The young Czech has been limited to performances by the blossoming Ozkan - Bah partnership and a lack of pace means Di Magnifico is unwilling to throw him in just yet Bart De Smet - Entering his 12th (!) season at the club the old head is not quite good enough for the league but is a good player to have around the camp Defensive Midfielders: Yohan Brouckaert - Notching up 150 league appearances for the club makes Yohan one of the longest serving members of the squad and does his job with consummate professionalism, a great protector of the defence and club captain Robbie Van Ruyskensvelde - Another good servant to the club, had recently lost his place due a formation change but a handy player to have nonetheless Ricardo Pellegrino - Not really good enough in any of his positions to fight for a first XI place and is on the fringes of the squad Wingers: Kylian Raffalli - The Frenchmen has been a revelation in his first season currently leading the league in assists and always looks a danger, one to watch in every game Ivano Matera - Was mainly a bench player until seizing the first team opportunity this season, scores a decent amount compared to Raffalli but no-where near as many assists Jelle Cherlet - Key player in the early Di Magnifico years, has since lost his place but is still a decent impact player who knows where the net is Gilberto Cagni - Another AC Milan trainee who is technically superb but lacks the physical nature of the game at this time, if he can improve in that area will be a good player Faed Arsené - The Madagascan has always never quite managed to cement a first team place and now is frozen out completely, needs a miracle to regain a first team spot Attacking Midfielders: Raffaele Iori - The nippy Italian is a master of arriving late to poke in a goal, rarely isn't noticeable in a game Tom Van Hyfte - Is unlucky that Iori is so consistent so Di Magnifico has no reason to hand Van Hyfte an elongated run in the team, is very capable back-up Strikers: Hermanni Vourinen - The record signing has had a decent start to his Wetteren career, Di Magnifico i'm sure would like a few more assists from the big man but his goals total is better than most around him Sam De Munter - Club record scorer was prolific as anyone in the second division but has found the step up difficult but is still a big part of the setup Ivan Santini - Has had limited opportunities since his move but has shown he can do a job in the cups if not in the league Justin Koné - Not found the net yet but Di Magnifico has high hopes for the Ivorian and feels it's just a matter of time before he comes good, never stops working for the team Marco Guidi - Was rampant towards the tail end of last season yet done nothing before or since, a confusing player Well now you've meet the squad of K Standaard Wetteren all that is left to do is sit back and see what unfolds C + C Welcome Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK22 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Well written, easy to follow updates You've got a decent chance of a top five finish this season. KUTGW! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 17, 2011 Author Share Posted July 17, 2011 Jan & Feb 2016 16.1.2016 K Standaard Wetteren v Anderlecht (Pro League) 'Single goal shows Wetteren are not ready to take on the big boys' Anderlecht today showed Wetteren they aren't quite ready to challenge the elite as a single goal from Brazilian Bruno on 17 minutes was enough for the win. Bruno managed to get away from his marker to head home from a Hansen free-kick, the visitors had numerous chances but a spirited effort by Koteles kept the score down. Final Score: 0-1 Att: 7960 23.1.2016 Germinal Beerschot v K Standaard Wetteren (Pro League) 'Win for Di Maginfico in 200th game in charge' There were two causes for celebration as Di Magnifico's side took all three points in his 200th game in charge, crowd favourite Sam De Munter opened the scoring on 18th minute as his header from a Raffaele Iori free-kick flew in off the post. Guy Gnabouyou found himself unmarked from a corner to level the scores. The scores stayed level until the 57th minute when Ivano Matera was felled in the area, it was Matera himself who dusted himself off the tuck the ball away from the spot to seal the win. Final Score: 1-2 Att: 9369 26.1.2016 K Standaard Wetteren v Mons (Belgian Cup Qtr Final leg 2) 'Wetteren rampant as they advance to semi's' It was Mons who held the advantage going into the second leg but they were left beaten after the 90 minutes. The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes when Finnish striker Hermanni Vourinen turned at fired home from the edge of the area, the lead was doubled 3 minutes later when Matera found room to drill home across the keeper. It was Matera who made it 3 from the spot and towering defender Tuncer Ozkan headed home from a corner. Final Score: 4-0 Att: 6060 30.1.2016 Zulte Waregem v K Standaard Wetteren (Pro League) 'Wetteren get the better of a tight game' On a cold Belgian evening it was Wetteren who warmed their