Despite putting in a spirited display against the defending champions, RFC Seraing’s return to the second tier of Belgium football was confirmed after a 2-0 defeat to Club Brugge. The side became the first to be relegated, although it has been apparent for weeks now that they were going to be going down. In the end, they had their chances to escape Brugge with one or even three points, but their lack of quality in the final third once again was their downfall.
In reality, they were the favourites to go down as soon as their parent club, FC Metz, were relegated from Ligue 1 last season. The amount of players then being sent across the border dried up, with only two making the move on loan. Catalysts for their rise from the second tier to the first tier of Belgian football like Georges Mikautadze, Youssef Maziz and Ablie Jallow remained in France. Without the backing of Metz, Seraing had lost the main source of players that had been fuelling their recent success.
With the smallest budget in the league, the side were scrambling to form a side that might be able to compete. They were shopping in the third tier of France and Portugal to build their squad, bringing in young unproven players from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 second teams. Despite their doomed season, the side were more competitive in matches than many expected. They only suffered a few drubbings, with many opposition players and coaches praising the side for how much fight they showed.
Yet, worries still remain as to what they squad will look like next season. The vast majority of those that played this season are out of contract, and where the backing for a new squad will come from is unknown. Fans will be hoping that they can maybe retain a few of the young players who could certainly benefit from a drop down in standard.
Despite only playing two seasons in the Pro League, the side leave with a few memorable moments, including a couple of victories over their city rivals Standard Liege.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
