Some may consider anyone taking over at a club in the situation that Oostende are in has to be slightly mad. The side look set to go bankrupt in the near future, with points deductions for financial issues having seen them slump to the bottom of the Challenger Pro League. Despite a heartening win over promotion chasing Zulte Waregem at the weekend, the side from the Belgian coast remain in a perilous position off the pitch.
Into that situation comes American coach Jamath Shoffner. The former assistant with Charlotte FC was announced as the sides new head coach and has willingly entered a situation that many would consider untouchable from the outside. Speaking to the club’s website, Shoffner said ‘I am well aware that the club is currently in a difficult situation. Still, I am very enthusiastic to start here because this club has a great tradition in Belgian football‘.
Stand in head coach Michiel Jonckheere and video analyst Jarne Kesteloot, who oversaw the recent win over Zulte Waregem, announced their departure to Club Brugge’s youth set-up just a day after the win. Shoffner has had experience as a head coach with Jeunesse Canach, currently in the Luxembourg second tier, and the countries premier side F91 Dudelange.