supporters with three points. It took till the 54th minute for the first goal Ivano Matera keeping up his goal scoring form stealing in to stab home from close range. The hosts pushed and pushed for that elusive equaliser but their hopes were dashed in injury time as substitute Tom Von Hyfte pounced on a mistake from the keeper to seal the win. Final Score: 0-2 Att: 6177 2.2.2016 K Standaard Wetteren v AA Gent (Pro League) 'Wetteren manage to see of 10-men Gent' In the closest thing to a derby for Wetteren it was a sending off which helped ease nerves as Wetteren cruised to victory. It was Vourinen who scored first just after the half hour mark with a well placed header. The game changing moment came just before half time when Baris Erdogan saw red for Gent. It stayed 1-0 until just after the hour mark when Wettern raced into a 3 v 1 situation and Vourinen squared for Justin Koné to score. Gent were beaten long before the whistle sounded and Wetteren sensed this just playing simple football to take the win. Final Score: 2-0 Att: 9052 6.2.2016 Westerlo v K Standaard Wetteren (Pro League) 'Another red card allows Wetteren to take points' Again the referee hit the headlines as for the second game running Wetteren played a good portion of the game against 10 men. In the 27th minute Ozkan towered above his man to head home from a corner. Westerlo were back in the game on 50 minutes as a ball bounced out to Rachid Fassi who smashed it home from just inside the area. but two minutes later Niklas Andersson got his marching orders and turned the game. It took just 14 minutes for Wetteren to restore the lead, Daniel Chavez putting through his own net. Westerlo did hit the post but it wasn't enough as Wetteren took the win. Final Score: 1-2 Att: 4024 10.2.2016 Club Brugge v K Standaard Wetteren (Belgian Cup Semi leg 1) 'Wonder strike hands Wetteren advantage' The bookies gave Wetteren little chance in this game and despite having more of the ball Brugge couldn't find the net. The goal that sealed the game was a beauty, Iori bursting past 3 players before smashing it past the onrushing keeper. Wetteren held off all the advances from Brugge to take a vital away goal into the second leg. Final Score: 0-1 Att: 28724 13.2.2016 K Standaard Wetteren v Cercle Brugge (Pro League) 'Drab game is settled by solitary strike' Fixture congestion meant that Wetteren fielded a weakened side against struggling Cercle Brugge and it showed. The only goal of the game was scored on 19 minutes as Sam De Munter fired home from 10 yards, in all truth little else happened in the game as the green side of Brugge showed why they are struggling. Final Score: 1-0 Att: 8744 20.2.2016 Mons v K Standaard Wetteren (Pro League) 'Wetteren ease to victory as run continues' Wetteren made it 8 wins on the bounce as they dispatched Mons with ease. The first goal came in first half injury time, Matera it was who beat the onrushing keeper to the ball to head in. The win was confirmed just after the hour when Koné collected a cross and stuck it in. Wetteren never looked threatened in all truth. Final Score: 0-2 Att: 6293 28.2.2016 K Standaard Wetteren v KV Mechelen (Pro League) 'Vourinen single handedly dispatched Machelen' A masterclass from Hermanni Vourinen was the difference tonight in Wetteren. The signs were good for Wetteren as Vourinen was slid in by Iori to score after just 20 seconds. Vourinen got his and the teams second as he nipped in to nod in a close range header, the match ball was going home with Vourinen as he smashed it in from the spot on the stroke of half time and his fourth was a tap in after Koné's shot was too hot to handle for the keeper. Final Score: 4-0 Att: 9052 A fantastic two months for Wetteren leave the table looking like this, with just a game against Genk left before the split it will be Wetterens highest ever finish. What do you think of the update guys? What do you like/ Where can I improve? 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Mikel LUFC Posted July 17, 2011 Author Share Posted July 17, 2011 Well written, easy to follow updates You've got a decent chance of a top five finish this season. KUTGW! Cheers as you can see in the update top 2 is reachable but will have to beat the big boys to do so Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt_northender Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Well done on a promising start to the season. Very enjoyable read How does the European playoff work in Belgium? - I'm not familiar with the Pro League! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel LUFC Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 Well the top 6 split into a little league with regular season points halved and then play each other twice, the other teams are put in two groups and the winners play each other and then the winners of that play 5th in the mini league of top teams and the bottom two play a relegation playoff, at least I think even i'm not 100% sure still! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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