Not many in Fergal Harkin’s shoes would have wanted to remain in their job this summer. The Standard Liege Director of Football was faced with an almost impossible task of rebuilding a side without any money. The former Celtic man, brought in by 777 a year ago to oversee the rebuilding project, has certainly faced a situation he probably wasn’t expecting when he was appointed by the group. Their off field troubles and decision to quit football altogether has left Standard in a terrible position, searching for new owners and having to operate on a far reduced budget.
In an interview with Sudinfo, Harkin revealed that he could easily have left. He said ‘I had two options, give up and leave or stay and fight, I chose the latter’. The man responsible for transfers has had an incredibly busy summer. 20 players left the club, with 11 coming in either on loan or for free. Only David Bates cost money and that was a minimal fee by todays standards. The dilema facing Harkin in the summer was summed up well when he told Sudinfo’s Kevin Sauvage ‘We are the 3rd least spenders in the Pro League. Not only have we spent the least, but we have also had to recruit the most players‘. Despite the turmoil and upheaval, the side have started relatively well, at least defensively. They boast the best defensive record in the league, but are also the worst attacking side.
This weekend, Standard face the Belgian El Classico against their great rivals Anderlecht. While the Mauves are also under pressure, they have not faced the uncertainty that has plagued Standard this summer. However, as always with this clash, whatever the sides current off field situation is seen as irrelevant. Both set of fans will demand a performance and a win from their side.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
