FC Utrecht, managed by former player Rob Alflen, failed to exceed mediocrity last season, finishing 10th, just 9 points off the relegation playoff spots. Captained by Jens Toornstra, "Utreg" are preparing to fight to get back into the Europa League after failing to advance past the 2nd Qualifying Round. The brightest point in 2013/14 was perhaps reaching the Quarter Finals of the KNVB Cup but Alflen's men will want to improve this season.
Their top goalscorer last season was the captain, while former Southampton boy Steve De Ridder led the team in assists. Tommy Oar is one player who will want to improve from last season and make a name for himself after appearing in the World Cup this summer.
FC Utrecht begin the upcoming season with a tricky away fixture against PEC Zwolle, last season's KNVB Cup winners. The visitors were beaten 2-1 in previous meeting on February 6th, 2014. The first home match of the 2014/15 season will welcome newly promoted Willem II, an exciting matchup. The foremost big test comes on the third weekend of the season against Feyenoord, last season's runners up. They will begin their KNVB Cup in the 2nd Round versus powerhouses PSV Eindhoven.
This summer has been bright for FC Utrecht thus far, welcoming two new faces into the club. Ruud Boymans joins from AZ Alkmaar for around £528k, while Danny Verbeek has joined on a season long loan from Standard Liege. Matthieu Delpierre has left the club after just one season in order to re-join Australian side, Melbourne Victory. Jacob Mulenga, who is out of contract this summer, may move on this summer but the club refuse to give up on the possibility of an extension.
Best Finish: Winners (1957-58, while known as VV DOS)
With a couple of new players brought in and without the worry of Europa League, FC Utrecht could be in for a better season than the previous season. The possibility is there to sign a few more players but the side has individuals that can win them important games. My predictions for 2014/15: 7th in the Eredivisie table (earning themselves a Europa League berth) and reaching the 4th Round of the KNVB Cup.