Football Season Guide

ADO Den Haag hoped for a top 10 classification again last season but the club had to dig extremely deep to prevent relegation instead. Zeljko Petrovic, the new manager in charge, wasn't able to perform during the first months of the season which eventually resulted in lots of pressure when the team from The Hague entered the relegation zone. It all changed, however, when Alfons Groenendijk took over. The Dutchman managed to guide ADO Den Haag to 11th, which was actually better than expected with the crisis still fresh in mind. ADO Den Haag aren't expected to push for European football next season but this club should be able to prevent relegation trouble. The directors had to react on the market though as some regulars left the club during the Summer. Key striker, Mike Havenaar, went back to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe whilst Nasser El Khayati, Ruben Schaken, Dion Malone and Gervane Kastaneer left the club as well. Positive news was Lex Immers' arrival in The Hague. The homegrown club icon played for Feyenoord, Cardiff City and Club Brugge recently, but he decided to join ADO Den Haag again. His presence and experience on the pitch will push the performances to a higher level. Players like Melvyn Lorenzen, Bjorn Johnsen, Nick Kuipers and Elson Hooi will be fully motivated as ADO Den Haag awarded them with an opportunity to test their skills on the highest level. It won't be a quiet season in The Hague as the Chinese owners are dictating the news every now and then but this side should be able to stay out of trouble after the Summer. Groenendijk, who brought the confidence back to the team, will lead the squad again and he could even surprise with his men this season.