Zulte Waregem kicked off the new season determined to enjoy the campaign and ensure that they are more competitive compared to the last couple of season.
It was a mixed start for Essevee as they had a few good wins but also went on a dire run in the early autumn, getting one point in seven games and suffering a humiliating 6:0 home loss to Brugge.
As usual with Francky Dury's sides, the defensive side of the game was often too haphazard and lacking discipline and the lack of quality in midfield showed on too many occasions. To his credit, however, the coach began instilling more discipline and tactical flexibility after that awful run and things took a turn for the better.
Indeed, a run of six wins in eight games either side of New Year suddenly propelled the team from a relegation battler to a side chasing the play-offs.
The brilliance of Gianni Bruno in the final third was the main catalyst as the 29-year enjoyed his best-ever season, eventually finishing with 19 goals for the season.
Indeed, optimism grew around the place after a few hard-earned wins over the likes of Standard and local rivals Kortrijk as the regular season reached a critical stage.
However, the team somewhat imploded right when it mattered as four losses in the final five games meant that they eventually missed out on the top-eight. The manner of the last-day 7:2 mauling at the hands of Gent was particularly galling and left the fans with a bitter feeling after that has been a mostly positive campaign for Essevee.
