FCV Dender supporters' clubs demand clear future plan in open letter
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- FCV Dender EH supporters' clubs have sent an open letter to the club's board expressing concern over the team's sporting situation.
- The letter calls for clarity on the club's sporting vision, transfer policy, and future plans, citing a questionable pre-season preparation.
- Supporters emphasize their continued backing but state that support does not equate to blind trust, requesting a prompt dialogue with the board.
Supporters' clubs of FCV Dender EH have voiced significant concerns regarding the club's sporting trajectory by sending an open letter to the board just days before the start of the Challenger Pro League season. The clubs are seeking clear answers about the team's sporting vision, transfer strategy, and overall future plans, as a recent pre-season campaign has left them feeling uncertain.
The supporters' unease reportedly began last season when Dender finished last and was relegated from the top division. According to the open letter, there has been little noticeable improvement since then. The team's preparation for the new season has been particularly questionable, with Dender conceding 10 goals in their last three friendly matches without scoring any themselves. This has led to direct questions about the effectiveness of the club's transfer policy.
I don't think that with the transfers that have been made, the right person is in the right place at the moment.
Jari Van De Velde, a supporter and the author of the letter, which was signed by all the supporters' clubs, stated, "I don't think that with the transfers that have been made, the right person is in the right place at the moment." While reaffirming their unwavering support for the club, the signatories stressed that "support is not the same as blind trust." They are urging the board to provide swift clarity on the team's sporting objectives, the current squad, the transfer policy, and the club's long-term vision.
Van De Velde articulated the prevailing uncertainty: "A few years ago, we knew what the club wanted: as quickly as possible to the top division. That succeeded, but now we have been relegated, and we don't know what the club's future plan is." He attempted to arrange a meeting with the board but was informed that discussions would have to wait until the transfer window closes completely, potentially pushing any dialogue into September, well after the season has commenced.
A few years ago, we knew what the club wanted: as quickly as possible to the top division. That succeeded, but now we have been relegated, and we don't know what the club's future plan is.
Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.