Antwerp expands staff with new hire from The Great Old

Antwerp secured a key staff member on July 10, 2026: Hasi persuaded a technical employee from Royal Antwerp, often called The Great Old by fans, to join the club. The move, effective immediately, bolsters the coaching team ahead of the crucial winter period.

Who is the newcomer and why does he matter?

The recruited staff member is assistant coach John van den Berg, who has been with The Great Old since 2022. Van den Berg is known for his analytical approach and his role in last season's title chase. His expertise in set‑pieces and defensive organization is seen as a direct upgrade for the current staff under manager Mark van Bommel.

How does the club respond to this move?

Club director Peter Verbist stated that Van den Berg's arrival fits a broader plan to deepen the staff. "We want more depth in our analysis and training processes," Verbist said at a press conference. No financial details were disclosed, but the club emphasized that investing in knowledge now outweighs a single player.

What does this mean for the competition?

The Great Old now has to fill a gap in their own staff. Their head coach, Frank Vercauteren, mentioned that an internal candidate is being considered, but the timing of the departure was unexpected. For Antwerp, this gives a head start in preparing for the second half of the season, especially with upcoming derby matches.

What lies ahead for Antwerp?

With the new assistant coach on board, Antwerp is gearing up for a solid second half. The club is set for their next home fixture against Kortrijk on February 13, 2027. This match will be an early indicator of how the revamped staff structure translates into on‑field results.

How does the future look?

Expectations are that Van den Berg will imprint his tactical ideas on Antwerp. His expertise in optimizing counter‑attacks could lead to more goals in the coming months. Fans and analysts will watch the first weeks closely to see if the investment pays off.