Bob Peeters – the right man?

Article by Luke Goldsmith

The Charlton rebuild continues; new owner, new players, new investment in facilities . . . . . new manager head coach.

Controversy surrounding the Manager/Head Coach position was an initial point of concern for Charlton supporters. Fans favourite Chris Powell was sacked within two months of the takeover amid rumours of team selection interference by the new owner. José Riga was brought in immediately given his familiarity with Duchâtelet; despite initial indifference from fans, his attacking flair and charismatic persona won fans over completely. His reward for securing Charlton’s safety? To be sacked! The new man to take the helm at Charlton is Bob Peeters, Charlton Head Coach (not Manager).

Bob Peeters is not a stranger to the ways of English football. He spent two seasons of his playing career (which included 13 international caps for Belgium, scoring four goals) at Millwall in the Championship. Since his retirement in 2008 he moved into coaching, with his first senior position being at Cercle Brugge K.S.V. in 2010. During his two year tenure, Peeters managed to secure a place in the Europa League qualifiers, but was sacked in October 2012 with Cercle Brugge rooted to the foot of the table (they would eventually be relegated). He did not have to wait long before he was back in work however. In November 2012 he was appointed by K.A.A. Gent, a significant step up in terms of coaching position. Barely able to hang a picture in his new office, Peeters was sacked within two months after gaining three out of twenty seven points. Three months after the start 2013 - 2014 season, Waasland-Beveren would turn to Peeters in hope the he may lead them to safety - he did, without the need for a relegation play-off. With operation 'Save Beveren' complete, Peeters would leave for the familiar territory of the Championship.

So there you have it; one European adventure, two sackings and one successful brush with relegation. On face value it is hardly inspiring stuff, particularly compared to the previous coaches; Powell winning League One by a record margin and Riga former head of AC Milan academy and Standard Liège head coach. Delve a little deeper though, and things are not so clear cut. Peeters won many plaudits in his time at Cercle Brugge, not only for the European qualifiers but for his emphasis on youth. The temptation of the Gent job may have come too soon, but more plaudits were to follow at Beveren. Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad went as far as to describe him as the "architect of the remarkable preservation of Waasland-Beveren". Something which was supported by De Morgan reporter Douglas De Coninck, who illustrates Beveren as being a somewhat poor team.

One can review all the comments for and against Peeters. There is enough evidence to suggest he is not a man without ability and his insistence on youth development is refreshing. That said I'm still not convinced. Powell, despite a shaky start, did an exceptional job on scant resources. He knew the club and knew what was needed to get Charlton promoted. Riga, who joined in less than ideal circumstances, made an incredible impression during his sixteen games in charge. He had a clear description as to what was needed and the qualifications and experience to carry out the task. I don’t think Peeters can attest to either of the former coaches’ qualities. My fear is that Blackpool ended up with the better Belgian (although, even Riga won’t save Blackpool from its problems. Karl Oyston obviously likes the thought of League One football). Adding to this, Charlton have thrown an almost entirely new squad together and Peeters does not have long to get this team playing as a unit (with Tuesday’s addition of Liège striker George Tucudean the new arrivals number is now at seven). Thus far the friendlies against Standard Liège, Sint-Truiden and Welling United have not eased these concerns - although, in fairness, we did go through 22 players in the Welling match.

I hope Peeters proves me wrong. He seems affable, willing to develop young players and some of the new acquisitions at the Valley look genuinely good. Despite these positives, too many question marks remain. I suppose if all does not go according to plan, he's only on a one year contract.

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