Waasland-Beveren just about survived with the Lions struggling to find wins all campaign. They achieved just 5 victories during the 30 rounds of the regular season, fewest of all sides in the top flight, and only thanks to the many early draws the points were enough to keep them above water.
Recorded 8 draws in the opening 13 rounds and just 1 win until the halfway point of the campaign, which was why coach Ferrera was sacked in mid-November. Custovic took charge and it was the ‘new manager effect’ that probably saved Waasland-Beveren as 3 consecutive wins at the beginning of December proved decisive.
The new manager changed the formation and the forward approach, he used very well wingers Boljevic and Ampomah since taking charge, but also he stopped trusting the ineffective centre forward Vellios and both Forte and since joining in the winter Milosevic scored many more goals.
With lots of energy and nerves spent on the battle for survival the Lions had nothing left for the play-offs and they also experimented with their squad during the post season. Still 3 play-off wins, the target was just 1, brought positive end to a difficult campaign and, if Custovic stays in charge for next season, the hopes are high that Waasland will do better.
As it happens every summer with the financially troubled team huge change of personnel is likely to take place again and a lot will depend on what the quality of the new signings will be.
